As you start the new school year, don’t forget about the environment. Just a few small changes to the annual routine of school clothes, supplies, and even transportation can make a difference for our planet.

Here are some easy ways to make your school year more sustainable by reusing clothes and supplies, reducing new product purchases, and buying items with recycled content:

• Instead of buying all new supplies, reuse any leftovers from last year.  Even better – set up a school supplies exchange with friends and neighbors.
• Buy canvas or cardboard binders instead of plastic.
• Make sure your paper and notebooks have at least 30% recycled content – the more recycled content the better!
• Ditch the single-use/single-serving water and beverage bottles. Fill a reusable bottle instead. Make sure your reusable bottle is BPE and phthalate free.
• Pack your lunch in a reusable lunchbox or bag instead of paper bags. Aim for a “zero waste” lunch with reusable containers, beeswax wraps, cloth wipes, and washable utensils.
• Donate or consign unwanted, gently used clothing, or organize a clothing swap with friends.
• Reuse your backpack – you can give it a new look by restyling with pins, patches or trim.
• If you buy a new backpack, look for fabric made from recycled plastic bottles.
• Ride a bike or walk to school and to school events when safe and practical. Or, set up a carpool to share the drive.
• Turn your tablet or computer off when you are not using it. Adjust the power settings to have it automatically sleep or hibernate when idle.