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Environment

Green Your School Year

Posted: 9/21/2011

To minimize your environmental footprint, opt for school supplies wrapped in limited packaging and recycle what you can.

(NAPSI)—Here are some easy, eco-friendly ways to green your school year-and earn some green for doing so:

• Choose Greener School Supplies—In the U.S. alone, approximately 11,600 incense-cedar trees are cut down to create the 2 billion pencils made each year. Meanwhile, 1.6 million single-use pens are thrown away each year in the U.S. Look for school supplies wrapped in limited packaging and recycle what you can. You might even consider turning an even greener new leaf and seek out eco-friendly supplies, such as recycled fiber or reusable mechanical pencils, refillable pens and paper clips made from recycled steel.

• Pack a Waste-Free Lunch—Buying lunch at school typically produces more waste than bringing it but there’s still a lot of waste associated with bagged lunches. It’s estimated that Americans go through 100 billion plastic bags a year-360 for each person. To cut down, ditch the brown bag and try a reusable lunch bag or box and fill reusable bottles with water or juice. If you do use plastic, be sure to recycle. Clean, dry Ziploc bags, for example, can be recycled at many grocery stores.

• Green Yourself Head to Toe—To find clothes with less of an environmental impact, shop at thrift stores and trendy second-hand stores or arrange a clothing swap with friends. If new clothes are a must, aim for such sustainable fabrics as organic cotton or Earth-friendly bamboo.

• Carpool or Take the Bus—Encourage your kids to take the bus or arrange a car pool. You’ll save on gas and reduce emissions. If you must drive, make sure your tires are properly inflated to save on gas mileage.

• Reuse School Gear—Invest in a durable backpack that your kids can use and pass down. Evaluate, mend and clean older gear and see what can be exchanged with friends, neighbors and relatives. If it’s time for a new computer, you can get cash or gift cards for recycling your old one. At www.recyclebank.com, you can check the value of your old electronics.

• Learn More—For more green tips, including how to get rewarded for being green with discounts and deals, plus fun eco-challenges, visit www.recyclebank.com.

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