Summer slipping into fall brings the excitement of a new school year in many parts of the world. Whether you or the child in your life is entering Kindergarten or college, this time is one of anticipation, of hope, and of eagerness at the start of something new.
At M.E. Society, we recently completed our graduate program together! We are privileged to have had access to higher education, and we picked up some tips for doing Back-to-School sustainably over the years.
1. Shop Secondhand
First and foremost, we support shopping secondhand for back-to-school clothes and supplies alike! We love using apps like ThredUp and
to give old clothes new life, and good old fashioned thrifting in-person as well. We always recommend shopping secondhand and/or local whenever possible. You’d be surprised how many great finds are waiting to be uncovered, and you know what they say about one man’s trash.
For textbooks, we highly recommend textbook rental services like Chegg. Not only can you typically find textbooks in great condition for great prices, but with the option to rent your books rather than buying, you can reduce your consumption overall. Which leads us to our next suggestion…
2. Borrow, Don’t Buy
If you have the option to rent or borrow school supplies, take advantage. Not only is it more cost friendly than buying, but sharing resources rather than individual ownership can be very effective in reducing waste.
3. Purchase Recycled and/or Biodegradable Products
Some school supply lists have strict requirements, but where there is leniency, seek out products made of recycled materials, or ones that will break down easily. For example, traditional (non-mechanical) pencils are typically better than pens as they are primarily made of wood rather than plastic. Buying notebooks made of recycled paper may sometimes be a bit more expensive than their non-recycled counterparts, but if you have the means, this conscious consumption also helps give old products new life.
4. Choose Non-Toxic Supplies
Vinyl (PVC) products contain chemical additives like phthalates which are linked to physical and developmental disorders. While the United States Congress banned the use of phthalates in children’s toys, they are still used in school supplies like lunch boxes, backpacks and binders. Actively seek out products made from sustainable materials, like canvas, instead. Not only will you avoid potentially toxic chemicals, but typically these products last longer too!
5. Be Green On Your Commute
If possible, seek out opportunities for carpooling, riding the bus, or even walking to school! These transportation methods reduce individual carbon footprints and can be great opportunities for building friendships as well.
6. Make School Lunch Sustainable!
Invest in a reusable water bottle, pack lunches, and use eco-friendly containers when doing so. The average American wastes approximately 5 lbs of trash every day. Help reduce this this amount by utilizing reusable containers for food and drink at school, and prepare healthy, eco-friendly lunches at home rather than relying on takeout or excessively processed frozen foods.
We recognize that sometimes, a more sustainable lifestyle is not as affordable, and therefore may not be equally attainable for everyone. It is important that we do what we can with what we have. Preparing food at home and buying second hand supplies can be more cost-effective ways to practice sustainability in your back-to-school endeavors. Find the sustainability practices that work best for you, your budget and your schedule, and remember to actively participate in the system by donating your pre-loved supplies, offering to participate in ridesharing, and educating your family members on the importance of practicing sustainability. Education is an important driver of action, and making an effort to explain why it’s important that we practice sustainability can influence others to take or continue to take effective action as well.
Do you have any recommendations? We’d love to hear from you! Contact Us with your own sustainability tips and practices.
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