9 Tips to Be Kinder to the Planet (and Your Wallet) This Back To School Season
Some of the most memorable moments from my childhood involve me being immersed in nature. From the class maple tree that I hugged everyday in second grade (yes, I was a literal tree-hugger) to writing “save the earth” in the snow at recess, I always wanted nature to know I loved it back. I grew up being aware of environmental issues like the melting icecaps in the Arctic and endangered species going extinct, but I didn’t know what I could do to help.
I started college on the pre-law track because I thought I could make the biggest difference in the world as a lawyer. But after taking classes I wasn’t interested in and many late night conversations with my friends, I realized that the things I was truly passionate about hadn’t changed since I was a kid. My curiosity for finding sustainable solutions to environmental issues has motivated me to pursue a career in the environmental field.
Today, I’m a senior majoring in environmental management and minoring in sustainable fashion at Indiana University. Over the next few months, I’ll be sharing sustainable practices that I’m trying to implement into my everyday life. I’m so excited to take you along my sustainability adventures and I hope that you will be inspired to do the same, no matter where you are in your sustainability journey.
Back to school season looks very different this year. Like many other students, I feel a mix of excitement for the new school year and nervousness for all the uncertainty ahead of us. But even though the pandemic has brought about many changes, we can still commit to our eco-friendly values and behaviors.
Many people may associate back to school season with the seemingly endless shopping that comes with it. According to the National Retail Federation, the average household plans to spend $1,059.20 on back to college shopping this year. Out of all the things we buy, how much of it will be waste by the end of the year?
Back to school shopping doesn’t need to be this expensive or wasteful. By being more mindful, we can be kinder to our wallets and the planet this upcoming school year. Here are 9 tips to make your transition back to school more sustainable:
1. Take inventory of what you already have before you shop. This goes for furniture, school supplies, clothing, electronics, and beyond. Do you really need another pack of highlighters when you already have 10 at home? Is buying a new mini fridge worth it when your neighbor will give you their old one for free? Taking inventory of what we already own can remind us of how little we really need.
2. Shop second-hand. Vintage is back in style! If you’re looking to revamp your wardrobe, consider thrifting clothes instead of buying into fast fashion. Other household items like dishes, furniture, decor, and more can also be found at your local thrift store.
3. Pack reusable items. Don’t forget to pack your reusable water bottle, straw, utensils, and other items before you leave for school!
4. Limit the number of trips you make. Reduce your carbon emissions by minimizing the number of trips you make when moving to school. Plan out what you need to bring ahead of time so that you don’t leave anything behind.
5. Donate or recycle old school supplies. Research organizations that will accept new or gently used school supplies that you no longer need. Terracycle offers a program that will recycle your old cardboard or plastic binders.
6. Reuse packaging for your move. Consider using eco-friendly packaging materials or reusing old cardboard boxes to pack your belongings. Your local businesses may even have unwanted boxes they’d be happy to give you. If you have any fragile items, consider wrapping them in soft fabrics like t-shirts or blankets instead of using plastic.
7. Shop sustainable brands. If you are unable to buy something second-hand or want to buy a new item, consider buying from brands that prioritize the planet. One of my personal favorites is grünBAG, a company which makes bags out of recycled materials. All of their items are sustainably-made, durable, vegan, and waterproof!
8. Rent used textbooks. As a college student, most of the money I spend during the back to school season is on textbooks. Renting used textbooks is much cheaper than buying new ones.
9. Set sustainability goals for the school year. New school year, new sustainability goals! Sustainability is about progress, not perfection. Set small goals for yourself such as using a reusable water bottle instead of a plastic one or walking to your classes instead of driving.
I hope you find some of these tips helpful! Have a happy and safe school year!
Meloddy Gao
Hello everyone! My name is Meloddy and I'm a senior at Indiana University studying environmental management and sustainable fashion. I've always been curious about nature and I continue to be fascinated by the endless ways the environment impacts our everyday lives. From my experience studying sustainable systems in Costa Rica and observing the legislative process on Capitol Hill, I've learned that collective individual actions can make a profoundly positive impact. In the future, I hope to have a career that combines my passions for the environment, education, storytelling, and art.