Eco-Friendly Supplies for Teachers
The universal effort to go green and eco-friendly in our everyday lives is no doubt helpful, but it doesn't have to stop at home. You can bring your eco-friendly attitude to work by allowing it to influence what kind of supplies you buy. From eco-friendly grading and presentations to beverage supplies, your desk can go environmentally friendly.
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Recycled Notebooks
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Though slightly costly in comparison to regular notepads, eco-friendly recycled notepads or "mixed journals" are commonly found on the Internet and are a way to conserve paper. These notebooks feature mixed media such as scrapbook, lined, blank, card, and construction papers. Some of these books are even encased in an old children's storybook, having replaced the old pages with the mixed media. You'll be helping the environment one notebook at a time.
Grades and Scores
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Posting grades online as opposed to in report cards on such websites as My Grade Book is a way to conserve paper and will help keep you organized.
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Green Presentations
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Another way to save on paper is through such programs as PowerPoint. PowerPoint can be used for presentations, photos, study or lecture notes all without putting pen to paper.
Writing Supplies
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Now available at Chapters, department stores, dollar stores, and websites, recycled eco-pencils will help you run a green classroom. While it may seem strange, these pencils are made out of recycled paper and are made to decompose quicker after they have been discarded. Their shavings can even be recycled. Pencils are available in regular graphite and colored. The eco-friendly AusPen whiteboard markers are available on websites such as Ecosmart World and are non-toxic, have low odor, and are made from recycled materials. The going green section on Shoplet.com features ozone safe correction pens for erasing mistakes. Shoplet.com also houses a large selection of going green items such as recycled calendars, envelopes, waste bins, filing supplies, bookcases, binders and more.
Beverage Options
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Instead of using paper cups for coffee and water-bottles during lunch time or in the classroom, bring your own mug for coffee and a dishwasher-safe reusable sports water-bottle. This will cut down on waste.
Eco Art
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If you are an art teacher, keep a basket or bin full or clean recyclables and other waste such as old paper towel tubes, jars and scraps of lace and create a recycled art project or activity. This will help you to teach your students the importance of recycling in a creative way.
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References
- Photo Credit Recycle Logo The Bigger Picture image by Sophia Winters from Fotolia.com
