Things You'll Need:
- Reusable canvas bags
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Step 1
Reuse every scrap of paper, including envelopes. Use both sides of every piece of paper, and open envelopes up all of the way to take advantage of the white space that they have to offer. Try using the paper to work math problems out on, place some near the phone for messages, or give it to younger children for their art work. Shred everything when you are done with it, and use to package items for mailing, when moving, or give the shredded paper to other homeschool families who sell products and ship them.
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Step 2
Great for science: Begin planting your own food. Use composting and/or vermicomposting. Have some type of recycling drive, or take products that you would normally throw out, make something useable or decorative out of them, and give them as gifts or sell them to earn money.
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Step 3
Educational materials: You can often find many used books, DVD’s and other items used. They cost less used, and provide an outlet for recycling/reusing items. Look for them free through your local freecycle, or buy used, whenever possible. You can also find many Yahoo! Groups that cater to used book sales. When you are done with them, resell or give them to someone else who can use them. Use of dry erase board saves paper. My daughters used to work their math problems out on these.
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Step 4
Field trips: There are many places to go, and activities to do, that cater nicely to the greening idea. Bird watching is great, as are nature hikes to study the surroundings. Before building a compost or vermicompost bin, why not take your children somewhere to see them being used. A recycling center would be a great place to go, as would a farmer’s market. Health food stores, or the organic section of your grocer, would be wonderful, as would organic farms/orchards of all types. A trip to the park/playground, or helping out on a town pick-up day would also be a great way to be green.
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Step 5
Reduce first, then reuse whatever you can. Your next step is to recycle.
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Step 6
Be sure that you are using canvas bags when you are shopping for homeschool materials and supplies.
