Just like that, the holidays are nearly over and the new school year is about to begin. There can be a lot to think about and organise for each child that is going back to school so we’ve put together our top 7 eco friendly back to school tips to help you keep the process sustainable and eco friendly with minimal waste!!
1. Do a Stationery Stock Take
Get the school stationery lists from the school website or office. Instead of buying a whole new set every year, go through your cupboards and see what you already have that can be used. You’d be surprised at the number of glue sticks and sharpies that can accumulate….!!
2. Use Books Until they are Full
Our children often come home at the end of a year with exercise books that have at least half of the pages still blank. Instead of automatically buying a new book, just draw a line under the last piece of work and write the new school year, room and teacher underneath. You can buy a new book if and when it’s needed.
3. Mend Uniform
Buying a whole new set of uniforms is expensive. See if your school has a second hand shop or trade with friends who might have older children with uniform going spare. If you have uniform that’s looking past it’s best, think about doing a bit of sewing, mending those holes or patching thinning ‘bum’ areas!! This could save you lots of money.
4. Get set up for Litterless Lunches
Litterless lunches means avoiding anything disposable in the lunchboxes. For example, snack wrappers, crisp packets, yogurt pots, pouches etc. If your lunch box is regularly filled with packets, try changing out just one item with something unpackaged. Maybe give your child a few crackers instead of an individual packet of crisps..?? Buying in bulk and then portioning out snacks each day is much cheaper and saves all that packaging. Home baking is also a great litter free option.
For the main event, try to avoid disposable single use plastic wrap. There are lots of better alternatives including beeswax food wraps, reusable sandwich bags and snack packs from Kai Carrier and cute lunch baggies from MUNCH NZ.
5. Choose Hard Wearing, BPA Free Lunchboxes and Water Bottles
A good quality lunch box and water bottle that is free from BPA or harmful chemicals that can leach into your food and drink is a great investment. Stainless steel is a good option and Meals in Steel have a selection of sizes to choose from. Alternatively, a hard wearing and insulated lunch bag is a great option – especially for summer. Munch do an excellent one, but don’t take our word for it. View the full range of lunchboxes, bags and water bottles over on the marketplace.
6. Use the School Walking Bus or Get on Your Bike
Green up your child’s commute and get involved in the school walking bus or teach them how to cycle safely to school. This is a great way to cut down on using your car, especially if the journey is short. It’s great exercise for your kids and you too if you join them….!!!
7. Use a Natural Sunscreen
It’s important to keep your child safe when they’re in the sun at playtime. This is especially important during terms one and four. Most schools offer lots of shaded areas but not all play areas can be in the shade. If they like playing on the field or going for a swim it’s important that they have sunscreen applied thoroughly. Try a natural sunscreen that is based on a mineral like zinc oxide and choose one that doesn’t contain artificial fragrances, parabens or Vitamin A.
Whether you follow one or all of our eco friendly back to school tips, you’ll be doing yourself, your wallet and the planet a big favour. What’s not to love…??!!
