Green Your School Year

10 TIPS FOR A MORE SUSTAINABLE BACK-TO-SCHOOL

Back-to-school season often means new supplies, new clothes, and a whirlwind of purchases—but it doesn’t have to mean more waste. With a few thoughtful choices, you can set up students for success and help the planet thrive. Here are 10 easy tips for a greener, more sustainable school year.

1. Reuse Before You Buy

Before hitting the store, check last year’s supplies. That half-full notebook or gently used binder can easily make it through another term.

2. Choose Recycled or Sustainable Materials

When you do buy new, opt for recycled paper, refillable pens, and bamboo rulers. These small swaps save resources and reduce landfill waste.

3. Go Digital Where Possible

Use apps for notes, assignments, and calendars to cut down on paper use. Just remember to back up your work!

4. Buy Second-Hand Clothing

Kids grow fast, but fashion can be timeless. Thrift shops, consignment stores, and clothing swaps are budgetfriendly and planet-friendly.

5. Invest in a Reusable Water Bottle

Skip single-use plastic bottles. A durable, BPA-free bottle will last for years and keep drinks cold or hot all day.

6. Pack a Waste-Free Lunch

Use reusable containers, cloth napkins, and stainless steel cutlery. Bonus: it saves money over disposable products in the long run.

7. Walk, Bike, or Carpool

Reducing car trips cuts emissions and eases school traffic. Plus, walking or biking adds daily exercise.

8. Support Local & Eco-Conscious Brands

School supplies from local businesses or eco-friendly companies often have a smaller environmental footprint than mass-produced imports.

9. Teach & Lead by Example

Sustainability is contagious. Encourage children to understand why these choices matter so they carry them forward.

10. Start a School Green Team

If your school doesn’t have one, suggest it! Student-led initiatives can inspire recycling drives, garden projects, and waste-reduction campaigns.

A sustainable back-to-school isn’t about doing everything perfectly—it’s about making better choices where you can. With these tips, you’ll be helping the planet, saving money, and showing the next generation that caring for the Earth is always in style.

Enjoy your Back-to-School —greener and more conscious!

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Submitted by Gerard Dusastre