| During the back to school season it is traditional to see | | | | 5. Crayons are commonly made from petroleum |
| crowds of parents and children scoping out the school | | | | products but crayons can be found that are made |
| supplies sections of local stores. They walk up and | | | | from soy and from beeswax as well. |
| down the isles with lists in hand, trying to make sure | | | | 6. Instead of driving to school everyday, see if your |
| each of their children has what they need for the | | | | kids can walk 2-3 days per week. Parents can |
| upcoming year. Their carts are piled full with crayons, | | | | accompany smaller children and get exercise at the |
| pencils, pens, rulers, binders, backpacks, paper, and | | | | same time. |
| many other academic tools. The sheer volume of | | | | 7. When you pick up and drop off your kids at school |
| everything that is sold this time of year is staggering | | | | be sure not to idle in the parking lot. This creates a lot |
| and much of it may be tossed in 10 months time to | | | | of unnecessary emissions. |
| start the whole cycle over again. This year why not | | | | 8. Traditional backpacks are often made of plastic but |
| consider the environmental impact of your purchases | | | | you can do better by purchasing backpacks made |
| and look for eco friendly school supplies? Here are ten | | | | from recycled plastics such as water bottles, or by |
| ways to make the back to school season just a bit | | | | using ones made of natural cotton canvas. |
| greener this year. | | | | 9. If your kids use iPods, Mp3 players, or cell phones |
| 1. Buy pencils made from recycled newspapers | | | | get them a solar charger and reduce their energy |
| instead of wood from unregulated forests. | | | | consumption. |
| 2. Plastic never biodegrades so look for non plastic | | | | 10. When shopping for new shoes check out online |
| supplies if at possible including binders made from cloth | | | | retailers who sell shoes made from recycled materials. |
| and cardboard. | | | | If you have a little animal rights activist among your |
| 3. If plastic is the only option be sure to purchase items | | | | children, you can also find cruelty free, vegan shoes. |
| made from recycled plastic. | | | | Following even a couple of these recommendations |
| 4. Purchase paper that is recycled post consumer and | | | | will make this back to school season just a bit greener |
| look for notebooks with recycled cardboard covers. | | | | and less stressful on our planet. |