Education: Stretch old school supplies longer

Thank you for your article about the growing cost of school supplies (TNT, 9/2).

A great tip that few families consider: Reuse last year’s supplies. I’m surprised more schools don’t suggest this at the top of their lists.

While our family is able to afford the cost of new supplies each year, I choose not to repurchase some items. It’s such a waste. Markers, colored pencils, rulers, pencil sharpeners, sharpies, pens, supply boxes, backpacks - many of these can be reused at least one additional year.

I appreciate the message it sends to my kids: There is no need to replace items that are still functional.

This story was originally published September 7, 2016 at 4:58 PM with the headline "Education: Stretch old school supplies longer."