Have a Green Back To School

Getting ready to head back to school? Sorry about that. Going back to school may mean pressing your nose into your books, but it doesn’t mean that you have to stop being environmentally sensitive. Quite the contrary.

First things first, take a look at your back to school purchases. Are your goods environmentally friendly? You can buy paper and other school supplies that are made with recycled materials. For most of you, this is not your first year of school, so do a bit of inventory to see what you already have. When you move into a new dorm there is a natural inclination to buy new sheets and drapes and shelves, but are there items that you already own that can be repurposed to fit your new needs?

Remember also, when you shop with Amazon Smile you can automatically have them make a donation to us. It won’t cost you a penny.

How are you getting to school? Each year we see thousands of Virginians participate in “Bike to School” or “Walk to School” days. Why not make this a more regular event? If that’s not safe or feasible, what can you do to take advantage of public transportation? Part of a new school year is meeting new people and making new friends. Why not turn these relationships into a carpool?

Practicing good environmental behavior and setting a good example doesn’t stop because you’ve started school. Be aware that all of your school gadgets will suck electricity. Leaving the lights on when you don’t need them is a needless waste of energy. Trash goes in the trash, and recyclable materials in the recycling bin.

In another shameless plug, we’d also like to note that if your school doesn’t have a recycling program, we can help. Our 30 in 30 Grants are open, and designed for just this sort of community program.

You’ve spent most of your summer (hopefully) outside. Why stop now? Take your books to the park! Make good use of daylight for reading and writing reports. Challenge your study group to a fresh-air-session! Being connected to nature has been shown to raise energy levels and sharpen brain function. That’s science, which you may or may not be studying this year.