How Every School Day Can Benefit The Planet With Your Help
The summer holidays have passed by quickly and were in the second week of returning, and many of you may still be looking at ways to ensure that we are all doing our bit with the environment in mind. And this is easier than you may think.
Whilst schools are working towards reducing their environmental impact and usage of single use plastics, parents can also consider how they too can play their part in creating an eco-friendlier school day.
A few of the best ways to be climate friendly when going back to school and throughout the school year is by reflecting on the 3Rs of waste.
Reduce
Many back to school staples are made with plastic, Plastic fills up our landfill and takes hundreds of years to decompose. Reducing what you use or buy can result in less landfill, a better environment, and reduced costs, saving money and the planet overall.
Stationery
- Many companies now stock and sell stationery made from bamboo or recycled materials, this means they take less time to decompose when thrown away or they can be recycled when disposed of properly. They also require less energy to make, overall reducing their environmental impact. Wooden pens and pencils can also be a better option as they take significantly less time to decompose, however the process of acquiring wood and converting it can use a lot of energy and resources, leading to a higher impact on the environment. It is important to explore all your options and make the best decision.
Lunch
- When it comes to school lunches, the prices can quickly add up. Sometimes it’s cheaper, and often easier, to choose packed lunch instead. And did you know choosing a packed lunch is also better for the environment? Using reusable lunchboxes and bottles reduces the need for single use plastics. Other ways to reduce plastic waste with food is investing in beeswax wraps, they come in fun patterns and keep food fresh. Sending packed lunches can reduce waste that comes from school prepared lunches: less plastic waste from any multipacks that schools sell, as well as you can prepare a lunch that you know your child will love. In addition to this, to save time in the mornings and reduce your household food waste, you could consider using any leftovers from last night’s tea for the packed lunch.
Reuse
Supplies
- Stationary can also be reused as opposed to buying more, sometimes it can be a habit to over stock so it’s important to keep track of what you do have and reuse over the following years. The same goes for school bags, lunch boxes, and other staple school supplies. Sometimes it is easy to buy new at an exciting time of year but it is often unnecessary. Taking accountability and avoiding mass consumerism can reduce your environmental impact and save you money. At the end of the day, it is still exciting to upgrade for the new year, especially as your children change there interests from a superhero lunch box to dinosaurs, alternatively consider donating old supplies so someone else can find joy and make use of it.
Uniform
- Similarly, uniform is a big cost. Children grow very quickly so unfortunately buying new ever year is a must, but, if possible, consider thrifting for new or donating your old to reduce costs and environmental impact for everyone. Often hand-me-downs are the way to go if you have multiple children close in age.
- Recycle shared how you can donate your old uniforms and Salvationist shared an article about school take-back schemes.
Recycle
Recycling should often be a last resort, reusing is the biggest way to save energy and emissions. Besides recycling, you can also upcycle items, which is a creative way to breathe new life into old things by turning them into something new.
There are many recycling programmes available now that make it easier to do. You can find out everything you need about recycling and waste on the Durham Council website. if your outside of County Durham, make sure to check your own County guidelines to avoid recycling items that aren’t accepted.
Travelling
How you choose to travel is important too. Choosing to travel sustainably is not only good for the environment, but it also promotes a healthy lifestyle. Choosing public transport is an easy and affordable way to travel anywhere, it also reduces the number of vehicles on the road, cutting down carbon emissions and reducing traffic. Walking and cycling are great choices too as you could exercise on your way to work or school. Walking is also great for mental health as you can take in fresh air and enjoy the surrounding environment.
Unfortunately, it is not always an option for some to get a bus or walk, instead a better option for those who live a bit further away or do not have access to public transport is choosing to carpool with others who live close or enroute of you or your journey. Similarly to public transport, it reduces the number of cars on the road but it also gives you or your children a chance to spend time with friends and make the most of the journey.
It is also important to consider where you park when it comes to pick-ups and drop-offs, find a spot a little further away, or mix both walking and car by parking a distance away from the school. This can reduce congestion at schools and reduces air pollution, it also ensures a safer and more organised school run.
As we prepare for the upcoming school year, it’s essential to keep sustainability in mind. By making small, thoughtful changes, whether it is choosing eco-friendly supplies, reusing what we already have, or adopting greener travel habits—we can significantly reduce our environmental impact. These efforts not only help create a healthier planet but also teach our children the importance of being mindful and responsible. As we look forward to the new school year, let’s embrace these sustainable practices and make a positive difference together.
