Back to school is the perfect time to focus on the “Three R’s” – reduce, reuse and recycle.
“There are over half a million public school students in the state of Utah,” said Beth Holbrook, Public Sector Solutions Manager for Waste Management. “If each student would commit to taking one simple step to reduce trash, reuse materials and recycle, it could yield huge results.”
As parents and students prepare to go back to school, Holbrook suggests the following tips:
· Reduce the trash created by disposable bags, sandwich bags and foil by packing lunches in washable, reusable lunchboxes bags and containers.
· Instead of purchasing individually wrapped snack-size packages, buy the larger size and pack snacks in reusable containers to save money and the environment.
· Fresh whole fruit comes in its own packaging and adds health benefits to lunches.
· Refillable water bottles can replace juice boxes and disposable cans and bottles. Many have caps that can clip to backpacks and lunch bags.
· Appliqués, patches and new zipper pulls can update and extend the life of notebooks and backpacks.
· When buying new supplies, consider sustainability-friendly paper and notebooks made from recycled paper available at many large retailers.
· Make a scrap paper box to create a supply for homework drafts and recycle the paper after use.
College students
· Ditch disposable paper cups with coffee mugs and travel containers that show off your style.
· A number of items, including laptop and messenger bags, can be found made from recycled materials.
· Pinterest and other Internet sites offer fun ways to craft unique dorm room looks by reusing and recycling materials.
· Use recyclable batteries and "smart" power strips that don’t draw power when appliances are not in use.
· When upgrading to the latest phone, computer, tablet or other device look into buyback and e-cycling programs or donate the old ones to a not-for-profit organization.
· When moving in or moving out, be conscious of what can be recycled and what can be reused and repurposed by local charities.
· Learn to recycle in your new apartment and dorm and find out about any college-wide sustainability initiatives.
Waste Management of Utah is beginning new curbside recyclables collection programs Layton and Clearfield Cities and Hooper. For more information, call 801-282-8219,
