1. Use reusable rags instead of paper towels
We use these for hand-washing and cleaning. We have two bins labeled clean and dirty. A rag is used once and then put into the dirty bin to be washed and used again.
2. Use scratch paper for student work
We use many different types of scratch paper for student work: the backs of cereal boxes, used office papers that would otherwise be recycled, large envelopes from the mail, etc. Looking at the paper I was recycling, I noticed there was often a full back that was blank and could still be used. We use scratch paper whether children are practicing their names or doodling; they don’t mind that the back side of the paper isn’t blank.
Tips:
- When using office paper, send an email to families communicating the use of scratch paper in your classroom so they are aware the paper wasn’t used by mistake. Also, put an X through the printing on the back to clearly communicate this.
- Make sure there isn’t any confidential information on the back of the paper; this kind of paper should be shredded.
- Make sure any information on the back of the paper is appropriate for anyone to read.
3. Use clothespins and pushpins to hang signs and art
Instead of tape, I use pushpins on the walls and bulletin boards to hang art and notices. To hang many pieces of art in one space, I tie a string between two pushpins and attach the art with clothespins.
4. Use natural and repurposed materials for art
Instead of using synthetic materials, we collect repurposed items or items in nature for our classroom art supply. Our classroom floor sweepings are all compostable with this switch, especially when I banned glitter from the classroom. Check out the post How to make sparkling zero waste snowflakes (without glitter!) for our glitter alternative.
5. Use unpackaged, whole foods for snacks instead of prepackaged
Fruits and veggies are typically easy to find unpackaged. Set up a food prep area in your classroom with a variety of kitchen utensils, cutting boards, bowls, etc. Children can help prepare these whole foods for their snacks rather than buying the pre-sliced and prepackaged versions. A favorite go-to snack is hard boiled eggs; children can peel their own and it helps them work on fine motor skills as well. For easy peeling, pre-boil the eggs and let sit for one day in the fridge. An extra bonus: the egg carton can be donated to your local farm or used for an art project in the classroom.
6. Use pencils instead of markers
We use pencils over markers in our program and haven’t bought new ones in years. Pencils are made with primarily biodegradable materials, compared to a marker that uses a lot of plastic.
7. Use refillable dry erase markers
If you have a white board, try using the refillable kind instead of the ones that must be landfilled or possibly recycled when dried out. Terracycle is a company that may recycle non-refillable markers.
8. Encourage Zero Waste lunches
Lunches are often full of prepackaged food. Encourage families to pack food in reusable containers. For a sample letter encouraging Zero Waste Lunches, check out my post How to include students and families in your zero waste journey.
9. Vermicompost with red wigglers
Set up a worm compost bin to put classroom food scraps to use.
How to:
- Drill about 25 holes in the bottom of a bin and use a lid underneath to catch any drainage. On all sides of the bin, drill three rows of holes in the top, about three inches down. These holes will provide air flow. Cut strips of paper, dip into water, and ring out so there is no dripping. Place these strips of paper inside the bin, then add a layer of dry leaves and one cup of rich soil on top. Add about one pound of a good composting worm like the red wiggler. Add food scraps to feed them.
- Here is a link sharing which food scraps work well in a vermicomposting bin: https://www.thespruce.com/feeding-your-vermicomposting-worms-2539497
10. Use reusable utensils and dishes
Instead of single-use options, have a class set of reusable dishes. Stainless steel dishes are durable and hold up better than plastic or glass. For easy cleaning, set up a washing and drying station for children to clean their dishes when they are done.