The new school year is right around the corner and before back-to-school shopping really takes off, ask yourself how your child, friend or family member can be more eco-friendly at school. Below are 10 ideas to help inspire a reduced carbon footprint school year:
- Invest in Reusable Everything: When it comes to packing lunches, it might be worth it to invest in a stainless steel option. Check out Planet Box for reusable school lunch items. They have stainless steel lunch boxes, water bottles, small containers, fun designs AND they always have a back-to-school sale (which is going on now!).
- Buy in Bulk: Skip the individually wrapped items and buy in bulk (perfect to pack in those stainless steel lunch boxes and containers). This helps keep lots of little (often plastic) bags out of landfills, rivers and oceans.
- Use Beeswax Wrap: Forget about plastic wrap and check out beeswax wrap which can be used in its place. Extra bonus - it’s reusable.
- Shop Wisely for Clothing: Try to purchase clothing that doesn’t shed microfibers (discussed in Week 29’s Newsletter). To do this avoid clothing with polyester, acrylic and nylon.
- Rethink Buying New: Maybe a good washing is all last year’s backpack needs? Maybe there are some great buy and sell groups in your community? New doesn’t always mean better, but it does always mean more waste and more expensive than second-hand.
- Help Your School Break Free From Plastic: This is a great guide to helping schools transition away from plastic. Share with the school administration and Parent Faculty Group.
- Advocate For More Nature Lessons: Encourage your school to start a nature program with local walks and hikes exploring the natural surroundings; encourage teachers to take kids outside and find ‘sit spots’ to listen to and observe nature. These small steps all matter because they help kids discover their own connection to nature.
- Start a School Garden: Encourage your school to start a school garden and program. If you already have one, look into adding extra teachable moments, such as vermicomposting!
- Have a School Yard Sale: Help your school community get rid of unwanted items, help give old items a new life, and raise money for your school. Everyone benefits!
- Help your School Join Grades of Green: They provide students with mentorship, resources and hands-on leadership training needed to discover their passion and turn it into environmental action.
- Get Involved with your Parent Faculty Group: Volunteer, start a green team, attend meetings to join the conversations - whatever you can do to help make a difference! A little bit of time really can make a difference-- it can teach life-long lessons to the students and their families.
*We are in no way connected to any of the suggested products; they are simply suggestions. The Team at 7GA recommends that you do your own research before making any purchases.
Ready to take action?
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