reading, writing and recycling: ‘green’ back to school

August 13th, 2008 at 01:06am Jennie Pollock

usually when you think of “green” and back to school, you think of notebook colors, pens or the wads of cash it takes to outfit a teenage daughter (my worst fears will come true in no time). 

but no, no, no. these days, there’s a green hook for everything.

1. i got an e-mailed press release touting “eco-friendly families,” a book to help me make eco-conscious decisions … to teach my children that ”the world is their extended family.” sounds pretty cheesy, but amazon’s only got five left.

hmm. maybe i’m warming up to the idea of the book. it preaches that new isn’t necessary, like finding school supplies around home (i found about 12 pencils in a drawer the other day. seriously) or making crayon cupcakes (my kids would love this). we’ll see. i already have two books i haven’t finished in the past six months.

2. i found some general school supply tips here.

3. try as you may, the one thing kids will “burn through” as they grow is tennis shoes. when they just won’t cut it as hand-me-downs (and the smell might kill you), you can donate them to become playground materials at nike’s “let me play” program.

unless you want to drive to aurora or chicago to drop them off, mail your shoes, with your own postage, to:

Nike Recycling Center
c/o Reuse-A-Shoe
26755 SW 95th Ave.
Wilsonville, OR 97070

*** hey, go greenies: any of you have “green” efforts under way at your schools? let me know!***

Entry Filed under: Green home