the buzz log

Are there three words more dreaded and charged in the history of childhood summers than “back to school”? Just as the hot, glorious months begin to seem like they could stretch on forever, those three blunt sounds bring it all crashing to a close.

This year, the trio of words is scaring the grown-ups, as well. In articles climbing the Buzz charts, we read of retailers “terrified” of slumping fall sales and parents doing their best to “scrimp” for bargains in the face of daunting gas and food costs.

However, it doesn’t have to be that way. A number of blogs have risen to the challenge of helping folks find deals before the school buses roll onto the roads. “Get it for less,” cries Savvy Sugar. “Cut your back-to-school shopping bill in half,” declares Shine. Thinking specifically of college kids, NextStudent offers tips for “surviving the economy.”

The green-oriented sites have taken a particular interest in reducing back-to-school costs—and consumption. Pushing the local swap meet, Craft Magazine encourages readying for classes in “green, DIY style,” while Sustainablog.org calls for an end to the “madness”: “It’s time to curb the stuff.”

Curbing the stuff may help with the adults' concerns, but woe to the not-yet-graduated set. None of this will delay the time before homework starts accumulating in lockers and teachers begin checking attendance. Enjoy your summer while you can, kids.