It’s very important to reduce carbon footprint and ensure a zero-waste classroom. As a teacher, you’ve got a task to teach your students about how to reduce carbon footprint. Remember that classrooms are vital and should be sustained every time. As a matter of fact, a classroom is a special place that needs a lot of care at any cost. Here are ten ways to reduce your classroom’s carbon footprint.

Recycle everything

With this method, you can make a big difference. Just install recycling bins and stations in the classroom. You can also have a recycling area. Also, you are required to inform your pupils on how to use these bins. This can be achieved by putting a poster, where younger students who are unsure will get the information. Old school furniture can be taken apart or donated to build new furniture. Moreover, electronic devices can be recycled.

Use less paper

Avoid more papers as possible. Don’t print everything! If you don’t need some information, kindly don’t print it! This can help to solve this problem. Have your pupils work in their own dry erase boards. In addition to this, send emails to parents instead of sending them printed letters. You can also copy the information on your classroom webpage if needed. Such small changes will bring recognizable results.

Try reusable drinking containers, instead of plastic ones

Teachers should pay attention to this idea from Green Teacher Tess. Reduce or replace your use of plastic containers or bottles. The solution is to use the reusable ones. As a teacher, you should lead this one by example. Also, allow students to bring in reusable water bottles only at their desks.

Minimize waste

Think about how to minimize energy waste. In fact, this simple just recycle, reduce and reuse. Think first before throwing something away. Also, encourage your students to embrace the same habit. Besides that, you can encourage your school to build insulation so as to reduce energy waste. Things like motion sensor lighting can collectively reduce the amount of electricity used. Just make a try!

Try using fabric scraps instead of paper towels

Try as possible to replace paper towels used to wipe tables in the classroom. Also, you can use it in place of tissue. Fabric scraps or materials can be used to perform many things like cleaning up the classroom. When this is applied, your classroom will be free from carbon footprints.

Instead of throwing out broken and old crayons, make new ones

This is another strategy to mention. If you are an elementary teacher, you’ve high chances to see many broken crayons every now and then. When walking around the classroom, collect them. After this, make your new crayons.

Try reusable snack bags, instead of plastic ones

Teachers should be a good role model for their students. This tip will help you to maintain a zero-waste classroom. Bring your snacks using this reusable bag. Don’t forget to share this with your students. If not a reusable one, a simple jar is also recommended. Thanks for the idea!

Power it down

There are many activities done in every day. However, at the end of the day, you should take time and completely turn of restroom and classroom lights. Also, shut down printers, computers, and changers. More often unplug them from the walls. This is especially when they’re not in use. With this tip, you can reduce carbon emissions easily by reducing electricity use.

Use reusable plates and cups, instead of plastic ones

Plastic cups and plates discourage zero-waste classroom. Just invest in reusable materials every time you require them. This will make you an effective teacher. Advice your students by providing great lessons about being responsible. In fact, they can help in putting away and washing.

Make it a classroom initiative and involve the whole school

This should be a classroom initiative. However, the whole school should be involved in this. Recycling efforts should be taken seriously in school. If this is done, then dramatic results will be achieved. Also, a school can set up a central recycling location. This will boost the efforts.