We know the summer is almost ending, and that means one thing: it’s time to get ready to go back to school! At ecojiko, we love this season because it’s filled with new opportunities, fresh notebooks, and exciting beginnings. However, if we truly want to enjoy this time, we must also be mindful of how we prepare for it. Start by saying goodbye to wasteful habits and hello to sustainable swaps.
Want to learn how to make your back-to-school routine more eco-friendly? Here are our best tips to start the academic year with style, practicality, and care for the planet:
1. Say Goodbye to Single-Use: Sustainable School Supplies
School shouldn’t rhyme with plastic! Let’s make some swaps that are durable, reusable, and much better looking.
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Plastic lunch bags? Time to upgrade! Stainless Steel Lunch Boxes keep your snacks fresh and aesthetic. And yes, you can personalise them for that back-to-school vibe.
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What about the cutlery? No plastic! Here at ecojiko, we have the best Bamboo Cutlery Set, and with this eco-friendly option, you can enjoy your lunch breaks without single-use plastics.
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Plastic bottles? Say no, thank you! A Bamboo water bottle keeps your drink cold all day while helping to save the planet from unnecessary plastic. And don’t forget to have a look at our amazing Stainless Steel Straws.
These swaps don’t just reduce waste, they help your kids (or you!) stand out with a more stylish and conscious school kit.
2. Smart Meal Prep for a Greener Lunchbox
Back-to-school is busy, but that doesn’t mean your lunches can’t be sustainable. It’s all about planning ahead.
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Think seasonal and local foods. Choosing fresh, local produce supports farmers and reduces your carbon footprint.
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Ditch the packaged snacks. Homemade muffins, veggie sticks, or trail mix are healthier and waste-free.
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Reusable wraps instead of cling film. Beeswax or silicone wraps are fun, colourful, and eco-magic.
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Protect your kids’ dental hygiene with a plastic-free toothbrush with our bamboo toothbrushes
Meal prep makes mornings smoother, while also teaching little ones (and grown-ups) the value of mindful eating.
3. Dress Green: Eco-Friendly Uniform Choices
New term, new outfits! But let’s keep it sustainable.
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Choose quality over quantity. Buy fewer pieces, but ones that last longer.
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Opt for second-hand. Uniform exchanges, charity shops, or local swaps save money and the planet.
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Go organic when possible. Clothes made from organic cotton are softer on the skin and better for the Earth.
Your style can be smart and sustainable! It’s the best school trend of all.
4. Green Travel to School
How you get to school matters as much as what you pack.
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Walk or cycle whenever possible. It’s healthier, cheaper, and planet-friendly.
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Carpool, get the school bus or use public transport if walking isn’t an option. Sharing rides reduces emissions and even makes the journey more fun.
5. Clean-Up and Care Beyond the Classroom
Being eco-conscious isn’t just for the lunchbox: it’s a mindset for the whole year.
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Encourage kids to reuse notebooks (finish the blank pages before starting new ones).
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Keep a Reusable Compostable Cleaning Cloths in their school kit for spills, it’s perfect for avoiding paper towel waste.
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Teach them the golden rule: leave no waste behind, whether in class, the playground, or the park.
A new school year is the perfect time to set sustainable habits. By choosing eco-friendly supplies and mindful routines, we not only prepare for academic success but also teach a powerful lesson: everyday choices shape a better future.
Ready to go back to school the eco way? Share with us your sustainable school swaps at @ecojiko.
