Already school is back in session. Whether they’re in person or online, kids are looking to buy supplies for the year. Here are some of our tips to make sure you’re shopping eco-friendly.
Be mindful about your purchases : We talked a little bit about buying less in our last post when it came to clothes. The same idea can apply to school supplies. Do you have a couple of notebooks that have only a few pages filled in? Are your binders still functional? Then reuse! Looking at what you can use again for the school year is a lot more eco friendly and saves money!
Buy eco-friendly school supplies : When you can’t reuse a backpack or notebook, try to purchase supplies from sustainable materials. Patagonia, Ecology, and Onyx & Green are great brands to start with.
Buy used textbooks : Like #1, this option is much cheaper than buying brand new textbooks. It’s also the more sustainable choice! When you’re buying used textbooks, you’re reducing the amount of books being created and the amount of trees being cut down.
Reduce waste where you can : There are many ways to do this inside and out of the classroom. Consider packing lunch to avoid wasting food and use reusable utensils to reduce plastic consumption. Use notebooks all the way through. Print on both sides of the paper when possible.
Advocate for change : Does your school have a recycling or compost program? Are the lights turned off when no one is using a room? Is the school building running off of green energy? If not, consider finding a way to change the situation. By talking to the student council or the school board, you’re making your voice heard. It’s also a great project idea if you have a green club!