Ah, the joys of a new academic year — fresh notebooks, new goals, and the promise of autumn. But as we step into this academic transition, there's a fresh, green perspective that's gaining traction: sustainable back-to-school prepping. With environmental concerns at the forefront, integrating sustainability into our routines is no longer just a nice-to-have but an imperative. And back-to-school season is a great place to start.

Why Sustainable Choices Matter It’s essential to understand why these choices are critical. While individual efforts might seem like a drop in the ocean, collective actions can lead to tidal waves of change. Every eco-conscious decision reduces our carbon footprint, reduces waste, and sends a message to producers about consumer preferences, pushing them towards more sustainable practices.

1. Embrace Sustainable Fashion for School Kids grow up quickly, and with growth spurts come the perennial need for new clothes. But here's the catch: The allure of fast fashion, while tempting, is riddled with an underbelly of environmental and ethical concerns. From exploiting labor to polluting water sources, the repercussions are manifold.

Pima Cotton Tee in Evergreen – Verte Mode

Instead, consider organizing or participating in community clothing swaps. These not only promote a circular economy but also foster community ties. Thrift shops, consignment stores, and platforms like ThredUp are making second-hand cool again. But if it's something brand new you're seeking, Vertemode's sustainable collection, such as our uber-comfortable, two-tone French terry crew made from 100% sustainably-sourced Peruvian pima cotton, is a game-changer. Our dyes are not just vibrant; they're eco-friendly and safe!

Gentle & Joyful French Terry Two Tone Crewneck in Royal Blue – Verte Mode

 

2. The Inventory-First Approach The thrill of buying new stationery for school is unparalleled. But do we always need new supplies? Delving into our stock from the previous year can reveal reusable treasures, curbing the need to buy new. By reusing, we're not just saving money; we're saving resources and reducing waste.

Handwoven Pencil Holder | Desk Organizer | Woven Basket – Verte Mode

 

3. Green School Supplies: A Growing Trend While the term "school supplies" often conjures images of colorful plastic items, the tide is turning. Evade PVC-rich supplies like certain lunchboxes and binders. Brands are increasingly creating recycled or upcycled stationery that's chic and green. Whether it's bamboo-made pencils, recycled paper notebooks, or biodegradable binders, the choices are aplenty and growing.

Stone Paper Notebook – Verte Mode

 

4. The World of Used Textbooks Books form the backbone of academic pursuits, but they also have an environmental cost. Enter the world of used textbooks. These gems are not just easy on the pocket but also reduce the demand for new books, saving trees and reducing the energy and water used in production.

 

 

5. Lunchtime: An Opportunity to Go Green School lunches, when not planned, can lead to enormous waste. Packing home-cooked meals in reusable containers slashes disposable packaging waste. Plus, home-cooked means you can ensure your child gets nutritious, chemical-free meals. Engaging kids in meal prep can make them more excited about their lunches, reducing food waste.

Reusable Food Storage Bags – Verte Mode

6. The Right Lunch Containers While we're on the topic of lunches, let's talk containers. Plastics, especially ones with BPA, phthalates, and other chemicals, can leach into food, posing health risks. Stainless steel options, like Planet Box, are durable, safe, and long-lasting.

 

7. Clean Hands, Clean Conscience Hand sanitizers have become staples. However, many mainstream sanitizers have chemicals that are harmful in the long run. Natural alternatives are just as effective without the harmful side effects. Plus, they often come in eco-friendlier packaging.

Seed Phytonutrients Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer – Verte Mode

8. Green Commute: Every Little Helps Transportation is one of the significant contributors to carbon emissions. If school buses are an option, they're a greener choice than individual cars. Living close to school? Walking or biking can be an excellent way for kids to get some exercise, reduce carbon footprints, and increase their connection to nature.

Borås - Grape Leather Classic Sneakers - Oyster – Verte Mode

9. Idle Cars: A Silent Polluter We often underestimate the pollution from idling cars. Turning off your engine when waiting can significantly reduce emissions, protecting young lungs and the environment.

Darzah The Teal Leather Key Fob – Verte Mode

  

10. Nurture Eco-conscious Citizens As parents and guardians, we're not just prepping kids for school but for life. Sharing the reasons behind sustainable choices can nurture environmentally conscious young minds, ensuring a brighter, greener future.

Rectangular Recycled Plastic Sunglasses - Green Matcha – Verte Mode

11. Sustainable Backpacks: Carrying the Future Responsibly  A significant yet often overlooked aspect of back-to-school sustainability lies in the choice of backpacks. Traditional backpacks may seem harmless, but their production and materials can contribute to environmental degradation. Instead of opting for conventional backpacks, consider investing in sustainable alternatives. Eco-friendly backpacks are typically crafted from recycled materials, organic fabrics, or even upcycled materials, reducing the demand for virgin resources and minimizing waste. 

Sustainable Earth Backpack for School, Work, and Everday Use – Verte Mode

 

The back-to-school season, filled with its unique charm and challenges, offers numerous opportunities to make greener choices. With each choice, we're not just prepping for a school year but laying the groundwork for a sustainable future. Embrace the change, and let's make this academic year not just about grades but also about green choices. Happy Green School Year from Vertemode!