Parents expect to spend an average of $574 on back-to-school shopping this year. Other than the holiday season, back-to-school shopping offers consumers the largest opportunity to collectively vote with their dollars in support of environmentally and socially responsible products. It also offers an excellent opportunity for parents to teach their children about conserving our natural resources.
In a recent survey conducted by the Center for a New American Dream, 91% of college students and 88% of parents stated they would be likely to purchase earth-friendly products if they were available at the stores they shopped at. If you have a preference for environmentally friendly products, here are some green tips for back to school shopping.
Shopping the Goodwill and thrift stores can uncover interesting and eclectic finds-perfect for teens looking to set themselves apart from the crowd. Give used clothes a hip edge by embellishing them with colorful beadwork, sequins or sewing on patches.
Suggest ways that you and your child can become involved in the protecting the environment at school (e.g. starting an elementary school eco patrol, campus green club, or parent-run environmental committee). If your school doesn't already have one, speak to teachers and school board members about starting recycling or composting programs. If your school district is considering upgrades to classrooms, speak up about incorporating alternative energy into the plans.
I have a few more sorry I am late suggestions for BACK TO SCHOOL.
1 Preshop on your computer .get an idea what your children would like to have.
2.after you preshop go to you local paper and chainstore websites online to find the best prices and to save energy running around the area.
3,Besides School shopping you might consider doing other shopping afterwards.
Anyway here is hoping this school year is special to all.
Mr, Thrifty
With my kids getting older and the waste that I have seen from working in a school, I like to eyeball the recycle bins at the end of the previous school year for binders/folders/supplies that are otherwise tossed.
Its gotten to the point that the kids have started to care a bit more between having what they need and saving --money and the earth--from the good find in the trash. We decorate with markers, contact paper, whatever is available to cover last years artist's designs and usually get 1 if not 2 more years out of the binders that way.
It's amazing to me that even folders are tossed without a thought, so we go for those too, we just make sure there is no personal info from anyone on them.
Where did the author come up with $574? I guess I am well below average, never having spent near that crazy amount, nor will I. I don't even spend that much over a 3-year period to clothe my 2 children (and yes, I do keep track).
Shopping ahead of time, at leisure, is key. I shop thrift stores all year round and get most of our school supplies this way. I keep a box in the basement to store supplies in and we always have some on hand. Then in the fall, I just supplement whatever we have with a few extras they may need.
This year, the boys needed new sneakers and socks. I also bought a couple binders and filler paper. One needed a new backpack, which I had already purchased a year ago, from a thrift shop - new with tags still attached and so much cheaper. That's it. Maybe I'm lucky to have boys who don't care what they wear and keep wearing their summer t-shirts and shorts into the school year. Now I have time to peruse my local thrift stores for pants for the colder weather, if needed.
All this talk of kids going back to school...I don't envy those Mom's and Dad's. Mine are all grown up and now I have more time for myself. I have discovered how easy tit is to make Fig Newtons and how tasty they are. I wish I would have made them for the kids when they were young. Be the cool Mom and make them for your kids. They are delicious and a healthy smack! Found the recipe on U-tube! youtu.be/
