Back To School – 6 Ways To Keep It Eco-Friendly

Back To School Season Often Means Buying Stuff. It Doesn’t Have To.

 

kids back to school

I remember going back to school as a bit of a nightmare, with busy shops and grumpy parents.

But it doesn’t have to be!

Here are 6 tips that will help you get organised and avoid the panic. And of course, they’ll make the school year more green and eco-friendly too!

non toxic lie

Back to School Supplies and Stationery

Isn’t it funny how kids seem to want to have everything new and shiny at the start of a new term, but half way through, any pencil will do?

You can take advantage of that and go green too.

back to school suppliesFirst, take a look at what you already have. Check that tote or backpack of pushed-aside pencils and pens. Re-sharpen the crayons and colored pencils. Can old markers and pens still be used? Re-use old rulers. Do you have a compass and protractor that your older child no longer needs? You can give it to the younger kids. Finish filling up notebooks from last year when applicable, and make a few book covers. Now you can cross things off your “must buy” list.

For items you don’t have and need to buy, buy better quality items that will last.  Durable backpacks and totes and binders are better for the environment as they don’t need to be replaced frequently. Try to avoid buying themed items (e.g. Superman, Disney) as your child won’t always be keen on them. Try to avoid plastic items (I know, it’s difficult!), and look for refillable and recyclable items that are made from recycled materials.

Reduce Your Paperwork

green internet reply to allMake sure your email address is correct at your child’s school. Sign up for electronic classroom updates if possible. Add your child’s teachers and administrators to your Contacts. With any papers that do come, be sure to reuse or recycle them after they are no longer needed.

Back To School Clothes

Clothes don’t have to be new to be cool or trendy – visit your local thrift or charity shop to see what’s available. Hold a swap party – clean out the closet or wardrobe before school begins. Everyone brings their no-longer-wanted clothes and accessories to the party and finds some new items they love.

Getting There and Back

Walking and cycling are the best way of getting to and from school, from an environmental point of view. Older kids can trek off on their own or with a group of friends; you might want to go with younger kids (and get some exercise at the same time).

If those aren’t possible where you live, use public transport, which is always more eco-friendly than a car. If driving is your only option, set up a carpool to minimize the number of cars going to the same place. And switch off the engine while you wait at the bus stop or school.

Back To School Meal Planning

Planning is hugely important to avoid last-minute panics and poor eating choices.

  • Re-package bulk items ahead of time.
  • Make a meal plan to minimize the morning hassle and simplify the grocery shopping.
  • Map out two weeks of lunches, and repeat the schedule so the same lunch doesn’t repeat too often.
  • Make lunchbox-friendly meals and snacks in advance.
  • Freeze items for easy grab-and-go snacks and breakfasts.
  • Ban single-use water bottles and individual packaging from the lunch box.
  • Use stainless steel or glass containers instead of plastic bags.

Sports and Activities

Extra-curricular activities may need new equipment, so look for secondhand items or borrow from friends. When it comes to fundraising, send flyers electronically, and seek out services the team can offer instead of products to sell.

Carpool for practices, games and competitions, and put all those activities into your meal planning calendar to avoid the dinner hassle. On activity nights, plan ahead for a slow cooker meal or leftovers instead of relying on fast food or pre-packaged dinners.

Conclusion

It’s all about planning and organizing. Save yourself time and hassle (and poor choices) by having things mapped out and planned for. Here’s to a successful and sustainable year ahead!

In everyday life you are surrounded by products with dangerous toxic ingredients (you’ll be shocked at where they hide!). But you CAN avoid them – when you know how. Find out how to protect your family and keep them safe now.

 

 

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What do you think? Any more back to school ideas?  Let me know in the comments below.

Warm regards,

signature Clare

 

 

 

P.S.  Want to live a simpler, more green and ecofriendly life? (It’s been shown to increase happiness!). You can download your FREE green living handbook “Live Well, Live Green” here. Get it now!


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back to school, be green back to school, eco-friendly back to school ideas, going back to school


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