Hot Topics     Home and Family     PlacesTo Go Guide    

Living The Green Life



Back to School The Green Way

Back to School The Green Way

Gearing up to re-enter the classroom this September? Going back to campus? There are simple steps you can take with the environment in mind:

1. Make use of the supplies you already have.

2. Keep items out of the recycling bin which may still have a useful life and can help you organize your at-home school supplies. 

3. Consider an electronic tablet for your note taking needs and more. If this is not an option, use both sides of a page for note-taking

4. Look for items made from recycled products -- for example, pencils which are made from used tires.

5. Buy a set of reusable batteries for battery-powered items, such as calculators. Small solar power banks can be used to charge laptops, tablets, and other items common for educational use.


6. Consider renting or buying used textbooks, or using digital versions.

7. Make the choice to buy refillable and reusable supplies when possible. Refillable items can be pens, pencils, water bottles, and binders. Reusable items are items such as pencil boxes, pouches, backpacks, and lunch boxes. Keep your items fun and interesting by going for classic colors and designs, and using non-permanent touches, such as buttons and patches, to change up the look.

8. Put cloth reusable napkins in lunch boxes.

9. Choose reusable bags for carrying gym, swimming, or other sporting supplies.

10. Reduce your food waste. Use lunch boxes and reusable containers, silverware, and napkins when possible.

11. Choose items with little to no packaging instead of individually pre-packaged snacks. 

For more information visit New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's Living the Green Life Webpage.




Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • Get Hooked on Fishing, Not Drugs

    Third Annual Orange County District Attorney’s Office Youth Fishing Derby

    The Third District Attorney’s Office Youth Fishing Derby will run from April 1 through Sept. 4, 2023. The event is open to young people between the ages of 4 and 18 who are children or grandchildren of Orange County residents. read more »
  • Kids aren't eating fruits and veggies

    Happiest Baby's Dr. Harvey Karp has tips to change that

    A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that approximately 32% of 1- to 5-year-olds did not eat a single piece of fruit a day and nearly one half (~49%) didn't eat any vegetables a day. Roughly 51% drank a sugar-sweetened beverage, like fruit drinks or soda, at least once a week. read more »
  • 5 sleep habits essential for heart health

    Make sure you get your zzz's with these tips

    In the days following a time change due to daylight saving time, research shows a marked increase in heart attacks and strokes. However, losing sleep anytime can be a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. read more »
  • Take these 6 steps to manage your blood pressure

    Hypertension can be dangerous

    High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects nearly half of adults in the United States, and only about 1 in 4 with this condition have it under control, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). read more »
  • Make your St. Patrick's Day spread green with envy

    These open-faced noshes can be perfect for lunch, snack time or an appetizer

    Freshen up your St. Patrick’s Day menu with easy, light sandwiches inspired by the traditional color of the festivities. These open-faced noshes can be perfect for lunch, snack time or even as an appetizer for get-togethers with friends and family. read more »
  • Lucky mint brownie perfection

    A twisted combination of mint and sweet chocolate

    How lucky you must be to come across this recipe just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. This one is a twisted combination of mint and sweet chocolate that’s sure to have almost anyone’s taste buds screaming “yum.” This dessert might just be the pot of gold at the end of your rainbow this year. read more »
  • 3 ways parents can encourage social emotional learning in children

    Parents focus on social emotional skills, mental health, kindness and understanding differences

    Most parents would agree the quality of their children’s education plays a key role in their overall development. While parents are optimistic about the future of education, they also recognize children have educational needs beyond what is considered the standard. read more »
  • Selecting a health care provider

    Resources to guide your selection

    Getting health care for yourself or a loved one is a big responsibility, especially if you’re just getting started with Medicare or have changes in your life, such as a new diagnosis of a condition or disease. It can be overwhelming if you need services like nursing home care, have to find a new doctor or get home health care. read more »
  • 5 simple solutions for proper nasal hygiene

    Keep your nasal passages clean, clear and moisturized

    Your nose is essential for conditioning the air you breathe and serves as the first line of defense against dust, pollution, bacteria, viruses and more. The presence of these substances in your nasal passages can trigger infections, disease and illness. read more »
  • Have a bump on your foot?

    Don’t ignore it

    Have a lump or bump on your foot? Whether it’s painful or not, it could potentially signal a serious condition. Foot and ankle surgeons warn it’s important to have it checked out, no matter its size or location on your foot. read more »