5 WAYS TO GREEN UP YOUR BACK TO SCHOOL

In Family, Green Living, by Angela SantoroLeave a Comment

Top 5 Ways to Go Green with Back to School Shopping

We all wish summer could last forever, but soon the lazy days will give way to tight schedules of back to school. And that means it’s time to start thinking about school supplies for the new year.

We have pulled together some great ideas on how you can take some small steps that have a big impact on being more eco-friendly this school year. These are some of our favourites for Metro Vancouver families:

green back to school
Litterless Lunches

What we love about this:
No surprise that we love litterless lunch kits whether they are bento style or more traditional. Not only are you eliminating the need for hundreds of plastic bags but you are opening up the possibility for more varied and interesting lunch options. Check out our amazing list of back to school snacks ideas.

Some of our favourites:
3 sprouts , Systema, BentgoGo Green, Yumbox

green back to school
Recycled Backpacks

What we love about this:
We are not talking hand-me-downs from and older brother here ( although we do like to reuse within the family when ever possible) . We mean new back packs made with recycled materials.

Our FavouritesEcogear

green back to school
Innovative Supplies

What we love about this:
The world of school supplies is showing it’s ingenuity when it comes to replacing paper and plastic. Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants and is being used in place of plastic, biodegradable corn plastics are becoming more common and now there is even water resistance stone paper. “What? It that even a thing?” … it is! The pages in the notebook are tree free! And it will stay dry through the wet winter months which is a great way to cut down on waste.

Our Favourites:
Onyx & Green from London Drugs, The Ultimate Green Store , EcoPaper

green back to school
Consignment Clothing

What we love about this:
As parents we know that they are some items that your kids hang on to until they are thread bare or full of holes. But there are even more that they wore a handful of times and then grew out of. Consignment stores are a great place to find nearly new stylish outfits for your kids without adding to the land fill. Clothing is a huge part of yearly waste.

Our Favourites:
Once Upon A ChildMacGillycuddy’s Children’s Consignment

green back to school
Labels on Everything

What we love about this:
Hands down the easiest way to reduce your back to school waste and to keep your sanity is to make sure all the items you buy come home from school. Labeling everything… and we mean EVERYTHING. will save you money and many grey hairs!

Our Favourites:
Mabel’s LabelsEmily Press Reusable Labels

green back to school
Other ideas! 

Check out our Eco Friendly Pinterest board for tons of  amazing ideas to make back to school fun & green! Let us know in the comments your favourite eco-friendly back to school items!

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