Wait, what? Summer’s almost over?

5 Tips for a Plastic Free, Zero Waste Back to School or Office

1. Invest in reusable foodware

You already have the reusable lunch bag and beverage bottle right? Well, sometimes you just need a fork or a spoon. Bamboo or stainless steel cutlery sets to the rescue! For sandwiches, salads and leftovers, try these stainless steel lockable containers and silicone relockable bags. Pop them in the dishwasher with the dinner dishes and start out fresh the next morning!

And while the most sustainable beverage bottle is the one you already own, if you are in the market for a beverage bottle we suggest you consider upgrading to stainless steel.

2. Shop local and buy in bulk 

It would be a shame to fill your reusable lunch box with prepackaged meals and snacks. Follow these tips to minimize waste, avoid plastic and support your community:

• Shop locally. Not only will this reduce your carbon footprint, you can bring your own bags!

• Many farmers markets continue through the fall. In the spring, also consider joining a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture)

• Buy in bulk and bring your own reusable containers. Check out your local market, co-op, or refill store's bulk section and bring your own washable, reusable bags and jars to fill up on nuts, dried fruit, and more.

• Check out Chicago Environmentalists’ handy guide to all the above!

3. Check for on-hand school supplies before you buy

This will simply save you money! Save the expenditures for when your supply runs out. 

4. Look for gently-used clothing, musical instruments, sports gear, bikes and dorm decor

Thrifting is the cool thing to do! Check out local shops in your community, or online at Facebook Marketplace, Ebay, Poshmark, ThredUp etc. To further defray costs, consider selling your family’s outgrown clothing and gear so someone else can enjoy them. Or at a minimum donate to your local Goodwill. 

5. Include your family in the process

No matter what age your child is, YOU are their first and most important source of information. Whether you are getting them school supplies, moving them into a dorm, or getting them ready for a first job, share with them why you are looking for items that are either used or can be reused over and over again. Focus on the positives of choosing items that are made to last and can be used for years to come over cheaper items that are meant to be used once and then thrown away. 

This is a great opportunity to get your family thinking about how their own choices can make an impact and cultivate a mindset of refusing single-use and embracing environmental sustainability.

Want more? Join the Environmental Action Committee at our meetings the second Monday of each month at 4:30 pm. Our next meeting is on September 8!