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Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Eco-Friendly School Supplies

Summer vacation is almost over, which means it’s time for back-to-school shopping. This year there are choices you can make regarding environmentally friendly school supplies. There is a green, environmentally-conscious school supply alternative for every one of your school and homework needs, so it’s the perfect time to make a conscious choice to think about the environment while shopping.

The main issue is reducing the amount of stuff that you have to buy. By reusing supplies from last year you will reduce the amount of stuff you have to purchase. It's the best thing you can do to be more environmentally friendly.

We all know the three Rs. If you ask kids how many of them recycle all of them do try. But, if you ask them how many of them reuse or reduce they're completely confused. By reusing you will reduce the amount of stuff you're going to have to purchase. Can you reuse binders, pencils, and markers and crayons from last year? You might not need to buy them new.

Paper, paper, paper! Paper is a product of logging and deforestation, which makes finding a green school supply alternative a bit difficult. Wrong! Most stores sell notebook paper made from 100 percent recycled paper. Just make sure you check the paper package before you buy it.

14 billion pencils are produced every year, many made with wood from forests. Look for the FSC label on pencils and paper. Many paper products are made from trees specifically grown and harvested for papermaking, thus sparing delicate rainforest ecosystems. The Forest Stewardship Council certifies that wood and paper products are grown and managed responsibly.

You can buy refillable pens to cut down on pens you have to purchase. If you must buy disposables, choose pens that are recycled. You can also look for refillable pens made of recycled materials. Every child needs a ruler when they are going back to school. Most rulers that you can buy in the store come in either plastic or wood. There is a green alternative to the ruler conundrum: A ruler that was used last year.
Purchase supplies with minimal packaging. Packaging makes up about a third of the garbage that piles up in landfills. Also, less processing and packaging means less energy goes into production, and less global warming pollution is created.

Environmentally friendly school supplies aren't a new idea — recycled paper and refillable pens and pencils have been around for years — but increased green awareness in the marketplace has made them more prominent. Cutting back on back-school purchases isn't only good for the planet- it's good for your wallet, too.




Lisa Emery, B.A. is currently living in Amherst. Lisa invites comments to her columns. You can contact Lisa at: emeryvine@gmail.com. Follow her on her website at: http://sustainablefuture.webs.com or view her blog at http://emeryvinegrapevine.blogspot.com

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