In this post, we are going to be looking at 7 eco-friendly tips for sustainable back-to-school shopping.
The excitement of back-to-school shopping begins as early as late May. These days we tend not to wait a few weeks before school starts. There’s also that fear of not finding all the items your child needs especially when it comes to looking for winter boots and snow jackets for your kids!
Sometimes it seems parents are even more excited to start buying new items for their kids and it is not surprising how we can get carried away buying so many things for kids and in some cases things they don’t really need!
It is crucial to consider the environmental impact of our choices when we are out and about shopping for back to school items. Adopting eco friendly practices while preparing for the school year teaches our children the importance of reusing products where possible and buying only items they need.
Eco friendly practices also help reduce our carbon footprint. In this blog post, we will explore 7 ecofriendly tips to make your back-to-school shopping both planet-friendly and meaningful.
7 Eco-Friendly Tips for Sustainable Back-to-School Shopping
1. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity
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Quality products would last longer; so when shopping for school supplies, opting for fewer high-quality products that would help reduce waste over time is the way to go! It may be tempting to go for quantity especially when they are on sale, but try not to go down that route.
Invest in durable items like lunchboxes, backpacks, and stationery made from environmentally-friendly materials that withstand wear and tear over time. Avoid contributing to the amount of waste that ends up in landfills by considering items with longer lifespan or warranties.
2. Eco-Friendly School Supplies
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It is important to avoid plastic as much as possible and choose products manufactured from recycled paper, or other sustainable sources.
Opt for school supplies such as pencils, notebooks, and binders made from sustainable or recycled materials. When you support eco-conscious brands, you encourage the market to produce more sustainable options.
3. Second-Hand Shopping
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Consider second-hand options for items like backpacks and clothing. You can save money and reduce the need to buy new when you shop thrift stores, and community exchanges.
This will help save resources and minimize the demand for new products. Second-hand shopping is low-cost, and also contributes to circular economy.
4. Pack a Waste-Free Lunch
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One easy way to reduce the use of single use plastics is by ensuring you have reusable containers at home at all times. This also encourages healthier eating habits.
Opt for reusable water bottles, lunch containers, and utensils made from materials like glass, stainless steel, or BPA-free plastics. Say no to disposable sandwich wrappers and opt for sustainable wrappers like beeswax wraps or silicone food pouches.
5. Choose Sustainable Clothing
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Before you go shopping, look at what you already have at home. Audit the clothes you have first, that way you know if you really need to buy more. If you have more than one child, you may discover that you do not need to buy clothes for the younger ones so starting from there is very crucial.
When shopping for clothing, opt for clothes that can be mixed and matched; this way you reduce the need for making clothing purchases frequently. A great way to save money and reduce waste is also by organizing clothing swaps with those in your community; look for pieces made from sustainable, or upcycled materials.
6. Teach Kids How To Care
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The goal is to ensure that the clothes, backpacks and supplies last long; the only way these would last is when kids are taught how to take good care of themselves and their things.
7. Carpool, Walk, or Bike
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When picking up and dropping off kids at school and after-school, you might want to consider forming a carpool with other families to reduce your carbon footprint. Also depending on the age of your kids, encourage them to ride their bike or walk home if not too far from the school.
The Bottom Line
Transitioning to sustainable back-to-school shopping is a positive step toward a greener future. By implementing these 7 eco-friendly tips for sustainable back-to-school shopping, you not only contribute to reducing waste and plastic pollution but also set a great example for your children, teaching them how to manage resources.
Let’s prioritize environmentally conscious choices that make a positive impact on planet earth this new school year.
What other tips do you have for making the school year eco-friendly? Does your child’s school have an efficient recycling and waste management system?
Featured Image by DWilliam, Pixabay
