How to save money and reuse school supplies this school year

By Mia McCormick, Environment Florida 

Back-to-school season can easily become a spending spree. From school supplies to new clothes, whether it’s back-to-school or back-to-college spending, the dollars add up and so does the waste. Buying new, especially when supplies can be found used or refurbished, is wasteful and takes a toll on our environment. 

Despite what pervasive advertisements tell us, you have options. Buying things second hand, updating used items you already have or simply not buying things until you are sure you need them can save money and conserve precious natural resources at the same time.

Here are some simple tips on how you can save money and cut down on waste this school year season:

Make do with last year’s items

Before heading to the store to stock up on school supplies, take an inventory of what you already have. If it’s still in good working condition, take it off the list. There’s no need to buy a new backpack, lunchbox or other school supplies if the ones you have are still in working order. Update the look by covering scratches or last year’s subject titles with decoupage, paint or stickers.

Repair what school supplies you have

Is your lunchbox or backpack one hole or broken zipper away from being in working condition? Consider repairing your existing items instead of buying new. Mending is fun and gives you the opportunity to create a unique style by using a crazy colored thread or a patch. You can find a lot of repair guides and tutorials on iFixit or YouTube. Plus, fixing something yourself is the ultimate confidence boost.

Organize a clothing swap

New wardrobes every year are expensive and the idea is so old school. One way to create a new back-to-school style without buying all new clothes is to hold a clothing swap.

A clothing swap is where people gather and bring some of the clothes, shoes and accessories they no longer wear (but that are still in decent shape) and trade them with others. This can work great for a group of friends, teammates or an online Mom’s group for little ones. That way, you can get new-to-you clothing without contributing to the throwaway culture of fast fashion.

Ask your local Buy Nothing or FreeCycle group

Buy Nothing and FreeCycle Network are neighborhood-based gift economy projects where you can give away things you no longer use and/or get free stuff your neighbors are giving away. Ask the nice folks in your local Buy Nothing or FreeCycle group if they have any school supplies they aren’t using!

Buy secondhand items where possible

Clothing, backpacks, lunch boxes, books and sports equipment are all great items to shop secondhand. You can find a lot of these items at thrift stores, specialty stores or consignment shops. There are also websites like thredUP and PoshMark where you can buy used clothing online. 

Buy refurbished electronics

If your child needs a new calculator or laptop or tablet for school, no need to go out and buy the newest model. Find one that has been refurbished — they are usually much more affordable, and giving electronics a longer life has major environmental benefits.

Purchase a reusable water bottle and food containers

Have you ever calculated what you spend on bottled water and plastic sandwich bags? A big way that you can save money and cut down on waste throughout the school year is to switch to a reusable water bottle and food containers that will last the whole school year.

Food-grade silicone bags are a reusable option for snack and sandwich bags and many go right into the top rack of the dishwasher. That way, you‘re not spending money on items that get used for a few hours then thrown away. 

Only buy the school supplies you really need

It can be really fun and exciting to buy a bunch of shiny new school supplies. The reality is, much of it doesn’t get used. Stick to the supply list or if possible wait to find out what the teachers recommend in the first week. Often supply lists are outdated and teachers can give current information during the first few days of school.  

Talk about these decisions and why you’re making them

Empower your friends or your children to be good stewards of the earth by making these “alternative to new” choices at the beginning of the year. There can be pressure to have new stuff, but there’s power that comes with making a more sustainable choice.

Once you make a conscious decision to be a part of the solution to excess waste, then you can own and share your back-to-school vibe with confidence. 

Mia McCormick is an advocate with Environment Florida, a policy and action group with one mission: to build a healthier, greener Sunshine State. This piece was originally published at https://environmentamerica.org/florida/center/articles/how-to-save-money-and-reuse-school-supplies-this-school-year/. Banner photo: Students enter a school bus (iStock image).

If you are interested in submitting an opinion piece to The Invading Sea, email Editor Nathan Crabbe at ncrabbe@fau.edu. Sign up for The Invading Sea newsletter by visiting here.