The Ultimate Back to School Shopping Guide: How to Shop Smart & Sustainably
Back-to-school is nearly here, and it is time to gear up. This year, we’ll be looking to go green and make thoughtful shopping decisions that are good for our kids and the environment. After all, back-to-school shopping is one way that we invest in our kids’ future, and taking steps to reduce our environmental footprint is also a meaningful way to invest in their future as the actions we take today will help to shape the planet that our kids inherit.
Here are our top tips for shopping sustainably this back-to-school season:
- Start with what you already have at home.
Chances are you already have lots of clothing and school gear that have plenty of life left in them. So, before you rush out to buy all new things, take a good look around the house and work out what can be repurposed for the new school year. Not only is doing so an easy way to reduce your environmental footprint, but it can also help you to save money.
- Stock up on secondhand clothing and gear.
Shopping secondhand for kids is a great way to reduce your environmental footprint, all while getting high-quality children’s clothing for significantly less money than it would cost if purchased new. Kids grow so quickly, so many of the items that you’d find in a secondhand children’s shop are still in excellent condition. Oftentimes, you can even find items that still have the tags on them because they were never even worn.
Ready to start shopping secondhand? Check out Bounce Mkt’s curated collection of pre-loved children’s clothing.
And secondhand shopping doesn’t need to be limited to clothing and shoes; online marketplaces are a great place to find other kinds of gently used school gear from desks to backpacks to books.
- Choose eco-friendly products and brands.
For the items that you must buy new, consider products that are eco-friendly alternatives. For instance, buy a notebook that is made from recycled paper over one that isn’t, and opt for reusable lunch bags and silicone food containers (we love Stasher!) over single-use plastic bags.
It is also a great time to support eco-conscious brands that have taken steps to reduce the environmental impact of their manufacturing processes. However, do watch out for greenwashing in which companies say they’re environmentally friendly without producing products that are. The best way to ensure you’re purchasing from an environmentally responsible company is to look for certifications from third parties that evaluate companies’ environmental efforts, such as Fair Trade and B Corp. We also love Good On You for finding fashion brands that have demonstrated a commitment to the environment.
- Invest in high-quality pieces that will last.
While some back-to-school products have an inherently short life, there are some products that are well-suited to be used year after year. For example, durable, high-quality jackets can easily be passed from one sibling to the next. Well-made backpacks and lunchboxes can last years and do not need to be replaced annually.
Final Thought: As we think about our children’s futures, we’re eager to equip them with all that they need to succeed in school and do what we can to make the world a better place for them. Shopping sustainably this back-to-school season is an easy way to do both. Sure, one biodegradable pencil isn’t going to change the world, but many small acts can add up to create big impact.