yee Green Your School Year (NAPSA)—Here are some easy, eco-friendly ways to green your school year—and earn some green for doing so: eChoose Greener School Supplies—In the U.S. alone, approximately 11,600 incensecar trees are cut down to create the 2 billion pencils made each year. Meanwhile, 1.6 million single-use pens are thrown away each year in the U.S. Look for school supplies wrapp in limit packaging and recycle what you can. You might even consider turning an even greener new leaf and seek out eco-friendly supplies, such as recycl fiber or reusable mechanical pencils, refillable pens and paper clips made from recycl steel. Pack a Waste-Free Lunch —Buying lunch at school typically produces more waste than bringing it but there’s still a lot of waste associat with bagg lunches. It’s estimat that Americans go through 100 billion plastic bags a year—860 for each person. To cut down, ditch the brown bag andtry a reusable lunch bag or box and fill reusable bottles with water or juice. If you do use plastic, be sure to recycle. Clean, dry Ziploc bags, for example, can be recycl at many grocery stores. eGreen Yourself Head to Toe—To find clothes with less of an environmental impact, shop at thrift stores and trendy secondhand stores or arrange a clothing swap with friends. If new clothes To minimize your environmental footprint, opt for school supplies wrapp in limit packaging and recycle what you can. are a must, aim for such sustain- able fabrics as organic cotton or Earth-friendly bamboo. Carpool or Take the Bus— Encourage your kids to take the bus or arrange a car pool. You'll save on gas and ruce emissions. If you must drive, make sure your tires are properly inflat to save on gas mileage. *Reuse School Gear—Invest in a durable backpack that your kids can use and pass down. Evaluate, mend and clean older gear and see what can be exchang with friends, neighbors and relatives. If it’s time for a new computer, you can get cash or gift cards for recycling your old one. At www.recyclebank.com, you can check the value of your old electronics. eLearn More—For more green tips, including how to get reward for being green with discounts and deals, plus fun eco-challenges, visit www.recycle bank.com.
