When my children were young, August and September always seemed to carry a subtle shift in the air. The summer hum of sprinklers and late-night fireflies would slowly give way to the crisper, more purposeful rhythm of back-to-school season.
I remember standing in line, shopping lists in hand, with excited (and occasionally impatient) kids in tow. We’d pick out pencils, notebooks, and the all-important backpack — the one they’d carry proudly through their new school year. Back then, I thought less about the environmental footprint of those purchases. I was focused on durability and style.
But today, we have more options than ever to choose all three — durability, style, and planet-friendly materials. Here are a few ways to make back-to-school season sustainable without sacrificing joy or practicality:
Choose Reusable Over Disposable
From lunch bags to water bottles, durable, washable items save money in the long run and keep single-use plastics out of landfills.
- Klean Kanteen and Hydro Flask make stainless steel water bottles that keep drinks cool for hours.
- Lifefactory offers glass bottles with silicone sleeves for extra protection (perfect for kids who like to “test” gravity).
Waste-Free Lunch Gear
Packing lunch sustainably is easier than ever.
- PlanetBox offers stainless steel containers with compartments, so food stays organized and fresh.
- Stasher Bags are reusable silicone snack bags that replace hundreds of disposable plastic bags each year.
Recycled & Non-Toxic School Supplies
Skip the plastics and opt for recycled or refillable supplies.
- Onyx + Green makes pencils, binders, and notebooks from recycled and plant-based materials.
- Pilot B2P Pens are made from recycled water bottles and can be refilled instead ofbeing tossed.
- EarthHero has a great curated selection of sustainable school supplies.
Shop Secondhand First
Before buying new, explore local thrift stores, ThredUp, Poshmark Kids, or community Buy Nothing Groups for backpacks, sports gear, and gently used clothing. You might be surprised how many items are in like-new condition.
Sustainable Clothing
Kids grow quickly, but that doesn’t mean we need to rely on fast fashion.
- Quince offers affordable organic cotton basics.
- Hanna Andersson is known for their durable organic PJs and play clothes that last through multiple siblings or hand-me-downs.
Backpacks with a Green Story
The backpack your child carries every day can be both sturdy and sustainable.
- Terra Thread makes fair trade, organic cotton backpacks in bright, fun colors.
- Bags by the Ocean uses upcycled materials to create unique bags kids love.
- Patagonia backpacks are nearly indestructible — and their “Ironclad Guarantee”, trade-in program, and repair options mean you are making the clear, sustainable choice with your purchase.
A New School Year, A New Mindset
Back-to-school is more than just checking items off a list. It’s a chance to set intentions for the months ahead — for our kids, our communities, and our planet. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, teacher, or simply someone who remembers those first-day jitters, your choices matter.
This September, let’s send our children (and ourselves) back into the world prepared: not just with supplies, but with the tools to make it a better, greener place.
