Forget cliques and cooties — jocks, goths, teacher’s pets, and slackers all share the same planet. And, gross as it may seem to the mean girls, that means breathing the same air and drinking the same water. So, as summer winds down and back-to-school shopping ramps up, why not think about the environmentally friendly choices you can make with your money that will benefit all students everywhere — from the overachievers to the cheerleaders to every group in-between? Whether you’re ready to seek out mindful, waste-free supplies or considering green-minded options for updating wardrobes, read on for the easiest, most effective ways to support sustainable back-to-school shopping in 2024.
Sustainable School Supplies
Whether it’s pencils, pens, or digital ink tablets, parents will be out in force the next several weeks ensuring their kids are stocked up with the latest in supplies. Here’s what to consider when you’re looking for eco-friendly school supplies.
Reusable Notebooks
Purchasing a reusable notebook is one of the best ways to embrace sustainable school supplies. Many digital notebooks offer the ability to write and erase like a regular notebook while being connected to the Cloud, meaning, you can upload pages of notes with the touch of a button. This option is perfect for students who take a lot of notes and want to keep everything organized digitally. Plus, one digital notebook can replace more than 100 traditional ones, making for a tree-friendly alternative to paper.
Recycled Paper Products
When reusable options aren’t convenient, we recommend choosing products made from recycled materials. Look for notebooks, paper, and binders made from post-consumer waste. You will see them labeled as such on the packaging. You can buy everything from spiral notebooks to books made from recycled paper.
Eco-Friendly Writing Utensils
One of the most important things to look for when shopping for green school supplies is reusability. Refillable for recycled pens, pencils, and highlighters are an easy choice. Brands like Pilot’s B2P (Bottle to Pen) series and refillable pens from Pen Place or Lamy offer great alternatives to disposable pens.
Sustainable Backpacks and Lunch Gear
Beyond basic school supplies, here are a few accessories your student might need for the upcoming school year. However, keep in mind that one of the most sustainable approaches is to reuse, reuse, reuse. That means if last year’s backpack is in mint condition, don’t feel inclined to replace it with a brand new one this fall.
Eco-Friendly Backpacks
When you’re in the market for a new school bag for your child, you’ll want to select backpacks made from sustainable materials such as organic cotton, recycled polyester, or hemp — all of which have a much lower impact compared to synthetics like acrylic and new polyester. Brands including Patagonia and EcoGear offer durable and stylish options.
Alternatively, consider secondhand alternatives by stopping by your local thrift stores or checking online websites like Ebay and Poshmark.
Reusable Lunch Containers
Swap single-use plastic bags for reusable lunch containers made from stainless steel or BPA-free plastic. Brands like LunchBots and Bentgo provide eco-friendly lunch solutions that keep food fresh and organized. Bonus points if you pair the lunchbox with a reusable cutlery set, as many schools use single-use plastic eating utensils instead of metal.
Water Bottles
Every student needs a good water bottle to use throughout the school day, helping to encourage hydration and healthy habits from a young age. Stainless steel bottles from brands like Hydro Flask or Klean Kanteen are durable and help reduce plastic waste. However, any reusable option will do the trick and thrift stores have plenty of these tumblers and bottles.
Sustainable Clothing
Growing children mean ever-changing wardrobes — never mind their own desire to stay stylish and updated among their peers. Follow these recommendations to find eco-conscious clothing ideal for the coming school year.
Second-Hand Shopping
Your local thrift store is a haven for back-to-school shopping, offering a plethora of gently used clothing and stylish finds for a fraction of the price. Besides thrift stores, online resale platforms like ThredUp, Ebay, and Poshmark offer gently used clothing with search engines that make it easy to find what you’re looking for.
Above all, buying second-hand reduces the demand for new production and minimizes clothes waste — which is one of the most damaging industries to our planet’s health.
Eco-Friendly Brands
When buying new this back-to-school season, seek out brands that prioritize sustainability and transparency in their practices. This means choosing clothing made from organic cotton, fully recycled materials, or sustainably sourced fibers. Brands like Pact, Patagonia, and Everlane are known for their eco-friendly practices and can be excellent choices for the school season.
If you haven’t already, think about switching from an ordinary laundry detergent to an eco-friendly alternative when washing school clothes. At SaltyLama, our plant-based laundry detergent sheets are hypoallergenic and ideal for washing clothes and fabrics for the whole family. Plus, our zero-plastics packaging is biodegradable and compostable.
Quality Over Quantity
Skip out on cheap online brands like Temu and Shein. Instead, invest in high-quality, durable clothing that lasts longer. Besides, these items will be easier to resell once your child grows out of them. Choosing quality will also help reduce the need for frequent replacements and encourage your child to maintain a smaller, capsule-style wardrobe with versatile pieces.
Tech and Gadgets
As more school districts adopt technology, you might find yourself shopping for items like tablets and laptops. Read on to save money and help the planet in the process.
Refurbished Electronics
Instead of buying brand new items, consider purchasing refurbished laptops, tablets, or phones from reputable sources online or in person. These products are often just as good as new ones and come with warranties just as a new product would. Companies like Apple, Amazon, and Best Buy offer certified refurbished options at great rates.
Hand-Me-Down Alternatives
One of the simplest ways to find tablets and school electronics is to ask around in your local community or family. Whether you have an older child who has a laptop they no longer use, or a close neighbor has a used tablet for sale, take advantage of affordable and eco-friendly alternatives when they present themselves. And when it comes to keeping things green electronically, see our guide to managing electronic waste.
It’s easy to become overwhelmed during back-to-school shopping season — but neither you nor the planet should despair. You don’t have to compromise on sustainability. A few thoughtful choices can ensure your back-to-school preparations are eco-friendly while keeping your child confident and ready for the new year. Embrace these sustainable solutions to create a greener world for future generations. Pencils down!