Back-to-school is an exciting time of year, but school supplies, sack lunches, sports, and other staples of the school year can generate a lot of hard-to-recycle trash. We want to help you plan for a sustainable start to the school year! Check out our tips for making back-to-school better for the planet:
Get ready to recycle
Ahead of the first day of class, have a plan to send snack packaging, used-up writing instruments, art supplies, and more, to TerraCycle for recycling. We have free recycling programs for many different kinds of hard-to-recycle trash, so your back-to-school essentials don’t have to go to landfills.
Don’t buy what you don’t need
Buying less is the best way to help protect the environment. Before buying new school supplies, take inventory of what you already have. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try to find new ways to repurpose or reuse old items. You can even turn trash into treasure! Jars, cans, and food containers can be reused and repurposed into things like pencil holders and organizers for your supplies.
Incorporate the 3 R’s into your lesson plans
Teaching your students about the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling is a great way to help the future of the planet and inspire the next generation of planet protectors! Research activities and lesson plans that emphasize the importance of caring for the Earth. Try a sorting game to teach students what can be recycled curbside, what can be composted, and what can be recycled with TerraCycle! Or, check out one of our fun DIY videos to repurpose your hard-to-recycle trash.
Start a green team in your school
Get other staff members and students involved to lay the groundwork for a green classroom. Use the first days of school to help students get started on setting eco-friendly goals, like labeling the classroom recycling and trash bins and properly sorting relevant items into the respective receptacle. Having an eco-minded support system will help you stay on track with your green goals!
Fundraise for your school by recycling with TerraCycle
Schools earn money by collecting and recycling unrecyclables—items that are not typically acceptable in curbside recycling—with TerraCycle! There are many free programs you can participate in to recycle items like snack packaging, toys, and personal care products. There is no cost to participate, and you’ll earn TerraCycle Recycling Rewards points that can be redeemed as a donation to your school, or any other charity or non-profit of your choice. Recycle and fundraise for all of your school’s needs! Head to our School Recycling Resource Hub for help getting started.
Starting the school year sustainably will help you maintain an eco-friendly classroom for the whole year. Get your students and school staff involved and make going green fun and interactive.