The holidays are almost over, and it's time to go back to school. Of course, your little ones want to wear the prettiest schoolbag and get some great school supplies! This is a time that generates a mountain of waste in terms of packaging . So, you might as well limit the damage and prepare for a zero-waste return to school . Your child will be even more proud!
1/ Take inventory of what you already have
Before you go shopping, why not tidy your bedroom and open your desk drawers? Do a little tidying and you'll find that you'll find some supplies you won't need to buy. A simple step that will save you money and reduce your lengthy shopping list.
🌱 Go through everything with a fine-tooth comb: drawers, pencil cases, school bag, boxes lying around, etc. It's also a good way to clean up and find some hidden treasures.
2/ Prefer solid material to plastic
This is the basis of an eco-responsible attitude. We don't choose a school bag for its color, but because it is durable and will last for several years. We also opt for:
- a metal or wooden pencil sharpener;
- a wooden ruler;
- binders with reinforced corners;
- a compass made of untreated natural wood for beautiful circles and curves;
- etc.
🌱 We're putting plastic aside and moving on to much stronger and more durable ecological alternatives.
3/ Choose rechargeable supplies
Don't worry, we're not talking about pens and inkwells anymore. However, there are plenty of refillable school supplies:
- ballpoint pen;
- fountain pen and mechanical pencil;
- felt ;
- tape corrector;
- fluorescent highlighter;
- solar calculator;
- etc.
🌱 Be very careful when purchasing: be sure to find the same refill model later.
4/ Move towards eco-responsible brands
This is another little extra for a zero-waste back-to-school season. Many brands offer great values for our planet:
- Notebooks and folders made from recycled paper and cardboard. They're manufactured by the well-known brand Exacompta Clairefontaine. A line of 100% recycled school supplies with materials in all sizes, including single and double sheets, notebooks, and more.
- Binders and dividers from the French brand Forever. Recycled cardboard and polypropylene are used, with their durable, plastic-coated appearance.
- Ballpoint pencils and pencil sharpeners made from reused water bottles. The Bottle to Pen brand makes recycled and refillable pens. Now all that's left is to find out if they make mistakes! The Maped brand takes care of pencil sharpeners.
5/ Plan a zero waste kit for your children’s snacks
Introduce your child to the eco-responsible approach from an early age. This way, they can go to school with:
- his gourd filled with homemade or flavored compote or dessert;
- his blanket without which he cannot nap, which can even be his comfort blanket.
For a picnic trip , be ready and equipped:
- reusable cutlery neatly stored in its case ;
- a cloth napkin ;
- its stainless steel, bamboo or glass straw;
- etc.
It's sure to attract attention from his classmates and that's what will make him so original.
6/ Limit plastic packaging
Reducing packaging is as easy as being well-organized and well-equipped. For a zero-waste back-to-school season, we recycle and reclaim. Just like with grocery shopping, stock up on bulk bags . So, fill your bag with pens, notebooks, and all the necessary supplies.
Choose stationery stores where you can buy in bulk rather than supermarkets that sell packs of erasers or pockets of pens in a single color.
🌱 In addition to supermarkets, there are thrift stores where you can find second-hand products in perfect condition. Perhaps it's time to dress eco-friendly too ?
7/ Use alternatives to plastic to cover books
Do you have a sewing machine that's been gathering dust for years? Why not take it out once and for all? There's no shortage of tutorials online. You're sure to find one, whether you're a beginner or an expert.
Take the opportunity to cover their geography book with an old world map you have lying around in your attic. Generally, the texture used is particularly sturdy. Kraft paper is also an alternative to plastic. A very durable product that can be customized with stickers, stamps, etc.
8/ Go to school or high school on foot or by bike
There's nothing like it to clear your child's mind before a day at work. It's a great way to start off calmly and focus better in class. Take the Netherlands and Denmark for example, where they're perfectly good at leaving their vehicles at home. It's another good way to teach your child about road safety from a young age.
🚲 It's not the fastest route you should take, but the most protected one. Bike lanes are now being developed in our cities. Take advantage of them; it will be a joy to go cycling.
9/ Buy French for a zero-waste back-to-school season
The NF Environment label is a certification issued by AFNOR. It's a label that guarantees efficient products whose environmental impact is reduced throughout their life cycle. These include pens and fountain pens, fluorescent highlighters, felt-tip pens, pencils and mechanical pencils, erasers, and markers. Packaging is also included, being recycled and renewable.
🌱 It is a tool for recognizing the ecological quality of a product.
It's obviously the quality of the equipment that will help you reduce the amount of waste throughout the school year. There are "Made in France" supplies that are completely environmentally friendly. No more plastic, prepare for a zero-waste back-to-school season, which is more than that, cocorico 🇫🇷 for sustainable and ecological products ♻️. Happy back-to-school!
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