6 Eco Friendly Tips for Back to School Shopping
Photo by Hayley Maxwell
As we get set for another school year, let's remember to think about how our buying habits impact the environment. School items made of single-use plastic or packaged in plastic eventually end up in landfills or find their way into our ocean. Thankfully, there are many eco-friendly and zero-waste options available! Let's explore some tips and options to make our back-to-school shopping more ocean-friendly.
Products from Recycled Paper and Sustainable Materials:
Look for notebooks, sticky notes and other stationary items made from recycled paper. For example, check out Staples’ Sustainable Office Supplies section, with a minimum 40% recycled material. Brands like Onyx and Green offer a wide range of recycled paper, bamboo and bioplastic products, from journals, backpacks to art supplies. Pencils made from old newspaper are not only eco-friendly, but also add a unique touch to your collection.
Refillable Options:
Try refillable pens, white-out pens, and tape dispensers to reduce waste. Refillable options not only save you money in the long run but also help reduce single-use plastic waste.
Second-Hand Supplies:
Before heading to the store, check out local buy-nothing groups, thrift stores, or online marketplaces for second-hand school supplies. Not only will you save money, but you'll also give these items a new life instead of contributing to more waste.
Durable and Reusable Alternatives:
Consider metal binders, wooden rulers, and stainless steel water bottles that will last you for years. Reusable lunch containers made from glass or stainless steel are better for the environment and keep your food fresh and delicious! For those looking for a unique and interesting item, Rocketbook is a reusable notebook that works with a special pen. Pages can be wiped clean after scanning and saving your notes to the cloud.
Digital Note-Taking:
Apps, touchscreen laptops and tablets reduce paper waste while making your notes more searchable and organized. Consider using e-books and digital resources to reduce the need for physical copies.
Proper Disposal of Used Stationery:
Did you know that Staples accepts used pens and other writing instruments for recycling? Check out your local office supply stores for innovative recycling solutions that divert these everyday items from our landfills and ocean.
Remember, the goal is to reduce waste as much as possible, not to achieve perfection. You can greatly reduce your environmental impact without giving up quality or style! Together, let's make this school year a little greener and a lot more sustainable!
Photo by Micheile Henderson
We've got plenty more eco-friendly tips and tricks to help you cut down on plastic use while preparing for the school year. Stay connected by subscribing to Sea Smart’s newsletter and joining us on social media for more helpful insights!
Written by Minh H Pham
