Back to School—Be Eco Smart

A sharp pencil, a new backpack, and maybe even a new t-shirt or two! These are all some of the joys of a new school year. How can parents save money, save resources, not lose their minds and do something good for the planet while getting the kids ready for school? Here are a few tips to be eco smart.

Pack a no garbage lunch
Think reusable, refillable, resources. It’s hip to be green now, so lay in the supplies for a no garbage lunch. Use a lunch bag/box/pack and fill it with refillable containers. You can even go chic with a reusable cloth napkin or bandana to wipe that peanut butter off.

Carpool, bus, bike, or walk
All are good choices for a clean and green travel. Bike maps are free and available at http://bikeped.pima.gov/Publications.html or call 740-3345. Check out the ride guide for Sun Tran trip planning www.suntran.com or call 792-9222. The bus is a great bargain and there are reduced prices for students and county employees! Walking saves pollution and offers a cardiovascular boost. Walk to School Day is Wednesday, October 8. Celebrate walking and biking to school as a means to promote health, safety, physical activity, and concern for community and the environment. Contact Donna.Lewandowski@dot.pima.gov or 205-8309 for more information—remember to ask Donna how to form a walking school bus in your neighborhood.

Make it green
Those lists of school supplies can be overwhelming and a stretch on the wallet. Buy and use recycled products when you can; the prices are going down and many are comparable to virgin products, plus the kids think they are cool. Have you seen the cardboard notebooks, Capri Sun backpacks, recycled money pencils, and old school lunchboxes?

The Wheels on the bus (and car) go round and round
Riding the bus saves gas when compared to driving, but kids may be exposed to fumes that have been linked to rising asthma rates. Talk with your principal about creating a “No Idling Zone” around the school. Is there an area where parents sit in their vehicles and wait for dismissal? And one where buses sit and wait for the kids? Encourage No Idling Zones at your school where bus drivers and parents turn off their vehicle motors while waiting. They will save money on fuel and we will all breathe easier.

Pima County Environmental Quality promotes alternatives to driving alone; and encourages carpooling, busing, biking, and walking to reduce air pollution in our community. For more information, please contact Robin at Robin.Johnson@deq.pima.gov.

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