Whether it's college or grade school, most students have already started their Fall semester. Healthy minds and a healthy planet go hand-in-hand as many are getting back into the learning groove. In this month's newsletter, you'll learn how you can lower vehicle emissions, pack a waste-free lunch, and more.

Reduce the amount of waste your household produces during the school year by taking stock of what you already own and reusing what you have. Do you have a notebook that's only partially filled or a backpack that just needs a little bit of cleaning? By reusing these items, you'll not only be making an earth-friendly decision, but you'll be saving on school supplies as well.

If you're finding that you have more backpacks, clothing, and school supplies than you need, donate them to a local charity or secondhand store to help a student in need. For a list of local donation centers, visit our page!

Zero Emissions Day is right around the corner. If you live near the school, try biking or walking to save on gas and reduce your CO2 emissions. It's healthier, plus it relieves congestion on public transportation and on the roads! If you live far from the school and have friends or classmates who live nearby, consider arranging a carpool so that only one vehicle is used.

If you're one who waits in the drop-off or pick-up line at your child's school, turn the engine off while you wait. Car idling is a major contributor to air pollution and can become costly after some time.

Instead of relying on single-use disposable containers and bags, use reusable, long-lasting alternatives for utensils, food containers, beverages, and even straws. Instead of purchasing pre-packaged snacks, buy in bulk quantities to store in large containers at home and in reusable snack pouches when you're away.

Another way to achieve a waste-free lunch is through portion control. U.S. schools waste about 530,000 tons of food per year, but only packing what is needed and safely storing unfinished food is a great way to help tackle this issue.

Want to go even further and start your own school recycling program? You can!

View tips on how to get started here.

Are you looking to integrate some local resources and interactive tools into your class curriculum? Look no further than the Waste Sorting Game found at RRRASOC.org! On our homepage, you'll find this free game as part of the Recycling Directory, where it promotes active learning and good recycling habits to kids (and those who are kids at heart) of all ages.

Not a teacher? No worries! The Waste Sorting Game is also an excellent extension of at-home learning and supplemental activities. By sorting the items into the correct categories, users are able to create their own park and even print out a certificate of completion.

See if the Waste Sorting Game is the right fit for your students by trying it out here!

Mark your calendars! On Saturday, October 1st, find our booth at the Farmington Farmers Market for a Meet & Greet with informational flyers on composting, recycling, and RRRASOC services! Find out from an industry expert how your recycling is processed and where it goes, the benefits of composting, and more.

There will also be a sign-up sheet at our booth for those who are interested in our 2023 Spring Composting Workshop. Those who sign up will receive an email in early spring with more details!

Location & Hours

Farmington Farmers Market

Walter E. Sundquist Pavilion

George F. Riley Park, Grand River at Grove Street

9am-2pm on Saturday, October 1st

Saturday, September 17th

Every year, approximately 8 million tons of plastic finds its way into our oceans. This day marks the world’s largest one-day civic action, with over 190 countries and millions of volunteers standing up against global pollution and cleaning up waste in their local communities!

Whether you want to organize your own cleanup on this day or join one nearby, you can find all the information you need at WorldCleanupDay.org. Help implement lasting changes to end the global waste issue once and for all!

RRRASOC - Recycling Authority | 248-208-2270 | rrrasoc.org