What's my carbon footprint? Whether at home or work, there are lots of ways to go GREEN.
Recycle Competition
Many classrooms already have recycling barrels next
to the trash can, but you can start a competition with your hall to
see which class can save the most newspapers, soda cans, water bottles
or any other recyclable item.
Go native
Plant flowers and shrubs that are well suited to your climate
(the staff at your local nursery can help). The benefit: You'll use
less fertilizer and pesticides.
Buy a laptop
It uses considerably less power than a desktop computer.
Support local farms
If you buy locally, you won't have to rely on farms
that ship food nationwide, which helps to decrease our dependence on
oil and to cut back on gas emissions.
Tote your own grocery bag
Paper or plastic? Neither! If you're shopping
for a small load, bring along a bag from home.
Think Outside the Lunch-Box
Don't brown bag it; instead opt for a washable,
reusable container to tote your lunch too and fro. Bringing lunch to
work in reusable containers is likely the greenest (and healthiest)
way to eat at work. Getting delivery and takeout almost inevitably ends with
a miniature mountain of packaging waste. Also, bring in a reusable plate,
utensils, and napkins.
Digitize
The greenest paper is no paper at all, so keep things digital
whenever possible. The more you do online, the less you need paper.
Keep files on computers instead of in file cabinets (this also makes
it easier to make offsite backup copies or take them with you when you move
to a new office). Review documents onscreen rather than printing them out.
Send emails instead of paper letters. New software like Greenprint helps
eliminate blank pages from documents before printing and can also convert
to PDF for paperless document sharing.
Don’t Be a Paper Pusher
Although many kids are internet masters, e-mailing
homework is uncommon in most K-12 schools, where paper is still king
-- for taking notes, writing papers, etc. That doesn't mean that you
can't take steps to cut down your paper consumption. Buy products with the
highest percentage of post-consumer recycled content possible, that is processed
chlorine free (PCF), such as New Leaf
Paper for printers, and Mead
Recycled Notebooks for use in school. Next, use these products to their
maximum efficiency by printing on both sides of the paper, using paper already
printed on one side for drafts (or better yet editing all drafts in the computer
itself), and filling notebooks from cover to cover before purchasing a new
one.
Use Rechargeable Batteries
Even though you might spend a little more at
the start, rechargeables are still the way to go when it comes to saving
money and reducing waste in the long run. Shop around for deals on
rechargeable batteries so you don't get stuck buying cheaper alkalines
at the last minute.
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Lighting
Fluorescent light may cost more than
incandescent bulbs, but they save as much as 80 percent of the energy
used by incandescents and last up to 10 times longer.
Want other tips on ways to go green in the classroom? Check out 50 Ways to Go Green in the Classroom.