Ten Eco-Friendly Tips for Back-to-School Shopping

Back to school shopping is often a time when parents rush to the local stores to replenish school supplies and purchase new school year wardrobes for their children. This year, consider a few eco-friendly tips before heading to the stores. Eco-friendly shopping can be beneficial to both the environment and a parent's wallet. Many of the eco-friendly tips require just a small change in planning for back to school shopping, and others are based on common sense ideas.

Recycle Old School Supplies

Old school supplies can be recycled in a number of ways. Once the book bags and back packs have been cleaned out, sort through school supplies to see what can be reused at home or sent back for another school year. Old notebooks can be used at home for lists, writing drafts for homework, or as scrap paper. Just tear out used pages and set aside the notebooks to use at home. Old papers, notebook pages and workbooks can be sent out with the recycling bin or taken to a local recylcling center. Pencils, pens, and other school supplies can be used at home or donated. Markers, crayons, and half-used glue can be put in a craft bin at home to use.

Throw out Paper Bag Lunches

Paper bag lunches are convenient and disposable, but over the course of the school year, over a hundred bags will be thrown out. Consider replacing paper bag lunches with a reusable lunch container. There are many types to choose from, but look for a lunch bag that has some durability. Fill up a drink container for beverages each day and stop buying the disposable drink boxes. They may be convenient, but filling a thermos with juice or water will save money and prevent more waste in the landfills.

Keep Clothing that Still Fits

Many kids want to start the school year with a brand new wardrobe, but clothes that still fit can be kept for another school year. Add a new top to an old pair of jeans for a new look rather than packing up last year's school wardrobe. Old clothing can be freshened up and given a new look, without looking outdated. This will save on the back to school clothing budget and get more wear out of clothing that still fits.

Donate Small Clothing

Used clothing can be donated to local charities such as the Goodwill, Salvation Army, or other local services that collect clothing as a donation. If you know a family who has children slightly younger who might fit in the clothes, pass them on. Clothing can last a long time when properly taken care of and this can save others the cost pf purchasing new clothing, as well as provide a tax write off in many cases.

Buy Clothing Made from Natural Materials

It may be harder to find clothing made from natural materials, but when possible, natural materials are always better to choose than synthetics. Cottons are one choice for those looking for more natural materials, though some manufacturers are even making clothing with hemp, silk, and other natural materials.

Save Gas on Shopping Trips

One of the best ways to save some money, with today's high gas prices is to plan school shopping trips ahead of time. Make lists, read the sales ads, and prepare to go school shopping on a specific day, rather than making five trips to different stores across town. Carpool with other school shoppers if you can, and make it a school shopping adventure. Parents with multiple children to buy school supplies for can create individual lists for each child and still shop in one trip.

Buy Used Textbooks

Publishers may not be happy with this suggestion, but most college students will benefit from purchasing used textbooks. Many textbooks get used only once and tossed out when a new edition is printed. College students can now shop for used textbooks online, at sites such as www.half.com, www.amazon.com, and www.ebay.com. The prices are often less than even the used textbook selections at college book stores.

Save Old School Supplies to Use at Home or at the Office

Old school supplies can add to the home office and provide kids with their own homework supplies away from school. Save old pencil boxes and containers to keep school supplies sorted. Old backpacks and book bags can be reused for trips to the library, camping, or overnight bags. Adults can sift through supplies to add pens, pencils, and other office items to their own work desks

Pack Up Household Items for College Dorms

College students often need a number of household items for their dorms or apartments at college. Before running out to the stores to buy all new items, do a search around the house to see if there are any household items that can be used. Extra bedding, decorations, and small appliances are good items to start with, and this will not only save money, but it will give all those items more use. If you know relatives, neighbors, or friends who may have extra items for a college dorm or apartment, let them know you are looking for extras.

Shop Local Garage Sales for School Clothing and Items

The summer and early fall are perfect times to search local garage sales for some good bargains. It is not unusual to find gently used or almost new clothing at garage sales, which can be great money savers for school shopping. Look for backpacks, desk supplies, and other school related items at garage sales. College students may want to start early and search local garage sales for dorm room or apartment appliances and decorations.