Make a smarter, greener start to the school year.
As the back-to-school season kicks off, it’s the perfect time to make more intentional choices—not just about what goes into your kids’ backpacks, but also how your family approaches everyday routines. Whether you’re shopping for supplies or packing lunches, small changes can add up to a big difference for the planet.
Here are our favorite sustainable back-to-school tips and products—plus a few fun DIY projects to make the season more creative, affordable, and earth-friendly.
1. Reuse What You Already Have
Before buying anything new, take a moment to check last year’s supplies. That half-used notebook? Still good. The backpack? Probably only needs a gentle wash or a stylish patch. Reusing what you have is always the most sustainable option.
Quick tip: Host a mini "supply scavenger hunt" with your kids—make it fun and educational!
2. Choose Reusables Over Disposables
Avoid the back-to-school aisle full of single-use plastics. Instead, opt for long-lasting, eco-friendly alternatives like:
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Reusable Water Bottles – stainless steel or BPA-free options last for years.
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Lunchboxes & Snack Containers – skip the plastic baggies and use silicone or stainless steel containers.
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Vegan Wraps – great for sandwiches or snacks instead of cling wrap.
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Reusable Lunch Cutlery – easy to carry and endlessly reusable.
3. Shop Ethically for Backpacks and Gear
Look for school supplies made with recycled or natural materials—and check whether the brands are transparent about their sourcing. Some backpacks and pencil cases are made from upcycled plastic bottles or organic cotton. Check your local consignment or thrift shop for gently used first- you never know what gems you may find (vintage is cool right?)
Pro tip: Buy fewer, better-quality items that can be used for multiple years.
4. DIY Projects to Try Together
Looking for creative ways to make back-to-school prep more sustainable and fun? Try these easy, low-waste DIY projects:
Repurposed Fiber Pencil Case
Give old jeans, tote bags, or leftover fabric new life.
You’ll need:
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Fabric scraps (denim, canvas, cotton)
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Zipper
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Scissors, needle & thread or sewing machine
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Optional liner
Steps: Cut, sew zipper, stitch the edges, flip, and done! Let your child decorate it with patches or eco-themed embroidery.
Cereal Box Notebook Covers
Turn empty cereal boxes into colorful, sturdy notebook covers.
You’ll need:
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Empty cereal box
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Scissors and glue or double-sided tape
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Hole punch
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Paper for the inside
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Binder rings or ribbon
Steps: Cut to size, fold in half, punch holes, and bind your pages. Let your kids personalize it with stickers or stamps!
DIY Crayon Recycle Molds
Got a drawer full of broken crayons? Melt them down into fun new shapes.
You’ll need:
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Broken crayons (paper peeled off)
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Silicone baking mold
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Oven
Steps: Preheat to 250°F, break crayons into small bits, fill molds, and bake for 10–15 minutes. Cool completely, then pop them out!
✅ Great for motor skills
✅ Reduces waste
✅ Fun for all ages!
5. Shop Secondhand Clothes + Books
Thrifting back-to-school clothes for your kids is a fun and impactful way to help the planet. By choosing secondhand over brand-new, you’re giving clothes a second life and keeping them out of landfills, all while reducing the demand for resource-heavy fast fashion. It’s a small shift that adds up—less waste, less water usage, and fewer carbon emissions. Plus, let’s be real—vintage is cool again. Thrifting lets your kids show off their unique style while learning that sustainability matters.
The same goes for their books and textbooks—buying them used saves paper, energy, and money while keeping perfectly good materials in circulation. It’s an easy, earth-friendly choice that helps both the planet and your back-to-school budget.
6. Teach by Example
Back-to-school is also a great time to talk about sustainability with your kids. Involve them in eco-friendly choices and explain why they matter. Children are more likely to adopt habits when they feel included and empowered.
Sustainable Product Picks We Love
Here are a few of our favorite eco-friendly back-to-school items:
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Zero Waste Lunch Kits – snack bags, foldable cutlery, cloth napkins
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Refillable Notebooks – swap out pages instead of tossing the whole book
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Plastic-Free Hair Ties – even the smallest swaps matter
Start the Year With Purpose
The back-to-school rush doesn’t have to mean rushing back into old habits. By choosing a few intentional, sustainable swaps—and getting creative with what you already have—you’ll reduce waste, teach lifelong values, and help protect the planet.
Let’s make this school year the most mindful and creative one yet.
