Sustainable Back to School Guide

8/26/2022

It’s that time of year again! Young witches and wizards are preparing to go back to Hogwarts, receiving their lists of books and equipment they’ll need for their upcoming school year. Those pesky growth spurts also mean that new school robes will be in order. Be sure to get to Platform 9 ¾ by 11am on September 1st to board the Hogwarts Express!

Even if you won’t be attending Hogwarts this year, you can channel your inner Hermione by preparing in advance for what you or your kids will need in their upcoming year of Muggle schooling.

In 2022, parents are expected to spend an average of $264 on their children’s back to school clothing and supplies, and according to a survey, only 50% of parents choose environmentally friendly or responsibly sourced back to school products and only 29% prefer to buy a used or refurbished product rather than brand new items for their children.

It’s important to invest in sustainable and environmentally-friendly products as much as possible, so we’ve put together this handy guide on ways you can add a bit of extra magic to your back to school experience while being as sustainable and ethical as possible.

Uniforms & Shoes

Whether you’re in primary school or hitting your teens, growth spurts are a given, and this means you can go through a lot of school clothing, including uniforms and shoes.

If you can squeeze into last year’s clothes for another term, then it’s worth a try. But if you need a brand new set, the best way to sustainably obtain clothing is by making the most of the Weasley tradition of hand-me-downs from older siblings, relatives, or friends. If that isn’t an option, try buying secondhand items from thrift stores or websites like eBay.

Try to go for items that are slightly bigger than needed, but perhaps not so big that you’re completely swamped like Harry was after Aunt Petunia dyed Dudley’s old school uniform! All you have to do is roll up those long sleeves and cuffs and they’ll last longer as they grow with you or your child, meaning you save money and the planet at the same time.

If you do need to buy new, choose clothes that have been made sustainably, such as those made from organic cotton or recycled materials. Investing in high-quality pieces will pay off in the end because although they may cost a little more, they don’t wear out as quickly and will last much longer.

As for shoes, always avoid leather because of the cruelty it poses to the animals who suffer because of them. There are plenty of other options, from hardy vegan leather boots to comfortable canvas sneakers.

Equipment, Books, & Supplies

Before buying anything new for your school bag, dig out last year’s bag from the back of your closet and check if there’s anything that can be reused. Be sure to look for:

Pens and pencils
Sharpeners
Erasers
Highlighters
Rulers
Scissors
Folders and binders
Pencil cases and backpacks

More than half of the waste produced by schools is paper or card, so if there are supplies you need to buy new, you can either opt for secondhand through thrift shops or buy new, sustainable, and high quality products that will last longer.

Of course, quills and ink aren’t very efficient or convenient. There are much kinder alternatives to using the feathers of farmed birds. Opt for wooden or refillable pencils and pens - there are even zero-waste options to fulfil all of your writing needs.

You should also look for non-toxic products, as these are better for you and the environment.

Choose notebooks that are made from recycled materials or save paper and use a laptop.
If you need new books, check whether older siblings have copies first, then look on eBay, secondhand online bookstores, or at your local library.
Invest in a high-quality backpack that will last year-after-year.
Look for items that are PVC-free and buy non-toxic glue.

Lunches

Try making a zero waste lunch. This means reducing the waste and plastic that goes into lunch bags and opting for reusable items whenever possible.

Some reusable items for lunch bags to consider are:

When thinking about what to have for lunches, it’s a good idea to make a meal plan; this helps you to buy exactly what you need and means nothing should go to waste. You can also make a two, three, or four week plan, rotating it when needed to make life easier while still creating a good variety of meals.

Here are some handy tips for planning lunches:

Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables.
Get creative with your sandwich-making by using tortillas, flatbreads, or rolls.
Buy snacks in bulk and place them in reusable containers.
Make meals in big batches; keep a couple of day’s worth in the fridge and freeze the rest for another time.

There are so many different types of vegan meals you can create, from a range of vegan sandwich filling ideas to delicious pasta dishes and more.

Getting to School

We all love the Hogwarts Express, but it’s safe to say getting to school via steam train isn’t the most likely option for many of us. Trains are more sustainable than cars, but even better options for witches and wizards would be to travel by broom or Apparition (if with a licensed adult).

If you live close enough to your school, choose to walk or cycle, and if you’re too far away for those, consider carpooling with friends or taking a bus.

For those who are able, there are many benefits of walking to school, including maintaining your physical health and helping the planet.

Being physically active can lead to better academic performance and focus during lessons.
Those who walk or cycle to school are less likely to suffer from diabetes and obesity.
Fewercars on the road means there is less traffic congestion and less pollution.
Walking and cycling teaches road safety and awareness.

This year, head down to Diagon Alley’s secondhand shops - you may be surprised to see what treasures you find there! Tag us on our socials to let us know what steps you’ll be taking to be more sustainable during the upcoming back to school season.

Written by Grace Hurley