Eco friendly back to school

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Embracing an Eco-Friendly Back to School: Sustainable Solutions for a Greener Future by Samantha Page CEC Newsletter Editor  As students and parents gear up for another school year, it's essential to consider the impact our choices have on the environment. Embracing an eco-friendly approach to back-to-school not only benefits the planet but also cultivates responsible habits in the next generation. In this article, we will explore various strategies to make the back-to-school experience more sustainable.   Eco-Friendly Food Preparation and Storage    When packing lunches or snacks for school, choosing eco-friendly food preparation methods can significantly reduce waste. Plan meals ahead of time and shop accordingly. Avoid buying items such as precut fruit and vegetables as they add additional plastic waste. Spend some time over the weekend prepping lunch box fillers to make your morning routine more efficient. Get creative making your child's favorite snack from scratch to reduce the plastic waste from individually wrapped snacks. Left overs always make for a great lunch the next day and reduces food waste.    Choosing the right food storage solutions can make a difference in minimizing food waste and reducing single-use plastics. Replace disposable sandwich bags with reusable silicone or beeswax wraps. These eco-friendly alternatives are washable and can be used for months, reducing the need for constant repurchasing. For drinks, opt for stainless steel water bottles instead of plastic bottles. Choose reusable containers made from stainless steel, glass, or non-toxic plastic instead of disposable bags or cling wraps. Additionally, consider using a bento box-style lunch container that helps control portion sizes and reduces the need for excessive packaging.     Sustainable Supplies   Traditional back-to-school shopping often involves purchasing numerous plastic-based supplies that contribute to pollution and landfill waste. Embrace more sustainable alternatives by seeking products made from recycled materials, biodegradable resources, or eco-friendly fabrics.   Look for pens and pencils made from sustainably sourced wood or recycled materials. Notebooks and paper products certified by organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) ensure responsible forestry practices. For backpacks and binders, opt for durable and eco-conscious materials like organic cotton, hemp, or recycled polyester.   Carpooling, Walking, and Biking   One of the most significant contributors to carbon emissions during the school year is the daily commute. Encourage carpooling with other families in your neighborhood, reducing the number of vehicles on the road. For students living closer to school, walking or biking can be excellent alternatives to driving. This not only reduces environmental impact but also promotes physical activity and healthier habits. Creating a walking or biking school chain where groups of students walk or bike together, under adult supervision, can enhance safety and build a sense of community.   Reusing Old Supplies   Before heading to the store for brand new school supplies, take an inventory of what can be reused from previous years. Backpacks, lunch boxes, binders, and certain art materials can often be repurposed, saving money and reducing consumption. If some items are still in good condition but no longer needed, consider donating them to local schools or charitable organizations. Don't forget to check out your local second hand shops for items you still need to buy.   The back-to-school frenzy can be overwhelming but by implementing these sustainable practices, we can make a positive impact on the environment, instilling values of responsibility and conscious consumption in the next generation. Together, we can ensure that education not only enriches young minds but also nurtures the planet that sustains us all.