There are a number of simple steps we can all take to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle much of the waste that is produced in our schools.
Reduce
- Ensure that everyone knows to photocopy on both sides.
- Set printers up to print double sided as a default setting.
- If producing drafts print two pages to a sheet .
- Have a box of one-sided scrap paper available by printers and photocopiers.
- Encourage everyone to print e-mails only when absolutely necessary.
- Only use one paper towel at a time.
- Avoid disposable, single use products, such as cleaning wipes.
Reuse
- Have a well labelled scrap paper tray in every room.
- You could shred paper to use as animal bedding, this could be given away or sold as an enterprise project.
- Encourage everyone to bring in waste-free packed lunches and snacks.
- Use refillable food containers and bottles and avoiding over-packaged foods.
- Reuse envelopes – envelope reuse labels can help to cover up the previous address and reseal the envelope. You can make your own or try to source some from a local charity.
- Use rechargeable batteries.
- Reuse plastic containers such as yoghurt pots, margarine tubs, etc for use during art activities.
- Set up a collection for spectacles to donate to Vision Aid, an organisation that sends unwanted spectacles to developing countries to be reused.
Recycle
- Use eyour local Recycling Point for paper, cans and textiles.
- Compost your organic waste such as fruit peelings, tea bags and any garden waste. The compost that you make can be used to improve your soil.
- You can raise some money either for the school or for charity by recycling old mobile phones and ink cartridges.
- Consider composting cooked food waste with a wormery.
- Collect used stamps and send to a charity.
- Your old PCs may be useful to someone else. Check out www.computersforcharity.org.uk for more information.
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