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For Just about every student out there the 2009-2010 school year has already begun but it’s never to late for school shopping, particularly for those attending college. Tuitions and supplies such as textbooks become more costly with each passing year so I’d like to help by sharing my findings in ways to stretch your education dollar this fall.
There are a handful of online retailers out there that are dedicated to supporting scholars worldwide and, in the process, are doing their part to ensure some social and global responsibility one step at a time. Collectively their mission is essentially the same: to help make the life of the eager, knowledge thirsty consumer easier while giving back to our communities for today’s generation and those to follow.

Their mission is simple — expanding communication and understanding on a global scale. Though they realize there are many organizations offering beneficial services to the community, RosettaStone chooses to focus their support on organizations and events that incorporate one of three basic principles: language learning, diversity and culture, education and literacy. RosettaStone, in so many words, is a well-rounded company with simple and moral social responsibility standards. Whether you’re learning a new language as part of your studies or just looking to expand your cultural palette, you’ll surely find what you need at RosettaStone. With a proven track record at being the easiest and most successful way to learn a new language, you really can’t go wrong. They have products for the home, schools, business and home schooling. Choose from over 30 languages and maybe reward yourself with a trip to that country to test out your new skills on the locals.

Online retailer’s textbooks.com boasts the largest selection of used textbooks on the planet and that’s saying a lot. With up to 90% off of over 9 million textbooks it’s hard to find a better place to buy the essentials. Textbooks.com also carries the largest selection of eTextbooks . What are eTextbooks? They are digital, downloadable versions of print textbooks, so you can access the same information as regular textbooks anywhere and anytime with out the hassle of carrying the weight of the real ones on your back. They sell new and used books on just about every subject out there and everything in between. When you are done with your books just sell them back to the company. As a thank you for recycling your books textbooks.com will automatically give you an extra 10% back! How great is that?

The largely popular Apple MacBook is not only the perfect laptop computer for students, but it’s “greener” than most other electronics out there. Apple’s company as a whole has taken a stand to create products that help reduce our carbon footprint so we can continue to use the tools we rely on the most without further contributing to the demise of the home we all love and cherish. Since October of 2008 Apple has been providing costumers with estimates of greenhouse gas emissions generated by each new product sold. For example, the manufacturing and use of the fabulously popular MacBook results in 460 kg C02e emissions over four years. Based on EPA findings, that’s about the same amount the average car emits in just one month! That’s pretty impressive. It’s good to know that Apple cares, especially considering how many products they create that we as students and people of the work force rely on daily.

To tie this all together we must consider the fees incurred in order to be a student. Finding a loan that’s right for you as an individual can be down right nauseating some times. With so many predatory lenders out there the last thing you need is for all of your hard work and dedication as a student to seem fruitless when you proudly accept your degree. SimpleTuition.com recognizes the importance of focusing on education rather than dwelling on debt. By using their system they can help you find a loan that is catered specifically to your needs, goals, and financial capabilities. Here is what some people have had to say about their experience with SimpleTuition.com…

Why Not Make It a Green ‘Back to School’?

There’s some things that naturally go hand-in-hand and September and ‘Back to School’ is definitely one of those things. You just can’t help thinking of one without the other. While it’s always a bit of a last-minute shopping frenzy, getting the right clothes, the right supplies, etc., we’re promoting a green school year through some of our favorite green retailers! While classes have already begun for some, there’s still time to do much of your Back to School shopping online – That’s not just making it easy, it’s also making a statement – no driving and many of our green retailers off-set their carbon usage as well through their shipping. So Go Back Green with: green school supplies, a cool green wardrobe and smart green accessories and gear…

• Laptop Lunch: These lead-free lunch containers are reusable, recyclable, and dishwasher safe. $114.99 – a less expensive version is also available for $34.99 and is called the Lapton Lunch Bento Set.
• Banana Paper: 100% Post-Consumer content with four content variations: Banana, Coffee, Lemon and Mango fiber content. $8.99
• Colored Pencil Set: 100% environmentally friendly, made from recycled newspaper using patented ‘Rolled On’ method, water resistant and last 2-3 times longer than ordinary wood pencils. $9.16
• Wildlife Folders: Made of recycled newspaper and cardboard, and available in 5 different designs. $2.44

• Of the Earth Street Purse: Sling Of the Earth’s Street Purse over your shoulder and head out for the day with all your essentials. The canvas material is durable on the outside, while the hemp organic cotton blend shows how inside you care. Top zip access is convenient and safe on crowded city streets. Tons of external pockets make it easy to store your cell phone where you can grab it with less hassle. $35.96 – and it comes in assorted colors.
• Arc’teryx Rho Lightweight Beanie: The Rho LTW Beanie provides old-wool performance with new-wool comfort. Warm, soft, itch-free merino wool makes the Beanie a great choice for everything from skiing to just being outside. This Arc’teryx beanie blocks the wind better than a fleece hat, and it’s far more comfortable than traditional wool. $29.95, red or beige.

• Earth Write Pencil: The Earth-friendly pencil casing, made from recycled newspaper. $0.99
• SpineVue Locking Round Ring Binder: Made of 45% recycled content, includes pockets and front and back cover insert. $5.54

• Scoopneck Zip Hoody: A hoody made of natural, breathable Bamboo Cotton Lycra French Terry grown without pesticides or fertilizers, the hoody has a super-soft, cashmere-like feel and a totally hip design. $65.95
• Men’s Hawk Tee: Each t-shirt is made in an African eco-factory of 100% soft organic cotton jersey. $42.95

• I Path: Men’s Cat Vulc Loafers, eco-friendly hemp or printed fabric upper in a casual skate chukka style with a round, stitched moc toe. Two eyelet lacing, side vents, I Path logo detail and stitching accents. $69.99

This brief overview is just that – a quick look at a couple of retailers with a wide variety of green supplies, clothing and accessories. Other retailers to check into are Apple, Dell, HP, Staples, Office Depot and National Geographic to name but a few.