Autumn is right around the corner, and a new school year will be here soon. Change your approach to back to school shopping this year. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) offers several tips for simple changes and actions that will make for a "greener" school year.
- Reuse supplies - Search for products that can be used again such as lunch bags, reusable containers and refillable pens or pencils.
- Buy in bulk - Stock up on items that will be needed in the future to reduce unnecessary packaging.
- Responsible paper use - Buy 100 percent post-consumer recycled and chlorine-free paper, reducing solid waste and emissions of dioxin.
- Go organic - Whether it's clothing, food or hygiene products, it's hard to go wrong when something is natural, chemical-free or locally produced.
- Rethink transportation - If your children take the bus to school, encourage bus drivers not to idle while waiting to pick up students. If your students walk or bike to school, map out a safe route for them. Carpool the kids to school to decrease the amount of vehicles miles traveled.
These are just a few ideas to encourage you to make eco-friendly decisions when it comes to preparing your family for the upcoming school year. For more tips and ideas, sign up to receive the Living Green 365 e-newsletters at www.livinggreen.org .
