A School Waste, Reduction, Reuse, Recycling, Composting & Buy ...

However, a better option would be to take no bag at all, as no natural resources or energy
are used to first produce, then collect and reprocess disposable bags. Using a reusable
canvas or string bag would have similar environmental benefits as the bag could
replace thousands of disposable bags over its useful life. Any organization reviewing their
waste management strategy should first consider ways to reduce waste and incorporate
reusable products to achieve the maximum benefit to the environment.
We hope that you will consider some of the following suggestions to reduce the waste
stream generated by your school. Your efforts may provide the additional benefit of
saving money as well. Remember, even small changes can make a big difference!
1. Make double-sided copies whenever possible. This can dramatically reduce your
paper usage.
2. Send mailings home with one student per family, instead of multiple copies of the
same information.
3. Instead of making individual copies for everyone, use a routing slip when circulating
information to staff, or post notices on a bulletin board.
4. Use reusable envelopes for interoffice mail.
5. If applicable, use electronic mail instead of making hard copies of all
communications.
6. Request the removal of your name from junk mail lists by writing to the:
Direct Mail Marketing Association
P.O. Box 643
Carmel, N.Y. 10512
7. If possible, limit the number of subscriptions to periodicals and have classrooms
share them. This will reduce both trash and subscription costs.
8. Arrange to have a vendor collect and recharge empty laser printer toner cartridges.
Such cartridges can be recharged several times, saving money and reducing waste
generation.
9. Encourage employees and students to reuse paper clips, rubber bands and brass
fasteners. These should be removed before recycling white office paper anyway.
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