Waste Reduction and Reuse
Did you know that recycling is really the last step in the waste management hierarchy? The first two steps are WASTE REDUCTION and REUSE.
Paper Waste Reduction Strategies
Encourage staff to make double-sided copies and print jobs whenever possible.
Use electronic means of communication whenever possible and discourage the printing of e-mails
Instead of making individuals copies for everyone, use a routing slip or use a central bulletin board when communicating information.
Use reusable envelopes for interoffice mail.
Limit the number of periodicals and catalogues the school receives.
Packaging Waste Reduction Strategies
Request that suppliers who deliver products on pallets to take them back and reuse them.
Buy in bulk whenever possible.
Encourage students who bring their lunch to use a reusable lunch bag, thermos, and reusable containers instead of a brown paper bag, disposable drink containers and plastic baggies. Strive to have students adopt a zero-waste lunch model.
Use reusable/washable cleaning cloths, aprons, tablecloths, etc., rather than single-use disposable products.
Try to purchase items that have a minimal amount of packaging...avoid things that are shrink-wrapped, overly encased in cardboard, or that contain Styrofoam inserts.
Other Waste Reduction Strategies
In the classroom, use reusable dishware for class parties. Consider having each student keep his/her own cup, plate, and utensils for events.
Set up a table at the end of the semesters onto which students can place unwanted pencils, notebooks, etc.—offer these items at the beginning of the next year for students to use.
Designate a no-waste day each month to see how much waste can be reduced. Have the students calculate how much waste was avoided by their efforts.
MATERIALS REUSE STRATEGIES
You can‘t eliminate all waste, but that‘s ok—however, do try to find ways to reuse materials in a creative or efficient way. Here are some examples of what good reuse looks like:
Collect reusable items (e.g., clothing, shoes) for donation to local charities.
Maintain a free listing of used musical instruments and sporting equipment in the school newsletter.
Incorporate the use of reusables into your school‘s art and/or science program. Host a sculpture or invention contest in which the students make their creations from materials that would have been thrown away or recycled. Display the art or science pieces in a place that is visible to students, staff, and visitors to the campus.
Hold a school swap day for students and staff and if possible, incorporate the trade concept into a history lesson about the development of the bartering, trade, and currency systems throughout the world.
Think about ways to obtain things that are used or that might be considered waste to someone else (remember the old saying, one man‘s trash is another man‘s treasure?)