Recycling Expert: Save Money on Back-to-School Shopping
Thursday, August 9, 2012
DES MOINES, Iowa - Getting ready for school requires a lot of new things, from pencils, to rulers, to backpacks. But Reo Menning with Metro Waste Authority says the thinking that everything has to be "new" should be examined. She suggests taking an inventory of what you have leftover from last year, and see what can be put to use again.
"It's surprising the amount of items that you get back from school each year that can be reused the next year. For instance, scissors and pencils."
Menning says recycling last year's school items not only saves on what is thrown away, it also saves money. She says you can "green up" school lunches, too.
"You can keep filling those reusable containers every day, and you don't have any garbage until that big box is gone. It's everything from getting reusable sandwich and cracker containers to buying in bulk so you just fill what you need every day."
You can save on gas, as well, by allowing kids to walk or bike to school, she adds. If you are concerned about safety, she suggests organizing a neighborhood "walkpool," where parents take turns walking neighborhood children to class.
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