Back-to-School, Back-to-Green

the greenie patch


by Jeneen R. Garcia


to be published on May 28, 2006


 


Just a few days more and it’s back to school again! Are you excited?


 


Well, maybe not. But you can make sure to start the school year green! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how you can help the environment (and save your parents hundreds of pesos, too) as you prepare for school:


 


1) Check all your old stuff. Do you have pencils, pens, pencil cases, bags, lunch boxes, rulers, etc. that can still be used? Try using stickers to give them a new look.


 


Do your notebooks have unused pages? You can re-wire or sew the pages together to form a brand new notebook. You can even design your own unique notebook cover! Old cartolina, gift wrappers, magazines, and art paper are just some of the things you can use. Used bond paper like handouts can also be sewn together as scratch paper for your Math or English assignments.


 


Instead of buying a new uniform, see if your tailor can still adjust your old one to fit your new size.


 


2) Make a green shopping list. Once you know what you can reuse, list down what you really need to buy. This will keep you from buying things you don’t need, or things you already have. Remember, the best way to reduce waste is to buy only what you need.


 


Choose refillable pens and pencils so you don’t have to keep buying new ones all the time. This way you help cut down on plastic waste. If you already have refillable pens from last year, buy only refills this year.


 


Buy notebooks and folders made of recycled paper. Look for textbooks in second-hand bookstores first before buying new ones.


 


When you shop, ask your parents to bring a bag where you can put all your purchases, instead of using the store’s plastic bags. More plastics will just add to the mountain of waste in the landfill.


 


3) Share what you have. So that nothing goes to waste, donate or lend what you can’t use anymore: shoes, uniforms, books, handouts, and bags. Also ask your older brothers, sisters or friends if they can lend you the books and materials that you need.


 


When you share, you don’t only spread love to others, you help Mother Nature, too!


 


(tips from the EcoWaste Coalition)

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