Back-to-School Eco-Friendly Tips
Between preparing daily school lunches and acquiring new school supplies, waste can easily accumulate. Reduce waste during the school year and aim to incorporate sustainable practices into lunches and school supplies.
Reduce School Lunch Waste
Disposable products in school lunches, such as napkins, plastic bags, utensils, juice boxes, and individually bagged snacks, can generate significant waste. There are better options available. For lunches, think “reuse” and “long term.” Whenever possible, choose products that can be reused instead of thrown away after a single use. For instance, instead of packing lunch in brown paper bags that don't insulate and tear easily, use a lunch box, thermos, or other reusable container. Instead of packing snacks and sandwiches in plastic bags, try reusable, washable pouches and containers to portion bulk food for lunch. There are a variety of reusable pouches, food wraps made from beeswax, and glass containers available on the market today that make excellent alternatives to single-use disposable items. Click here for more tips on reducing waste at home.
Buy Food Locally and In Bulk
Buying fresh local food reduces waste while supporting local businesses and farmers who provide healthy options. Click here to find local farmers and small businesses near you.
School Supplies
Before buying new supplies, see what items from the previous year can be reused. Backpacks, lunchbags, binders, and scissors can often be reused for another school year with proper care. When new materials are necessary, look for school supplies made from recycled or sustainable materials. Items made from recycled content or sustainably sourced materials are widely available. Be conscious of the packaging of the products you buy. Choose products with minimal or recyclable packaging to reduce waste.
Additionally, many school supplies are designed for single use. The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (“CalRecycle”) provides tips to reduce waste at school, such as purchasing refillable pens and pencils, reusing folders and envelopes, and making notepads from scratch paper instead of buying new ones.
Get Moving – Walk or Bike to School
If possible, avoid the car trip and ride a bike or walk the kids to school. Walking or riding to school prevents carbon emissions and air pollution. Visit walk2schoolto.org to learn more about planning your route to school.
