Tips for a Sustainable Return to School

Tips for a Sustainable Return to School

Congratulations! You’ve survived the summer holidays! Now it’s time to start preparing to return to school. That means shopping for shoes, pencil cases and more. We know from experience that the financial and environmental costs can soon mount up. So, is there a way to have a more affordable and sustainable return to school?

Sustainable School Uniform

Before ordering the full kit, have a trying-on session to see if anything still fits. For items that need replacing, find out if your school has a preloved uniform site or store. Items like blazers and ties are often in good enough condition to be handed down. You might need to do minor repairs, such as replacing a button, but you could make quite a saving.

For new items, you might have a designated local supplier which leaves little choice about where to buy from. A local supplier in Aylesbury, PL Schoolwear, sources clothing that lasts. They’ve also encouraged their suppliers to avoid wrapping individual items in plastic to reduce waste. Why not ask your uniform provider if they can do the same?

If you are purchasing from High Street shops or supermarkets, the prices are usually lower. However, we’d suggest buying shirts made from natural cotton. That’s because these feel nicer on the skin, wash well and are a more sustainable option than manmade fabrics.

How Many Items of School Uniform End Up in Lost Property?

At this point, we want to mention that one of the biggest issues with school uniform is the volume that ends up in lost property. Figures suggest around 1.4 million items of P.E. kits, shoes and clothes are destined for lost property each year. To prevent your child’s items from being added to the pile, remember to label each item.  Yes, it’s a bit of a chore but it may save you from forking out on replacements.

Cutting the Cost of Packed Lunches

The best way to cut costs and waste is to equip your kids with a reusable water bottle. This one step can prevent every child from using 60 plastic bottles or cartons every term. Across the school, that soon mounts up to positive environmental action. It also offers a great cost saving.

As for the lunch box, opt for reusable containers or beeswax wrappers. These can be cleaned and refilled with fruit, yogurt and snacks from larger packs. This works out cheaper than individually portioned packs and there is less packaging waste. Equally, making sandwiches each day is more cost-effective than buying a meal deal.

Sustainable School Bags & Pencil Cases Made From Recycled Materials

If your child’s existing bag or pencil case is still fit for purpose, they could attach patches, pin badges and other decorative items to give it an updated look for the new term. However, if it’s time to replace the old, look for ones made from 100% recycled materials. These include products upcycled from plastic bottles, fabric offcuts, recycled leather and old bike tyres!

Equally, when it comes to filling the pencil case, look for sustainable stationery. There are options made from natural materials like bamboo, as well as recycled materials. We’ve seen low-cost, eco stationery in The Range and on the Peace with the World website.

Car-Free Travel to School

While we’re considering the return to school, why not plan a car-free start to the new term? Wherever possible, encourage children to walk, cycle or scoot. It might mean leaving the house a little earlier, but this approach reduces air pollution and gets everyone active.

When greater distances need to be covered, look at viable public transport routes or lift sharing with another parent. This cuts fuel costs and is a practical way to free up a bit of your time.

Sustainable & Cost-Effective Solutions

At Aylesbury Box Company, we proactively promote sustainable and cost-effective packaging solutions to all customers. If there is a greener or cheaper option, we’ll let you know. To discuss your packaging options, give us a call on 01296 436888.