We all want to do our part in reducing waste and improving the well-being of our planet. And it does require some mindfulness and effort. Below are ways to reduce waste in and out of the home.

Prepare now, eat later.

Preparing food in advance can save money and reduce waste. Spending a few hours at the beginning of the week can really make your week run smoother because each day your food is already ready to go. Also, by preparing meals in advance, we’re better able to use all the groceries we’ve bought without leaving them so long in the fridge that they go bad.

Use a reusable water bottle.

Using a reusable water bottle can cut down on plastic consumption (消耗). A reusable water bottle can also help keep you properly hydrated (补充水分) because you’ll have it on hand.

Reusable food containers are your friend.

Using reusable food containers will pair nicely with preparing food in advance. These containers can be used and washed over and over again so you won’t need to buy additional options.

Order small portions (份额) when eating out.

Starting small when eating out is a great way to prevent food waste! We understand that eating out is enjoyable, and this way ensures that you only order what you’ll eat. Also, you’re always able to order more if you’re still hungry. If you do happen to order too much, box it up and take it home for later.

One or two of these tips can help reduce the amount of resources and food that go to waste in your daily life. Every step is positive for the planet.

Ben is about to enter the seventh grade and most excited about meeting new kids. It will be fun to work on new activities. But he is concerned about new teachers and a new principal. “What if they are hard to get along with? What if they don’t like me?” He has already set some goals. They are: to get good grades, to do well in basketball, and to win a first - place award in the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science Competition. The last goal will be the most difficult. It’s so hard to think of a winning idea for a science project.

The Ohio school that Pat Betteley has taught at for the past ten years is an open school from the sixties. As a first - grade teacher, she is looking forward to the school year because she enjoys getting to know the children. But she has some concerns about the upcoming year. Class sizes are increasing. Some students have short attention spans (时间跨度) and little readiness skills. Support from parents is diminishing.

Dr. David Tager is excited about the new school year. As his daughter, Ali, prepares to enter the first grade, Dr. Tager shares mixed feelings - his eagerness to have Ali become a reader and his reluctance (不情愿) to let go of his six-year-old. “Will Ali have enough opportunities to learn? Will she get along with her peers (同伴)? Will she be well behaved?” But Ali’s enthusiasm and intelligence are indications that he doesn’t really need to worry.