As we become ever more concerned about our environment, here are some ideas to keep you environmentally friendly at home and at school
1) BAGS BAGS BAGS!!! I use cloth/reusable grocery bags 95% of the time when I shop (still striving for 100%, but I forget sometimes). I also keep two small Chico bags in my purse at all times for small purchases. I have also started refusing bags when I only have an item or two...that surprises a lot of cashiers.
2) Bring your lunch. Consider the following when you do bring your lunch. Plastic containers should be BPA free. BPA is a chemical found in plastics that have impacts on hormones and brain development. (See the following article from Science News http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/44577/title/More_troubling_news_about_BPA Stainless steel is also a great option as it does not react with your food or stain. Use cloth napkins and real utensils! You can WASH them. Create a picnic at your table! That being said....I have great respect for our cafeteria workers. They work hard to bring you the most nutritious food they can for very very small amounts of money. However, I have some serious ecological concerns in our cafeteria. The amount of paper trash produced is astounding: styrofoam plates, plastic side item dishes, plastic utensils and napkins (wrapped in plastic), condiment pouches, milk cartons, plastic drink bottles, plastic salad containers....I know this is in an effort to economize time while maintaining sanitary conditions, but I think there could be some improvements made. Furthermore, there were some inquiries to composting food trash to save on waste, that is not allowed according to food safety standards - which is a shame. NOTE TO STUDENTS: The ranch dressing, napkins, utensils and other condiments are for the students purchasing lunches. Those items are not free for everyone. They are paid for by the cafeteria and ultimately by the people who purchase lunches. Please do not walk to the front of the line and take them.
3) DITCH THE PLASTIC WATER BOTTLE! Although Centennial has a fantastic recycling program, water bottles have BPA in them (see article) and it produces serious amounts of trash. Purchase a stainless steel or BPA free water bottle and then refill from the water fountain. Yucky you say? You can buy plastic water bottles with FILTERS built in. Ecofriendly and no worries about the water fountain - win win I say!
4) Reuse your backpack, locker rack, notebooks, and supplies from last year - your parents will thank you. If you cannot reuse, please try to buy ecofriendly products. Recycled notebooks, pencils, pouches, etc are all available at Target. Look for items with high percentages of post consumer waste.
5) Car pool or walk...seriously? Yes! Walking involves those two things attached to your torso with feet on them. If that's not an option and you just have to show off your new wheels - alternate with a friend. You'll save gas and wear and tear on your car.
More tips coming soon!
School supplies? 
These are available at Target/Walmart, Office Max/Depot, etc. Prices range from $12 - $15. You will need this EVERYDAY! I have only a few classroom calculators which are in bad shape. Also consider that each calculator functions differently - I cannot guarantee that you will have a calculator that you know how to use on test day. Best insurance? Bring your own! 
