Think ‘eco-friendly’ when purchasing school supplies

  • Published
  • By Janelle Broach
  • Malmstrom Scout Leader
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  It's nearly August and this means it'ss soon be time to go back to school!

Bus companies are fixing brakes, replenishing washer fluid and training the bus drivers. Teachers are organizing classrooms, fine tuning their skills and, awaiting the giggles and tears of new students.

Local stores are relying on shoppers to scurry around the isles looking for school supplies with lists in hand marking off items such as backpacks, folders, number two pencils, and most importantly, the first-day-of-school outfit.

Take into consideration the school items selected. Almost every store in town offers eco-friendly products to choose from. Instead of regular paper, why not use recycled paper? Scissors, rulers and folders are all products made from recycled plastic that are available. Wax-based crayons are so yesterday. Try soy crayons -- they work just as well as the wax. Backpacks, pencil boxes, pencils, markers and folders can be made from recycled newspaper, plastic bags, money and even chip bags.

Some haven't even considered the thought of school buses, teachers or supplies as they are still in vacation mode, taking last minute camping trips, finishing up a summer sport, and gathering family and friends for end of summer barbecues.

Regardless of how the last days of summer are spent, be sure to check out a few of these upcoming observations and celebrations.

On Aug. 2, 1935 International Friendship Day was born. On this day, people spend time with their friends expressing their love, gratitude and appreciation for their relationships. If you really think about it, what would our lives be like without a friend? Take time out today to share your feelings.

On Aug.9, International Indigenous People Day is celebrated. This recognition is to promote and protect the rights of the Indigenous population, and to be acquainted with the achievements and contributions that Indigenous people have made to improve world issues such as environmental protection.

Aug. 16-24 , Science Week is celebrated. The plan of science week is to inspire and engage people of all ages with science, technology and engineering.