The second most-dreaded day of the end of summer is upon many of us: back-to-school shopping day. (Trumped only by the day school actually begins, of course.) Whether you are a teacher, student or parent, try to shop a little more sustainably this year.
First, the small stuff: Notebooks, pens and pencils are all made out of recycled materials these days, by major manufacturers like Mead which means the big chains carry them. They aren't even necessarily more expensive. PaperMate Earth pencils cost $1.19 a dozen at Staples, well within the range of standard pencil prices.
Second, take your lunch to school in a lunch box or reusable bag. Use tupperware instead of sandwich bags and reusable bottles or a thermos instead of juice boxes or cans. Think of all the cafeteria styrofoam that won't be used by you this year!
If your school does not recycle, start a program. It can be as simple as bringing paper from school home to recycle there or as elaborate as initiating a school-wide program. (Go for it!)
Third, think about how you get to school. Walking or riding your bike is best, obviously, but not always possible. Taking the bus or carpooling is far better than solo trips to school. Speaking of the bus, Detroit's
NextEnergy is working with four local school districts, including Howell's, to reduce diesel emissions from school buses. With luck, the pilot program will get expanded throughout all of Southeast Michigan.
Finally, spread the word. Let others in your school know how to make smart, sustainable choices. Good lessons to learn--and teach others--as you start another school year.
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh
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