School is back in session this August, and you might have some back-to-school shopping on your to do list. Before you rush to the store, the Green Schools Program would like to share a few tips to help you prepare for a more sustainable school year:
- Take an inventory: You might already have enough school supplies and clothes for the new school year. Reusing is the best option!
- Buy supplies made from recycled content: If needed, buy pens, pencils, notebooks, and other supplies that are made out of recycled content.
- Avoid packaging: Purchase items with no or minimal packaging, and recycle packaging if possible.
- Thrift it: Check out local thrift stores before buying new items.
- Plan your lunch: Pack a waste-free lunch including a reusable water bottle. Keep reusable utensils handy if you don't bring your own lunch.
- Rethink your commute: Organize a carpool, or scope out a safe route to walk or bike to school.
The Green Schools Program will also be back in action this fall supporting schools in their recycling and waste reduction efforts on campus.The Green Schools Program offers free educational presentations to all local K-12 schools, including hands-on activities and discussions, where students learn about waste, recycling, energy, and sustainability. Local schools are eligible to receive free recycle bins and signs to help promote recycling efforts on campus, as well as rain barrels and vermicompost bins upon request.
All elementary schools in the Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) also participate in the Green School's Lunch Recycling Program, which educates students on what can be recycled and composted at lunch. Each year, this sorting program diverts over 150 tons of food waste from the landfill, which is used to become nutrient-rich compost material.
Read more about the Greens Schools Program and what one local school did to win the 2018-2019 Green Schools Award.
