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Reuse tips for back-to-school

Do you have kids heading back to school next month? Consider your impact on the environment when you’re prepping for back-to-school supplies. Here are five easy tips that can help you waste less and save some money.

1. Before shopping, take a look at the supplies you already have and reuse as much as you can. Not everything needs to be new. Backpacks, pencil boxes, scissors and other supplies can be reused.
2. Shop used for items like clothes and backpacks. Go online to find thrift stores and consignment stores near you or check our Reuse & Donation Opportunities web page. By shopping used, you will reduce your environmental impact and save some money!
3. Purchase reusable lunchboxes, water bottles and food containers for packing low-waste lunches. Check out Real Simple for a list of reusable sandwich wraps and snack bags that are easy to use and easy to clean.
4. Set aside a bin at home to collect school papers. Save any one-sided papers throughout the year to use as scratch paper.
5. Encourage your school to reuse and recycle more. Ramsey County offers grants to help schools:
   1. Add recycling bins.
   2. Eliminate disposable dishware and single-serve containers in the cafeteria.
   3. Collect food scraps in the cafeteria.
   4. Find reuse opportunities for school supplies at the end of the year.

Have your school administrator contact Ramsey County at 651-266-1199 to learn more about our grant program.

 

This article is featured in Green Ramsey, an environmental health newsletter from Ramsey County. 
Learn more about and subscribe to Green Ramsey.