A zero waste return to school

With the school year underway, most parents realize that they are missing certain items or that their child comes with additional requests.

The endless list of supplies for each subject can be a never-ending puzzle. Add to that the desire to be eco-responsible, it becomes mission impossible. However, this is not the case, and we are here to guide you and help you achieve a zero-waste back to school, or at least get closer to it.

A few tips

• Make an inventory:

First, you need to see what you already have to know what you're missing. Chances are you bought more supplies than you needed last year, so you probably still have several pens, pencils, notebooks... Make sure you know what you have so you don't buy unnecessary items that will be forgotten.

• Reuse what you found:

To continue along the same lines, once you have your list of what you already have, consider reusing old supplies. Clean your pencil case, bags, pens, pencils and even scissors. Also keep used notebooks, as they can always be used as drafts.

• Exchange with other parents:

Some parents with older children may want to get rid of some supplies. It would be worth contacting the parents to check what they need and see if they offer the items you are looking for.

• Buy second-hand:

There's nothing wrong with buying used supplies. On the contrary, you give a second life to certain old but still useful articles. You can consult certain online sites or thrift stores, we guarantee that you will find what you are looking for.

• Try DIY:

DIY (Do It Yourself) is probably the cheapest and least wasteful idea. Try making your own book cover with an old, but pretty, fabric. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try making clothes for your kids, as long as you follow their style. This year, you can start making different masks,

• Choose ecological supplies:

Once you have taken inventory and still need to purchase certain items, you should prioritize eco-friendly and sustainable supplies. Buy wooden rulers, metal geometric instruments, refillable pens and insulated bottles. Some stores offer bags, notebooks and papers made from recyclable materials. Additionally, in France, check if your pens and pencils carry the FSC FSC label as it indicates that the wood used comes from responsibly managed forests.
This is the most expensive idea, but the items purchased will last longer and can definitely be reused later.

• Talk it over :

The most important step regarding zero waste living is to talk about it and explain its importance. Whether it's with your children so they can understand why they don't have Hello Kitty as her friends or with other parents so they can do the same next year.
Trying to go zero waste takes time and adaptation, but it can be done anywhere, with anything, food, beauty products, clothes... You just have to take the first step.