Happy Green Tuesday! It’s that time of year when kids head back to school. Did you know that about 1.6 billion pens get thrown away each year? Or, that on average, a U.S. elementary school cafeteria will generate more than 18,000 pounds of trash?
In honor of the back-to-school season, here are some great tips to keep in mind for going green this school year:
- Hike, Bike, or Carpool. Walking or riding a bike to school allows kids to get the daily exercise they need. If neither option is possible, carpool and save the gas.
- Buy reusable supplies. Instead of purchasing pens and pencils you’ll toss as soon as the ink/lead runs out, pick up refillable pens and pencils! Also, opt for the solar-powered calculator rather than the battery-operated one.
- Ditch the brown bag lunch. By investing in a lunch box that you or your child can use daily and using Tupperware rather than Ziploc bags, you’re reducing the waste pileup greatly! Carrying a reusable water bottle every day is also a great green investment and helps kids keep hydrated.
- LUV your backpack. Choose styles or designs your kids like and will reuse that can last a few years. When it’s time for a new one, pass them along to someone else or donate them!
Happy “Back to School” to all the parents out there! Do you have a tip on how to live, learn, or work Green? Let us know at by commenting below or at Green@wnco.com.
DING! You are now free to be Green!
