Back to School "Clean & Green" Energy Saving Tips
August means school commutes and a whole lot of back-to-school shopping. With all the new routines on your mind it's easy to lose track of saving energy - so we've put together some no-nonsense tips to help you and your family stay green this year.
SCHOOL COMMUTE ENERGY SAVINGS
Nearly a quarter of our car trips are less than 2 miles - and these are the least efficient because the car engine is cold, using more fuel and creating more CO2 pollution. Try a low energy alternative to your school run:
· Walk one day a week - a 2-mile car trip is a 30-minute walk. Even one day of walking a week is good for the environment - and your kids' health.
· Get your kids cycling - for older kids, riding a bike to school means more fun and more freedom, as well as giving them some exercise and a useful skill. Make sure they have a new, well-fitting helmet.
· Car Pool - if it's too far to walk or ride a bike, arrange to share the school run with other local parents.
· Ride the Bus - the more kids ride the bus, the less CO2 is released into the atmosphere from individual cars.
LOW-WASTE LUNCHES
The plastic wrappers, bottles and packets in most lunchboxes go straight into landfill. Cutting lunchtime waste teaches your kids good green habits.
· Reduce packaging waste - by avoiding multipacks of drink or snacks. Instead, make your children lunchbox-sized portions of food and drink in reusable sandwich bags, flasks, and boxes.
· Pack leftovers - from the night before as a tasty lunch that makes a change from sandwiches.
· Recycle waste packaging - at home or at school. If your children's school doesn't recycle, helping to set up a recycling plan is a great way to get involved.
UNIFORM EXCHANGE
Making new clothes uses a lot of energy and water, and buying second hand school uniforms is a great way of reducing this impact. Most schools have regular uniform sales. Make sure you donate your kids' old uniforms too - and you can even pick up a larger size for a growing child.
COMPUTER ENERGY AWARENESS
By secondary school, many kids are doing homework on a computer. Make sure they know to switch the computer and the monitor off when they've finished.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES RECYCLING
New school supplies are a back to school tradition, but it can mean a lot of waste. Try some ways around it:
· Buy recycled - pens, rulers, folders and more can be made from recycled materials. And don't forget to choose recycled paper.
· Have a green clear-out - make sure last year's unwanted paper ends up in the recycling, not trash bin.
It's all about making choices that have positive impacts on air quality and our environment!
| 
