Clothes, shoes, backpacks, lunch bags, pencils… the list could go on forever! With all these things to find for back to school and little time to do it, it can become overwhelming. Not only do you want something eco-friendly but you have to meet the “cool” standards of your kids. But don’t worry, we have got you covered with all of the cool and eco-friendly options for your back to school shopping!

 

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School Supplies

This is one of the best areas of back to school shopping to embracing reusing. There are always pencils and pens left over from last year’s school supplies so you can save money and the environment by reusing them. If you don’t have any from last year and you have to buy new, only buy what you need, try not to get carried away with the back to school deals and sales!

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Clothes

Trends change, kids grow, and things wear out so shopping for new clothes during back to school season is almost inevitable.

To create an eco-friendly wardrobe, remember to buy quality, versatile items. Look for items that are going to last the entire school year if not longer. Also, items that can be mixed and matched with other items in your closet are always good choices. For example, a shirt that can be worn with blue jeans, black pants, and a skirt would be an eco-friendly and likely economical purchase and will help you reduce the number of clothes you will have to buy. If your child is in a growing stage, be sure to donate the items they have grown out of.

Also, look for eco-friendly brands. Stores are realizing that people want clothes that are stylish, earth friendly and reasonably priced. Retailers such as H&M, Target and J.C Penny have all added eco-friendly lines that won’t break the bank. These clothes have recycled fabrics like denim and leather and some even used plastic bottles! As for shoes, Nike and Adidas are two shoe companies that are using recycled materials.

Wearing an older sibling’s outgrown clothes or checking out thrift stores is a good way to keep clothes out of the landfill. A lot of the items at thrift stores are in good shape and who knows, you might find a hidden gem!

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Backpack

There are so many eco-friendly back bag options out there and finding them is becoming easier than ever! Amazon offers a wide variety of green options, here are a few:

Skip Hop Zoo Toddler Kids Insulated Backpack: BPA and Phthalates free! You can feel good about this chemical free backpack option.

Petit Collage Eco-friendly Backpack: 100% cotton, water resistant and BPA, PVC, and Phthalate free. This is a great option for younger elementary school kids!

Another green backpack option comes from two university students with entrepreneurial souls and passion for sustainability. They have created a company called Airpaq. Airpaq makes sustainable backpacks from upcycling car seat belts and airbags. These bags provide a stylish, unique and sustainable option for the trend setting student. These bags are not available for sale just yet but it’s an idea to keep in mind for next year. Check out Airpaq’s website to learn about their story and to stay updated for when the backpacks will be released.

If are looking for a bag for someone who no longer thinks backpacks are “cool”, opt for a large sustainable handbag instead. There are many options including bags made with recycled leather, cork or organic material. To find more options for eco-friendly handbags check out our blog: Sustainable Handbags - Saving the Environment, One Purse at a Time.

Reusing or revamping last years backpack is a green option too. By adding buttons, fabric or sequins you can update your old backpack and make it one of a kind!

These tips will take the stress out of back to school shopping and will send your kids back to school in an eco-friendly fashion.