Sustainability may not be at the top of mind when you are getting your kids back to school lists together. It is probably at the bottom of the list, if its even on it. There is so much to think about: clothes, school supplies, lunch boxes, keeping up with the latest trends so your kids don’t get made fun of. The list goes on and on. But what if I tell you, showing back to school sustainably doesn’t have to be hard, or even taxing on your brain. (and it actually can save you some money in the long run).
The Perks of Sustainable School Shopping.
When it comes to thinking of sustainability in school shopping there are 3 main perks that come to mind.
- You can save money in the long run by not rebuying a lot of the same items over and over again.
- Sustainable shopping helps lessen our impact on natural resources that won’t always be around.
- Its a fun way to teach your children good shopping practices that they will carry with them into the future.
How Do You Shop Sustainably?
Simple, by not shopping.
Huh? Yes that’s right, by not shopping. Or rather by shopping first what is in the bottom of your kid’s book bag from last year. Do they have pencils left over? Are their markers still in good shape? Did they use all the notebooks your bought them?
Sitting down with your child and going through to do a school readiness inventory can save you a lot of time and money at the store. You will actually be able to see what they use and don’t use, and they can also take some ownership of the process. Plus, add some fun! Play a game of seek and find; who can find the most items on their school supply list before we go the store?
Where to Shop Sustainably?
Once your done crossing all the items off the list that you don’t need to buy, there are going to be some new items or reoccurring items that you will need to purchase. So, where do you shop that is sustainable. My first stop: the local thrift store.
The Local Thrift Store
Your local thrift store usually has a far share of school supplies. Sometimes they are open boxed or missing a few pieces but they are a lot cheaper and its better for you to use them up rather then them going to the land fill.
Etsy
Etsy has a huge variety of handmade and unique finds on their website for you to complete some of the more trending purchases on your kids list. Just search for Sustainable Eco-Friendly Back to School and watch the options poor in. You can also check out my article My Top 5 Sustainable Back to School Finds on Etsy.
Facebook Marketplace and Local Marketplaces
I did a quick search on Facebook marketplace and wow! the amount of school supply listings were endless. Depending on your area, you may also be able to use the Nextdoor app or Freecycle. Just keep in mind safety when shopping these sites and check the sellers reviews.
In Conclusion
Back-to-school season doesn’t have to mean wasteful spending or unnecessary stress. By reusing what you already have, exploring secondhand options, and supporting small sustainable businesses, you’re not only making smarter financial choices—you’re setting an example for your kids that will stick with them for years. Sustainability might not be the first thing on your supply list, but with just a little intention, it can be one of the most impactful. Every reused notebook, thrifted backpack, or handmade lunchbox is a step toward a better, more thoughtful school year.
Everyday Limes 
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