How to reduce plastic waste (and save money!): Back to School Edition
Back to School Part 1
Here’s what you don’t need. Stuff.
- Annual new backpack/lunchbox complete with new trendy waterbottle du jour
- 5000 ziplocs
- Costco size of all the individual snack packs
- A brand new ‘back to school wardrobe’
- A huge Target run to get all the new things from the supply list
Here’s the thing….last year, aka the stuff that was brought home a mere two months ago, is fine. Hopefully you washed it. If you didn’t, now is a great time. Does it need a little extra love? Give it a good oxygen brightener soak and a little sunshine. Same with the lunch box.
Now, we did upgrade our lunch boxes this past spring, because yes, it's OKAY to buy new things! I get that my soon to be 5th grader didn’t want the rocketship lunch box he’s had since preschool anymore. (Bonus, we tried a few for the store). What am I looking for when I buy new things? Ideally they are produced ethically (companies that paying all their workers a living wage and working in safe conditions), utilize zero to low waste practices, using materials that are recycled and/or earth friendly. We tried these Fluf Lunch Boxes, and needless to say, we have these adorable ones in the shop right now. More on lunch in part ii….
*ideally* because sometimes we can’t hit all the marks, and sometimes we can, it’s just not affordable
The Supply List. First….GET THE FRICKEN SUPPLY LIST. Ask the teachers what they want and need. (As a former teacher who has spent all the money on all the things….and if you live an area where teachers have everything they need and more..and you have a little extra, donate some of that to. Locally a great organization is School on Wheels.) Do you still have some of the expo markers from that 5 pack you bought last year? Done. We went through the crayon stash my son brought home, recycled the gross ones (yes, we recycle crayons here! But if you are not local you can too with the National Crayon Recycling Program. Bc yeah, they are petroleum). Do my kids' supplies look perfectly normal? Yes. SOME OF THEM CAME HOME TWO MONTHS AGO. They are fine. Oh and yes, I’m saving you money.
My older kids require composition books. I was super excited that this year the list said ”if you have good ones that aren’t filled, those are fine.” We retired some that were full/almost full/beyond usability and bought a few new ones. All this? Saves us money and waste.
Pencils. Already saved a few dollars from not buying a brand new box of colored pencils? Don’t buy the crappy ones. Seriously. Get the Ticonderoga pencils. I’m pretty sure I’ve tried at least 15 brands of "eco pencils." These envirosticks (formerly known as Renew) ones are the best. Why? They last longer, they don’t break every five seconds, and they are more sustainably produced. We used to carry these, but alas, are unable to source them anymore. Plus, that yellow school paint on most brands, yeah it has plastic it in. And if you have been around a little while, please please please don’t get those ‘fun’ pencils. I promise, the kids will survive without them. Not only are they encased in a plastic sheath, but they RUIN your teacher’s prized pencil sharpener. Okay and if you have an older kid, or an art kid, or a fancy kid, (or yourself!!) We just stock Blackwing Pencils which are beautiful!
Other tips? Skip the plastic Five Star Notebook, get the paper folders instead of the plastic ones, opt for a less flimsy material for one that will hold up longer, look for products made with “recycled paper” or “PCR” materials and are certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative.
If you recycle your office supplies (seriously they take so much) at Staples you get great rewards back! (I just used my $8 coupon on said new supplies from recycling spring dead markets)
Friends, we are not asking for zero waste perfection, we are just asking for reframing things and adding in a few more sustainable habits AND sticking it to the marketing that seems to tell you that you need all things new every school year. You don’t need another back to school tee for one day…just get the reusable pennant or chalk board if that's your thing.
Stay tuned for part ii....lunch (and yes, it's not just for back to school).