A sustainable back-to-school guide

The most sustainable purchase is usually the one you don't make. Before anything else, check what you already have — and only buy what is genuinely needed, from the most sensible source.

Reuse first: check what you have

Before you shop anywhere — new or secondhand — do a proper audit of what you already own.

• Stationery and supplies: pens, pencils, rulers, scissors, glue sticks, rubbers and folders from last year are almost always perfectly usable. Collect them in one place, test what works and make a precise list of what is actually missing before buying anything.
• Uniform: check whether last year's uniform still fits. Children grow unpredictably — sometimes a summer goes by and everything still fits; sometimes nothing does. Only replace what genuinely doesn't work any more.
• Bags and PE kit: a backpack that is clean and functional is a backpack you don't need to replace. Check zips, straps and seams — most issues are minor and repairable.
• Books and resources: older siblings' textbooks or workbooks from last year may still be usable, depending on the edition. Check with the school before buying new.

Secondhand uniform and kit

Children's school uniform gets outgrown, not worn out. Secondhand uniform is clean, functional and a fraction of the cost of new. Good sources:

• Many schools run their own nearly-new uniform sales — often at the start or end of term.
• Local community Facebook groups and WhatsApp groups often have parents giving away or selling items very cheaply.
• Charity shops near schools often stock local school uniform.
• Online local selling apps are useful for specific items or sizes.

For more on finding quality secondhand items, see our guide to buying secondhand.

When you do buy: buy better

When something genuinely needs replacing, choose for durability rather than price alone. A cheap bag that falls apart in a term costs more over two years than a well-made one that lasts five.

• Backpack: look for reinforced seams, a padded back panel, and a brand that offers repairs. Avoid fast-fashion brands with seasonal ranges — they are usually poorly made.
• Pencils and pens: wooden pencils last as long as plastic and are easier to recycle. Refillable pens and mechanical pencils avoid disposable waste.
• Stationery: avoid the novelty sets of plastic items sold heavily in the lead-up to term — most end up unused or broken within weeks. A few durable basics outperform a large quantity of cheap ones.
• Uniform: if buying new, buy to last — size up slightly for growing room, choose durable fabric blends over fast fashion, and follow care label instructions to extend life.
• Avoid plastic tat: character-branded erasers, novelty pencil cases and disposable supplies are cheap to buy and quick to waste. Children often want what their friends have — a conversation about what they actually use is worth having first.

Waste-free lunches

The lunchbox is one of the most impactful sustainable choices in the school day — and one that saves money every day of term once set up properly.

The waste-free lunch setup

1. A sturdy, leak-proof lunchbox — bento-style with compartments works well for younger children. Choose something easy to clean and robust enough to survive a school bag.
2. A reusable drinks bottle — leak-proof, durable, and appropriately sized. Stainless steel keeps drinks cooler for longer.
3. Small reusable containers for dips, fruit, or snacks that might otherwise go in a plastic bag or wrapper.
4. A cloth napkin instead of disposable paper — a small square of old fabric or a cheap cotton napkin washes easily.
5. Avoid: clingfilm, foil, disposable sandwich bags, single-serve pouches, and individually packaged snacks. Buy in bulk and decant into small containers instead.

For more on keeping food fresh and reducing what gets thrown away uneaten, see our guide to reducing food waste.

Getting to school

The school run is a significant source of emissions in many towns — largely because most short journeys that could be walked or cycled are done by car.

• Walk or scoot: for children within comfortable walking or scooting distance, active travel is the simplest option — no cost, no emissions, and regular exercise built into the day.
• Cycle: where cycling infrastructure is safe, cycling to school is excellent for children's independence and fitness. Check whether the school has secure cycle parking.
• Bus or public transport: where available, taking the bus builds independence and cuts car emissions significantly.
• Carpool: if driving is unavoidable, sharing the journey with a neighbour or another school family halves the emissions and the effort.
• Walking buses: some schools organise supervised walking groups — a sociable, low-cost option for families on the same route.

Paper and digital

• Use both sides of every sheet of paper before discarding or recycling.
• Keep a stack of scrap paper (single-sided printed sheets, old envelopes) for homework drafts, notes and drawings.
• Choose recycled paper for printing where possible.
• For digital devices, buy reconditioned where you can — refurbished laptops and tablets are typically much cheaper than new and work just as well for school use.

Involve kids without pressure

Children respond better to choices than rules. Sustainable habits stick when they feel like a natural part of life rather than an imposition.

• Let them choose within limits: if you're buying a reusable lunchbox, let them pick the colour or design. Ownership matters to children.
• Frame it practically: "This bottle keeps your drink cold all day" or "This bag won't break next week" lands better than environmental lectures.
• Don't create guilt: children are not responsible for adult-scale problems and should not feel that way. Curiosity and practical engagement are the right entry points.
• Connect it to things they care about: many children already care deeply about animals, nature or fairness — connect sustainable choices to what they already value.

For more ideas on raising children with sustainable habits without pressure, see our guides on sustainable family life.

End of year: pass it on

At the end of the school year — or when children move year groups or schools — pass on what is no longer needed rather than binning it.

• Donate uniform to the school's nearly-new sale, a charity shop or a community group.
• Pass stationery and supplies to siblings, friends or community schemes.
• Sell items that have real value (specialist PE kit, instruments, calculators) through local selling apps or school noticeboards.
• Check whether the school or local library accepts donations of books.

Sustainable back-to-school checklist

• Audit what you have before buying anything new.
• Check secondhand uniform sources — school sales, local groups, charity shops.
• Make a precise list of what genuinely needs replacing.
• Choose durable supplies over cheap novelty items.
• Buy refillable pens and mechanical pencils where possible.
• Set up a reusable lunchbox, bottle, containers and cloth napkin.
• Switch from single-serve snacks to bulk-buy and decant.
• Walk, cycle, scoot or take the bus where safe and practical.
• Use both sides of paper; keep a scrap paper stack.
• Let children choose within sustainable options — ownership helps habits stick.
• Plan to donate or pass on uniform and supplies at the end of the year.