Did you know that in the United States alone, approximately 11,600 cedar trees are cut down to create the 2 billion pencils made each year? That's a lot of trees!
When you're heading back to school this year keep these simple, but effective tips in mind.
- Buy a reusable lunch bag/box. No more lunches in plastic bags please.
- Inventory your school supplies before buying more. This is a big one! Do you really need another new ruler? Do you have unused notebooks from last year? Only buy what you need. Make a list and stick to it!
- Encourage school cafeterias to buy local. Whether it's your universities pub, or your kid's cafeteria. Every little bit counts!
- Buy Used Textbooks (no brainer!)
- Parents - please don't idle your car infront of your kid's school.
- Choose sustainable school supplies. Look for school supplies wrapped in limited packaging and seek out greener supplies when possible. Choose recycled or mechanical pencils, refillable pens, and paper clips made from recycled steel.
- Choose non toxic school supplies. PVC, also known as vinyl, contains chemical additives including phthalates that are linked to asthma, learning disabilities, diabetes and other chronic health problems. Vinyl is commonly used to make lunch boxes, backpacks and three-ring binders. Choose backpacks made from recycled PET or natural canvas. Avoid the shiny, plastic models that often contain PVC.
- Choose a sustainable + ethical wardrobe. Check out thrift stores for second hand clothing, and buy new clothes from brands that are committed to sustainable + ethical practices, like Ungalli ;).
Happy back to school everyone! Work hard, be kind, and amazing things will happen!
