A few days ago I was looking in the back to school section in Target and a couple of thoughts hit me. First, I looked for any products made from recycled materials. This month I have started buying things that are made from recycled materials. It is even better if post-consumer recycled materials are used because that supports recycling programs across the country. I was able to find a few notebooks and pocket folders that were made from recycled materials, and there were also a few three-ring binders and calendars too. This is a definite improvement over a few years ago when I can't remember seeing products like this. The majority of products people were buying were plastic. Now plastic is not my favorite material and I try to avoid it whenever possible. Plastic products may be more durable for carrying to and from school, so I hope people remember to recycle them when they are finished using them. And that brings me to another point. It doesn't make sense to just throw away all of your notebooks, folders, pens, pencils, and whatever supplies you might have left after the school year. I completely understand the yearly tradition of buying school supplies, and I am not trying to suggest you should not buy anything. I suggest buying what you haven't saved from the previous year and only what you are certain you will need. Overbuying is another way to create waste!

I try to save any folders or notebooks in good condition for the next school year. I just scratch out the class name on the front and write the new name. This year I am going to try very hard to buy any paper, notebooks, folders, and other things that are made out of recycled materials. The big office supply stores have a great selection of recycled paper, folders, and much more. From what I can remember, the cost is not much more that non-recycled materials.