VICTORIA - As families across British Columbia get ready to send their kids back to school, here are some tips to help families make this a green school year:

At School:

• When shopping for school supplies, buy products that are reusable or have recyclable packaging, and reuse leftover school supplies from the previous school year.
• Encourage children to use the water fountains at school, instead of relying on bottled water.
• Help your children to become active in an existing recycling club at school, or to start one themselves.
• Recycle as much waste as possible and aim to produce waste-free lunches for your children by sending food in reusable containers and bags, and by avoiding pre-packaged and processed foods.

At Home:

• Clean waxed paper, plastic bags and tinfoil can be reused several times, and instead of including pre-packaged drinks in school lunches, a small thermos of cold milk or juice will cut down on unnecessary packaging.
• Buy good-quality, long-lasting products that can be handed down to younger children.
• Use cold water when washing clothing.
• Encourage children to take shorter showers using a restricted-flow shower head.
• Make sure children turn off taps when brushing their teeth instead of wasting water.
• Encourage children to turn off lights, electronic devices and computers when not in use.

On the Road:

• Walk or cycle with your children to school instead of driving to reduce vehicle emissions.
• Encourage your children to take public transit to school as often as possible or arrange a neighbourhood carpool.
• Join a car-sharing co-operative for school commutes instead of owning a car.
• If you must drive children to school, combine the drive with some errands you need to get done.
• Maintain proper tire inflation, check your tires weekly, and schedule regular maintenance checks for your car.

This Information Bulletin is available in French at:

http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/news/docs/2011/tips-environment_fr.pdf

In Chinese at:

http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/news/docs/2011/tips-environment_ch.pdf

In Punjabi at:

http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/news/docs/2011/tips-environment_pu.pdf

Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963