Choose to reuse for back to school and Halloween

Fall means back to school and Halloween. Instead of buying new, be kind to your wallet and the environment by choosing to reuse!

Hennepin County has partnered with 50 reuse retailers to offer Choose to Reuse coupons with discounts through October. Get free coupons on your smartphone through the Chinook Book app or by picking up a book at participating retail locations, Hennepin County Service Centers, Hennepin County libraries, many city buildings, and Minneapolis Park Board and Three Rivers Park District locations.

Learn more and order a Choose to Reuse coupon book at www.hennepin.us/choosetoreuse. Here’s what you can get with your Choose to Reuse coupons:

• Clothing: Looking to revamp your fall wardrobe? Search unique, new-to-you clothing and accessories by checking out the several used clothing and thrift stores in the Choose to Reuse coupon book.
• Books: Save up to 30 percent on used books from stores such as the Paperback Exchange, the Bookhouse in Dinkytown and Uncle Hugo’s Science Fiction Bookstore.
• Sports and recreation: Score big savings on equipment and clothing for the fall sport season. There are coupons available at four local sports and recreation stores, including Instant Replay Sports Equipment.
• Electronics: Need a new phone, tablet or computer for the upcoming school year? Get 20 percent off a refurbished electronic item at Tech Dump in Golden Valley.
• Halloween costumes: Many thrift stores in the coupon book offer deals on Halloween costumes for adults and children, such as Arc’s Value Village’s Halloween “BOO-tique” September 19 — October 31, 2015.

Others ways to go green this school year:

• Reduce: Check if you have any school supplies left over from last year that can be reused before you head to the store. Donate any items that you no longer need but are still in good condition.
• Recycle: Make sure any supplies you purchase can be composted, recycled or reused. Buy school supplies made from recycled materials.
• Pack a zero-waste lunch: Reduce waste by packing food in items that can be reused or recycled. Avoid chip and snack bags, plastic sandwich bags and candy wrappers which are not recyclable.
• Improve your school: Check with your school to see what type of recycling program is offered and encourage sustainability initiatives. Nearly 80 percent of school waste is recyclable or compostable.
• Get support from Hennepin County: Hennepin County offers free recycling signage, presentations from staff experts on waste reduction, recycling, water conservation, natural resource protection, toxicity reduction, and guidelines and case studies for improving school recycling programs. Learn more at www.hennepin.us/schoolrecycling.

This information was provided by Hennepin County Environment and Energy Environmental Education and Outreach.