Go Green When Going Back to School!

With back-to-school shopping in full swing, think about the environment when you make your school supply shopping list. Here are a few suggestions to make your school supplies more environmentally friendly.

•  Avoid disposable items. Purchase reusable products. The average American produces 1,000 pounds of trash each year. That amount could be reduced by one-third if people used reusable products. Using refillable pencils and pens can make a difference. Did you know Americans buy more than six billion pens and pencils per year - most of which are disposable?

•  Buy recycled paper products. This action helps save wood, water and energy, while reducing pollution and solid waste. Calendars, notebooks, folders and paper are available with recycled content.

•  Buy products made from recycled plastic. Look for products that are made from a minimum of 50 percent recycled plastic, such as markers in the Pentel Recycology line.

These tips are not just for back-to-school supplies. Use these tips year round when doing all of your shopping! Remember the three Rs - Reduce, Reuse and Recycle!

Sources: Metro Creative Connection, Pentel® of America.