Kidzui Blog

By Jeff Meeter

It’s that time of year again… back to school!  While the fun of summer may be drawing to a close, the excitement of a new school year lies just ahead.

A new academic year brings new teachers, new friends, and new knowledge with which to view the world.  In the spirit of positive change, we thought we’d share some facts we came across in an effort to inspire new ways of going green this year:

• 240 pounds of waste are generated per student each year
• 18,760 pounds of lunch waste is created per year by one elementary school
• 69 percent of kids who live less than a mile from school who do not walk there regularly
• 60,000 gallons of gasoline would be saved each day if 6 percent of those who drive less than a mile would walk instead

So, what can you and your family do to reduce your footprint this year?  Here are a few simple steps that will make this fall just a little greener:

• Pedal power.  If you live within a reasonable distance from your school, consider having your kids ride their bike.  Here’s a great resource to help keep them comfortable and safe along the way: Kidshealth.org 

• Turn that brown bag green. As you can see, the waste from a lunch can really add up.  So why not ditch the brown bag and go green?  Consider a PVC-free insulated lunch bag made from recycle juice boxes, or opt for the traditional lunch box – as long as it’s not made from vinyl (shown to contain lead).  While you’re at it, you can also cut back on waste by substituting those disposable sandwich baggies with a reusable Wrap-n-Mat. 

• If it’s not broken, don’t replace it.  If you can, try to resist the urge to rush out to all the back-to-school sales and reload on school supplies.  If possible, reuse last year’s supplies – it’s easier on the wallet and the environment!

If it’s obsolete, don’t trash it.

That old computer that’s collecting dust in your closet may be taking up valuable space, but that doesn’t mean it’s destined for the landfill.  If you’re upgrading this fall, take a look into recycling your hardware through an eCycling service listed with the EPA.  And should that computer be somewhat functional, consider giving it a new life with either RetroBox or FreeGeek, who build computers out of salvaged parts.

While going green is a great way to start off the year, there’s no reason to stop there!  Keep checking back with KidZui newsletter for further features on maintaining a green lifestyle all year round.

Sources: National Center for Education Statistics, HealthySchoolLunches.org, wasteonline.org.uk, americabikes.org, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality