7 Simple Swaps for Greener School Days
Back-to-school season means fresh starts, new routines, and backpacks filled with big dreams. If you're looking to make mornings smoother and more sustainable, here are 7 simple, eco-friendly swaps perfect for kids and the grownups who love them.
1. 🎒 Choose a Backpack That Lasts
Skip the character-themed backpacks that fall apart mid-year. Instead, look for durable, well-constructed bags made from recycled or eco-friendly materials, like these trendy ones from State. Bonus: classic, neutral styles can be reused year after year — or even passed down to younger siblings.
2. 🖍️ Opt for Washable, Refillable Art Supplies
School supply lists are packed with crayons, paints, and all the tools for messy little masterpieces. Try:
Crayons made from soy or beeswax
Refillable markers
Washable paints in glass jars or bulk containers
Little changes like these reduce waste while still encouraging creative play.
3. 🧃 Swap Water Bottles for Spill-Proof Reusable Cups
Single-use water bottles = lots of waste. Instead, send water in a leak-proof stainless steel cup or water bottle with a fun design your kiddo will actually be excited to use.
4. 🍎 Pack Snacks in Reusable Snack Stash Bags
Lunches and snack breaks can add up to a lot of single-use plastic. That’s why we love our Snack Stash Bags — soft, zippered, easy-to-clean reusable pouches that are perfect for pretzels, fruit, or crackers on the go. When you purchase any of the silicone baby dishware from Paperclip, you get one of these bags for free!
Unlike disposable plastic baggies, Snack Stash Bags are:
Reusable
Free from BPA, PVC, and phthalates
Designed with fun, kid-friendly prints
Durable enough to last all year long
They're an easy, eco-upgrade that keeps waste out of landfills and your preschooler’s snacks fresh and fun.
5. ✂️ Create a Clothing Swap Routine
Kids grow fast. Rather than buying a whole new wardrobe each season, start a clothing swap with other families. It's a great way to trade out gently-used jackets, rain boots, and leggings for sizes that actually fit.
6. 📚 Build a Shared Book Bin
Instead of buying new books every month, consider:
Hosting a book swap with friends
Checking out library story times
Donating gently-used books and rotating in new ones
This keeps your shelves fresh without adding to your footprint.
7. ☀️ Green Your Morning Routine
From breakfast to brush time, even little changes can make a big impact. Try:
Reusable napkins instead of paper towels
Bamboo toothbrushes
Digital family planners instead to keep the whole family on track
School mornings are hectic, but choosing a few planet-friendly habits makes things easier and more meaningful.
Starting Small Builds Big Habits
Teaching children about caring for the earth starts with the choices we make together every day. Whether it's packing snacks in a reusable bag or choosing refillable art supplies, your kids are watching — and learning.
So here’s to greener mornings, happier backpacks, and a back-to-school season that’s both joyful and sustainable.
