New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
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.
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