August 19, 2009
Going green at school
Algebra isn't easy.
Crafting elaborate dioramas about Utah history isn't always simple.
And juggling classes, after school activities and family time certainly isn't child's play.
But at least one thing about going back to school this year doesn't have to be difficult: going green to help the environment. The Tribun e talked with Jodi Helmer, author of The Green Year: 365 Small Things You Can Do to Make a Big Difference .
"I think one of the biggest misconceptions about going green is that it's really labor-intensive and time-consuming," Helmer said. "People underestimate the impact individual actions can have, but when you start doing something, you inspire others to do it."
And it doesn't take algebra to know that individual actions can add up.
Helmer offered Tribune readers some tips that are both simple and inexpensive.
» Buy school supplies made of recycled materials » "Recycled supplies have become so popular it's easier than ever to find them," Helmer said. "You can get pencils made from old tires and notebooks made from recycled paper products." She said supplies made from recycled materials are available at most major stores.
» Shop for back-to-school clothes and supplies online » This, Helmer said, can save both the environment and time. For example, each book sold through online-only retailers uses about one-sixteenth the building energy of traditional bookstores, according to the Center for Energy & Climate Solutions. Also, you'll save on gas you would have used to drive to the mall or other stores.
» Pack lunches that produce less waste » Each year, more than 10 billion yogurt containers and 3.6 billion drink pouches wind up in landfills, according to the Container Recycling Institute. To save waste, put sandwiches in reusable containers, liquids in thermoses and use a reusable lunch bag or box.
» Buy soy crayons instead of paraffin wax ones » Paraffin wax crayons are made from some nonrenewable resources, Helmer said. Soy crayons, however, are biodegradable.
» Buy used sports equipment » "You'll not only save money, but you're also not creating a need for new goods," Helmer said.
» Host a back-to-school clothing swap » Instead of buying all new clothes for the school year, invite children the same ages as yours over and ask them to each bring a few items of clothing that are still in style but they no longer want or fit into. The kids can then put all their clothes together and trade. "That's a way to get some good stuff in the closet without spending any money at all." It's also a way to recycle.
» Get books from the library » Libraries might not have enough of a particular book in stock to go there every time a child has a reading assignment. But if you get a reading list at the beginning of the year and think ahead, you can try to reserve the books so they're there when you need them and you don't have to buy new ones.
» Talk to your child's school » Look for opportunities to get your child's school involved in green projects, such as creating gardens or composting. "Talk to the school about turning environmental projects into good, teachable lessons," Helmer said.
http://www.sltrib.com/slc/ci_13155215