I don’t know about you all but I have been craving more of a routine the last few weeks. I’m ready to jump into the new school year! But not without a little prepping of course. I mean I can’t just open the front door and say, “Ok kids, figure it out from here. See you at 3!” It’s more of a few weeks of careful planning, budgeting and figuring out the best way to go about getting back to school and then opening that front door…
Guest blogger, Ken Myers has a few ideas to help ease us all into the new semester in a simple but green way.
What ways do you save or go green for back to school?
Going back to school green doesn’t have to be hard. With only a few simple changes you can make what was a wasteful process into one that can benefit everyone in the long run. Save money, save the environment and get your kids back to school green with these tips:
1. Reusable Lunch Containers – Why give your kids a new paper lunch bag every day when you can give them a reusable lunch bag or box that will both save the environment and save you money? Having a reusable bag also means you can use an ice pack to keep healthy meals cool. Add in lunch containers full of fruits and veggies for a delicious and nutritious addition to their day. You can even have a reusable thermos for soups or juices.
2. Last Year’s Stuff – Who says everything has to be new every year? If you buy quality goods, like backpacks with a lifetime warrantee, your child should be able to keep them for years! Other items like pens and pencils can be stored away for later use as well as binders and folders that are still in good shape. No need to re-buy when you can reuse!
3. Clothing Swap – Another big expense for the school year is clothing. While kids do grow out of clothes quickly that does not mean you have to go shopping. For items like school uniforms, belts, socks and so on you can organize a neighborhood swap. That way everyone can benefit and no clothes are thrown away.
4. Green Products – You can also make a choice to buy green at the store. You may start by using Baggu reusable bags when you go shopping. Pencils and pens made from recycled material, recycled paper products, and other green school supplies are readily available at most large retailers. You may have to spend a few pennies more, but you are buying less this year anyway, right?
5. Cutting Down – Speaking of buying less, think about what you need to buy before you hit the store. Make a list of essential items and get only what is on the list. Your child does not need three kinds of erasers in fun shapes or every variation of Duck Dynasty’s pocket folders. Make sure you know what you really need and avoid wasting materials and money on junk.
These are just a few ways you can get your kids back to school green.
About the Author:
Ken Myers is an expert advisor on in-home care & related family safety issues to many websites and groups. He is a regular contributor to www.gonannies.com. You can get in touch with him at kmyers.ceo@gmail.com.
