Classroom Supplies
Keeping it green in the classroom
Kids learn by example, so using, or even making classroom supplies with recycled and reclaimed materials sends an important message about helping the planet. From crayons to cleaning supplies, here are some tips and resources to help you leave a lasting impression on your students while having a smaller impact on the earth.
Plan ahead.
Plan ahead and it will be easier to get parents and the community on board. If you need to save egg cartons for a planting project, give everyone lots of time to collect them and give specific directions about what the classroom needs and what they will be doing with the materials.
How clean is clean?
Keeping classrooms clean is important to everyone's health, but what does clean smell like? If you equate 'clean' with the scents of lemons or flowers, you might be surprised to learn that these fragrances are just one more chemical mixed in to many toxic cleaners on today's shelves. Go simple and inexpensive with products like white vinegar, which has the cleaning power and germ killing power of bleach. Baking soda is great for scrubbing sinks or keeping trashcans odor-free.
Go natural with new green cleaners.
If craft time spells messy clean up, call for reinforcements from these non-toxic cleaning supplies now readily available in most retail stores. Some of our favorites are:
Flip for recycling.
Begin your own program to involve parents in your recycling plans. Instead of tossing paper that was used on one side from printers and copiers, have parents bring it in for students' to flip over for art, writing and math projects. Check with local companies who are moving and have to 'retire' their stocks of stationery with old company addresses and give that paper a new life as refrigerator art. Commission some 'thank you' art for the company's new office.
You only live once, unless you're a yogurt cup.
Plant vegetable and flower seeds in yogurt cups and sell them to local hardware stores as a spring fundraiser. Kids will marvel at their little sprouts and hardware stores won't be able to resist your cute little salespeople.
Vote with your Wallet.
Every time we make a purchase, we're sending a clear message about our purchasing preferences. There are many companies offering recycled, reclaiming or biodegradable office and school supplies. Take a look at these companies who are making the environment top priority:
- Dolphin Blue
- Envirographic papers Badger Paper
- Green Earth Office Supply
- New Leaf
- The Green Office
- The Real Earth, Inc.
New to you.
Nearly new sporting equipment can be purchased for a fraction of retail prices at stores like Play-it-Again Sports or online at Craigslist. Check out Freecycle, where people donate goods and customers shop for free.
Host Hidden Talent Days.
Didn't realize Sara's mom owns a flower shop or Max's dad has a knack for building shelves from recovered wood? Invite innovation into your classroom.
Wish List.
Make a wishing well or giving tree with items the teacher needs. Family and friends can donate items from home or keep an eye out for sales and reputable second-hand stores. Teachers can also register online at www.theteacherswishlist.com to register their classroom wishes.
Woodn't it be nice?
Wood toys bring out the best in kids, so buying or making all-natural blocks and toys makes sense. Be sure to check that the materials are natural and any paints used are non-toxic (and obviously do not contain lead). Stack 'em up, knock 'em down and they'll last forever. www.oompa.com
No sale.
Be an informed consumer when buying toys at garage sales or from thrift shops. Second-hand toys and supplies are ideal only if they're safe. If it is not clear who the manufacturer is, it will be nearly impossible to discern if the product has toxins like lead in the paint or the toy itself. When in doubt, pass.
Think before you print!
Most parents prefer getting an email about school or classroom news instead of printed newsletters because they're easier to scan and save.
