Teach 'Em a Lesson

Idaho schools are now being designed to be green, not just because it's good for the environment but also because it's good for the budget in the long term.

But teachers and students can also do their part to save money and reduce the enormous amounts of waste that schools produce. Where better to "teach 'em a lesson" about waste reduction than in the classroom?

Here are 5 things that teachers and students can do:

• Recycle paper. For every ton of paper recycled, 17 trees are saved! So use both sides of sheets of paper, and keep a box for waste paper to recycle. Plan crafts that use recycled paper.
  
• Recycle plastic and aluminum. Keep another box for those pesky water bottles and soda cans. You might even take those to a nearby recycling center and get some coins for the classroom. Save up and throw a party at the end of the year!
• Drink from the water fountain. Instead of drinking bottled water, use the fountain. Unless you're licking the spigot (yuck!), you're more likely to get germs from the doorknob to your classroom.
• Use a mug or glass. You might have a cupboard or pegboard for hanging mugs for everyone in the classroom. Filling a mug may reduce the number of trips to the fountain too.
• Bring your lunch and snack. Pack fresh, healthy foods in reusable containers. You can find lots of fun and delicious lunch ideas. This will reduce waste and save you money!