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If you're sending kids off to college, you know what a
toll getting ready can take - both on your pocketbook
and on the planet.
These "must haves" will keep the pain to a minimum? * Non-anti bacterial soap - and lots of it. With college campuses bracing for outbreaks of swine flu, students may be inclined to pack a load of anti-bacterial handwipes to keep their exposure to a minimum. Since swine flu is a virus, the antibacterials (which contain polluting triclosan) won't do much good. In fact, doctors worry that the overuse of antibacterial soaps and wipes actually creates more problems than they solve. Washing hands frequently and vigorously with fragrance-free, nonbacterial soap is among the best ways to prevent the spread of swine flu. If you must send wipes with your child, choose those that are alcohol-based, rather than antibacterial. * Re-usable water bottle. Some campuses (like Washington U in St. Louis) have started banning throwaway plastic bottled water. My kids just think it's a waste of money (especially since they have to spend their own money on incidentals like this). Get a re- usable water bottle that comes with a carabiner, so it's easy to attach to a backpack or book bag. * Refillable mug. My daughter quickly tired of spending $5 at Starbucks every time she wanted a cup of tea or coffee. She now packs her own tea bags, and fills up her mug for free in the dorm cafeteria before heading off to class. Here's what we do about clothes, electronics, light bulbs and shampoo. Let me know what works for you. |
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I spent a day last week shopping for school supplies
and found far more recycled products at Staples and
Office Depot than at Target.
* Paper products: Both Staples and Office Depot carried a good selection of recycled notebook paper, printer paper, folders, and binders. In my humble opinion, it's a no-brainer to buy recycled school paper. If it's more expensive, encourage your student to economize by using both sides, rather than one, or to submit drafts and final copies to teachers electronically so you don't need to use paper at all. * Student agendas and calendars - Also available in recycled paper, many of these come with a cover made of recycled cardboard, too. * Pencils, pens, non-toxic markers: Look for pencils made from recycled wood or even recycled dollar bills. Or choose mechanical pencils - keep the same pencil holder, and refill the lead as needed. Pens may be made from recycled plastic. For more back-to-school tips, see this month's very comprehensive posting from the Green Moms Carnival. |
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Talk to you again soon,
Diane MacEachern
Big Green Purse
email:
[email protected]
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