Back to School? Try Going Green to Make Budget this Year!

I can’t believe its time to start thinking about going back to school again! As a parent, every year I try to think of ways that we can be more frugal and, in recent years, be more green about going to back to school. Unfortunately, there can be a lot of waste when it comes to school. I think of all the half-used notebooks and plastic sandwich bags that are money and resources down the drain. This year, I am looking in to some other solutions so my wallet and my world can be a little greener. There are so many companies getting on board with being green that it’s not too hard to find sustainable products. Here are a few that I thought were quite innovative.

Reusable Lunch Box and Food Storage

I try to be green by opting for the reusable lunch bag, but its so much easier to use plastic bags than reusable containers for food. That is what drew me to this insulated lunch box/lunch tray kit. Instead of washing several containers per kid, you just wash one unit at night. Its super easy to fill and it comes with a reusable bottle that you can fill with whatever you want. Just throw a Norwex Stainless Steel Straw to complete the set!

Reuse Your Supplies from Last Year

The sharp points of new colored pencils and crayons, glue without globber, a notebook full of empty pages are things all kids love about going back to school. But how eco-friendly is purchasing all new materials every year? If you’re looking to be green this year, look through your supplies from last year (hopefully, you didn’t throw them out yet!). Fill your kids’ pencil boxes with supplies they need from your own home. Maybe you could spend some time together decorating their notebook or binder from last year.This will eliminate waste, clear some clutter from your own home, and save you money for other things they really need, like new shoes!

Pick Your Battles

For me, I think that reuse is the most sustainable practice we can follow (one of many reasons I love Norwex products!). However, once we’ve exhausted those resources, you will probably have to buy a few supplies. This year, I challenge you to pick one supply that you want to buy that is “green.” There are many options out there, but you’ll probably have to search for them a bit. A few products that I might try are Recycled Plastic Scissors, Biodegradable Pens, and Recycled Paper Notebooks.

With some creative thinking and a DIY spirit, there is so much potential to be green in your wallet and the world during back to school time. It does mean being more intentional about certain ways we live, but starting new habits at back to school time is a great way to begin!

What’s your favorite way to go green and save cash when school shopping?

~ Suzanne