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Ready, Set, Prepare: A Sustainable Approach to Back-to-School

Back to School Sustainability

Three pictures with food.
Packing a purpose

Let's get ready for the new school year and make a positive impact. We believe in making choices that help our community and the environment. By using methods that save resources, support our community, and are mindful of costs, we can set the stage for a successful and sustainable school year. These choices are good for the environment and help make our community healthier and more prosperous.


School Supplies:

Make wiser choices for the upcoming school year by picking supplies that are good for the environment. You can also turn old stuff at home into new school items and can make a big impact by choosing things like;

  • Notebooks made from recycled paper or pencils made from recycled plastic work just as well as regular ones and help save natural resources.

  • Use an old T-shirt as a gym bag or empty jars to store pens and pencils. This shows the importance of reusing things instead of throwing them away.


Support Local: 

Encouraging people to buy from local stores has many benefits. It reduces the environmental impact of shipping, supports the local economy, and helps create a sense of community. Buying local also creates jobs and reduces the pollution caused by long-distance shipping.


  • Exchange Events: You can update your school wardrobe by participating in clothing exchange events. These events are a great way to give away clothes that no longer fit and find new ones that do. This helps reduce waste and gives clothes a second life.


  • Shop Local You can also support your community by using local charities that provide school uniforms and other clothing to families in need. This can help families get what they need without worrying about the cost.



Packed Lunches:

When packing your lunch, you can also help the environment by reducing waste and supporting local farmers. 

Here are some easy and eco-friendly tips for packing lunches:


  • Old glass jars from pasta sauces or pickles as containers for salads, parfaits, or smoothies. They seal well and are great for portion control.


  • Fabric scraps can be used to make reusable wraps for sandwiches and snacks instead of plastic bags. Beeswax wraps, which are self-sealing and sustainable, can also be made.


  • Use tin cans to hold reusable utensils. You can decorate them to make them more appealing, especially for kids.


  • Ice packs can be made by freezing a water-filled sponge inside a small sandwich bag. This is a cost-effective and less wasteful way to keep lunches cool.


  • Soft cotton shirts into washable and reusable lunch napkins as an alternative to paper napkins.


  • Old fabrics sewn into small pouches or pack snacks in reusable silicone bags instead of disposable plastic bags.


  • Clean and fill small, empty condiment bottles with salad dressing or dips to control portions and reduce waste.


  • Plain reusable water bottles decorated with waterproof stickers or paints to make them visually appealing to children and encourage their use.


  • Use old newspaper or magazine clippings to include small notes or fun facts in lunchboxes, making lunchtime a learning opportunity.


  • Use clean egg cartons to separate small snacks like nuts, berries, or crackers within a lunchbox to keep everything organised and prevent snacks from getting crushed.


  • Making snacks at home helps reduce waste from store-bought items and allows us to choose healthier ingredients. This is good for the environment and our health and gives us more control over our choices.


By following these mindful practices, we can prepare for a great school year while also helping to make the world more sustainable. Every choice we make, no matter how small, can have a big impact on our communities and the environment, which shows how powerful our individual decisions are in creating a better future.


Discover More: If you're interested in learning more about how to live in a way that's good for the environment and how you can get involved in community activities, please visit our website. You'll find helpful tips, resources, and stories about living sustainably, along with details about upcoming events and ways you can take part.



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