Learning With Kids About Zero Waste and Eco-Friendly Habits

As summer winds down and the back-to-school season approaches, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how we can make this transition not just about new beginnings in education but also about adopting sustainable practices. Whether buying supplies from PickEco, opting for zero-waste solutions, or teaching your kids the importance of reusing, there are countless ways to make the school year a little greener. Here are a few ideas for creating lasting habits and an eco-friendly return to school.

1. Start with Sustainable School Supplies

The back-to-school rush often means new backpacks, notebooks, pens, and more. But instead of heading straight to the big box stores, consider starting your shopping at thrift stores, our local marketplace, or get creative with restoring last year’s supplies! Here are a few with upfront investments but less harm to our natural resources.

• Eco-Friendly Backpacks: Look for backpacks made from recycled materials or natural fibers. These are durable and reduce the demand for new resources.
• Sustainable Stationery: Choose notebooks made from recycled paper and refillable pens. Many new zero-waste alternatives are available, such as pencils made from sustainable wood or refillable markers. We also know that these are the most likely products to be misplaced, so consider second-hand solutions first!
• Reusable Lunch Gear: Invest in stainless steel lunch boxes, like our Onyx containers, reusable sandwich wraps, and bamboo utensils. These items reduce waste and are healthier options since they avoid harmful plastics.

2. Share the Value of Reusing

• Last Year’s Supplies: Before buying new, go through previous year’s supplies. You might find that many items, like binders, folders, and rulers, are still in good condition and can be used again.
• Creative Reuse: Get creative with your children by upcycling old notebooks or turning last year’s art supplies into new projects. This not only saves money but also teaches resourcefulness!
• Clothing Swaps: If your kids have outgrown their clothes, consider organizing a clothing swap with other parents. It’s a fun way to refresh wardrobes without the environmental impact of buying new.
• Library Visits: Instead of buying new books for school projects or reading lists, make regular trips to the library. It’s a great way to teach kids about sharing resources and reduces the need for new books.

3. Incorporate Zero-Waste Practices into the School Routine

Back-to-school season is an excellent time to introduce or reinforce zero-waste practices:

• Waste-Free Lunches: Set your kids up for success with waste-free lunches using reusable containers, cutlery, and stainless-steel water bottles. You can even make it a fun challenge to see who can produce the least waste each week.
• Bulk Dry Goods for Snacks: Instead of buying pre-packaged snacks, stop by to stock up on dry goods like trail mix, nuts, and dried fruits. Pack them in reusable containers or bags for a zero-waste lunch.
• Eco-Friendly School Projects: When it comes to school projects, choose recyclable or biodegradable materials. Teach your kids to think critically about the materials they use and how they can minimize waste.
• Bulk Shopping for Household Needs: As you prepare for the school year, refill on household essentials like laundry detergent, snacks, and pantry staples at our bulk store. Buying in bulk not only reduces packaging waste but also saves money.
• Walk or Bike to School: If possible, encourage your kids to walk or bike to school instead of driving. It’s an eco-friendly way to start the day and promotes physical activity.

4. Make It a Family Effort

Sustainability is a journey best taken together, so make it a family effort:

• Involve Your Kids: Bring your children when shopping at eco stores or visiting bulk refill stores. Explain why you’re choosing particular products and how these choices help the environment. Involving them in the process makes them feel responsible and more likely to continue these habits.
• Set Up a Reuse Station at Home: Designate a space for reusable items like containers, bags, and school supplies. Make it easy for your kids to access these items so they naturally reach for them when packing lunch or doing homework.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and celebrate your family's small steps toward a zero-waste lifestyle!! Whether it’s successfully packing a waste-free lunch all week or reusing supplies from the previous school year, these moments are worth acknowledging. Please share them with us, too!

5. Teaching Sustainability Through Action

Lastly, children learn best by example, so showing them how to live sustainably will have a lasting impact:

• Mindful Consumption: Show your kids the difference between needs and wants. Encourage them to think about the environmental impact of their purchases and how they can make more sustainable choices.
• Composting and Recycling: Incorporate composting and recycling into your daily routine and involve them in the process. Explain the benefits of composting food scraps and the importance of sorting recyclables correctly.
• Gardening Together: If you have space, start a small garden with your kids. Growing vegetables or herbs is a hands-on way to teach them about the food cycle and the benefits of reducing food waste.

These all create the best memories of being together and learning how we make a difference.