School Supply Sharing

Instead of trashing those old school supplies and contributing to our growing landfills and dumps, try recycling, reusing or donating supplies in a resourceful way.

Brie Roche Lilliott, staff writer

So long, school days! Hello, summertime. We\’re all feeling it- that anxious excitement that shows itself during the last few weeks of the school year. With only a few days remaining, everyone\’s biggest priority is to get out and forgetabout all these textbooks. But before you leave the school year behind, don\’t forget a few eco-friendly tips for all your old school supplies.

Between handouts, study guides, and notebook paper, we cumulatively use thousands of pounds of paper every year. Many of us are quick to toss it in the trash as soon as it\’s passed back. But please, do a simple favor: take it home and throw it into your recycle bin. Of the hundreds of sheets we destroy each year, the least we could do is ensure that they will be eventually reused, right?

It\’s been a school year tradition since our elementary years to get rid of all pens, pencils, notebooks, and school supplies, and then hit up Staples at the end of summer for a whole new batch. Obviously, this is unnecessary. Try holding onto all those usable pens and folders until next year. Not only are you conserving resources, but you are conserving money as well.

If you absolutely need a new backpack or new supplies, there are countless organizations you can donate your old supplies to. Fountain Valley Kiwanis, for instance, has an annual school supply drive to provide families that are struggling financially. Other places like Salvation Army and similar thrift stores accept used (but still in good condition) backpacks, lunch boxes, and school necessities.

The same goes for class books and other specific bought supplies. Perhaps Steinbeck\’s Grapes of Wrath and Shakespeare\’s Hamlet bring back nothing but bad memories, or  you never want to touch a graphing calculator again. There are certain places that will gladly accept your donations. Many bookstores, such as Camelot Books in Fountain Valley, accept donations and some will give you store credit or cash back.

Just remember Barons, just becuase you\’re done using your school gear doesn\’t mean the gear is useless. Continue to think of new, innovative ways to prevent your supplies from going to waste.