Making “Back to School” a Green Experience

Whether it’s smart consumer choices when shopping or educational resources on environmental topics for teachers to incorporate into their school planning, EPA has created a list of helpful tips and topics that can help students, parents, and teachers be more environmentally aware and efficient as everyone heads back to the classroom.  Here are just a few suggestions…

  1. For every 42 notebooks made with 100 percent recycled paper, one tree is saved. Find more green Back to School shopping tips to help protect the environment.
  2. 30 percent of all waste generated comes from packaging. Many supplies can be reused or recycled such as pens and notebooks. What’s your Quest for Less this school year?
  3. Every year in America, 10.5 million school days are missed due to asthma. Work with your child’s doctor to create a written Asthma Action Plan for managing your child’s asthma and share it with your school.
  4. Raise a flag for air quality awareness. Download the Air Quality Index app on to your mobile device and start a School Flag Program.
  5. American schools spend $6 billion each year on energy, more than what is spent on textbooks and computers combined. Teach kids to be Energy Stars by becoming more energy efficient!
  6. Teachers: when cleaning the classroom look for the DfE label on cleaning supplies to find safer products for students and the environment.
  7. Test your WaterSense: leaks can account for 10,000 gallons of water on average wasted in the home every year, which is enough to fill a backyard swimming pool. Learn the simple steps you can take to save water and money at home and school.
  8. Teachers and Parents: looking for more environmental activities to do with your students? Visit our Student Resource Center.

Visit http://www.epa.gov/students/school.html for these tips and more information.