Paper is a seemingly mundane element, yet, it forms the foundation of education and schooling. The benefits of paper-based learning can include improvement of memory when studying, better text comprehension, and providing a more tangible and kinesthetic way to interact with information and educational materials. Paper is inherent to the school environment, as well as corresponding supplies, such as wooden pencils, mechanical pencils, and pens. It is also the foundation of the many textbooks, workbooks, and notebooks that hold knowledge, as well as the efforts of students. These materials require energy to be produced, and wastage can have detrimental effects on the environment and our valuable resources. It is difficult to reverse the already pressing effects of landfill accumulation, deforestation, and water consumption all associated with paper production. Thus, usage of paper and other common stationery is difficult to escape. However, by implementing sustainable practices  and recycling habits, we can lessen our impacts on the environment. Being able to pursue studies with the awareness of our materials and habits can be both a lesson for us and others. 

Applying Sustainability Principles in the Classroom

1. The Importance of Classroom Recycling

The blue recycling bin in every classroom has allowed for paper to be disposed of more sustainably. Recycling paper products allows for indirect reusing of materials that students, classrooms, homes, and workplaces might not need in the long-term. The blue bins also serve as a valuable reminder to be conscious of the environment, and to be aware of the impact that every individual can have, let alone the impact of a classroom or entire institution. 

The presence of recycling bins and processes within the school environment can encourage children to recycle materials and understand the significance of doing so. It has also allowed teachers to implement environmental awareness into classroom lessons and practices. Environmental, and consequently, education on the current and impending state of climate change is crucial in fostering understanding in current and future generations. Furthermore, the ability to be aware of our own impact allows for growth and progress. 

Children also become influenced to share their knowledge with their household, and pursue the same acts at home. This can incite conversations about environmental awareness and the necessity of climate-based education. 

2. Being Cautious of One’s Own Materials

Stationery can often be an enticing factor in education, even as a motivator. It is also often bought annually, which can be both financially and environmentally damaging. Purchasing completely new materials can result in the wastage of pre-existing, sufficient materials. Pens, pencils, paper products, and other supplies all have an impact on the environment, as do clothing items and other products. Wastage promotes consumerism and damages the environment. As a result, it also increases demand, because people will continuously invest in more products to compensate.   

Some recommendations are to review supplies that you own and evaluate what is truly needed, buy environmentally conscious items, and reuse notebooks and paper supplies, which often go to waste. Notebooks can still perform the same purpose even if they have been previously used. As both a gesture of gratitude and environmental awareness, we should try to use supplies we already own. 

3. Encouraging an Environment-Conscious Lifestyle

It can be difficult to comprehend the vastness of climate change, and the crucial nature of it. It can also be frightening to imagine a world threatened by heat and uncertainty. Being aware of the impacts you can have on the world around you can help with any fears. Reminding yourself you are not alone can also be reassuring, and can motivate those around you to help in the battle against environmental harm and climate change as well. Even without the avid fear of climate change spreading across media and society, the environment is often overlooked and not respected in the way it should be. By implementing habits that encourage reusing products, recycling, and being cautious of the materials we use, thereby teaching others and educating ourselves, we increase the reach of our own abilities. Being able to invest in and use sufficient educational materials is a gift, and they can always be used to their full extent.

4. Investing in Sufficient Materials

Sometimes, due to lack of quality, materials and stationery cannot be reused. Thus, it can be advisable to invest in materials that will be beneficial in the long term. This encourages thinking before buying something unnecessary. By asking yourself if you will use it, if it is worth its price, or if you truly require it, you can think more critically about purchases you make. This will lessen the impact on the environment and improve your sustainability. 

Certain work and school-related documents require printing. Printers can be extremely advantageous, and are common in both school and workplace environments. However, you can always evaluate whether or not something must be printed, as another way to conserve paper. Being able to print also requires a supply of paper, which can have a financial impact as well. The abilities of a printer can be conserved, and resources/documents wherever possible, can be accessed digitally. 

Paper and pencils both require wood and water to be produced. These stationery items are so ordinary, and as a result they are highly underestimated as sources of environmental impact. Instead of completely rejecting paper and pencil production, you can better use the paper and pencils you already have. It can be difficult to entirely reject purchasing products so common in daily life, so instead, we can simply use them more efficiently. 

Conservation of stationery and reducing wastage of materials can seem like a vast, difficult endeavour, but really, it is the sum of many efforts and habits. The effects of wastage are often not considered throughout daily life, particularly in relation to school. Nonetheless, it is important to think critically about the choices you make, and their impacts financially and ecologically. By reusing items you already have, you can build up stronger habits of sustainability. Sustainability is not only the mission of you, your school, or institution, but instead an ongoing goal and effort that will allow for a greater understanding of the environment and our responsibility in taking care of it.