Back to school the eco-friendly way

I may be in my thirties, but to me, September still feels like 'back to school' time every time it rolls around: it's the time of year to get organised, re-jig your wardrobe, get down to wok and most importantly...buy stationery!

How can you ensure that all that buying and stocking up has as small an impact on the planet as possible? Here are a few tips in our green 'back to school' guide, whether you're really going back into education, or just like to pretend you're still 12.

Read on after the jump for our suggestions

Notebooks
Avoid notebooks with plastic covers, and look out for recycled paper. These don't have to be boring: you can find notepads made from all sorts of interesting recycled materials, including plastic bags, juice cartons and bamboo.

If you do decide to go for the plain recycled paper sort, remember you can also decorate any notepads with scrap clippings if you have any of these handy: this is a great way to re-use wrapping paper, magazines or other decorated papers.

Pencils
Just as you would when buying any wood product, you can check that pencils come from sustainable sources.

You can order FSC-certified pencils online, including these 'Remark' colouring pencils which are made from well-managed, sustainable UK forests.

You can also buy pencils that are not made from wood, like these ones made out of plastic cups.

Remarkable also make attractive, colourful pencils out of all sorts of recycled plastics, including CD cases in their 'I used to be something else' range.

Rulers
Before you buy yourself a shiny new ruler, why not check around the house to make sure there aren't any old ones lurking? Most people stockpile rulers and other stationery items without even realising it, so it is always worth a look!

If your house is definitely ruler-free, Remarkable sell recycled rulers for £1 in all sorts of lovely colours.

Schoolwear
Lots of supermarkets and other high street stores are offering cheaply-made schoolwear for next to nothing, but the cost is in the low-paid workers who had to make the garments, which are often poorly produced. Check out Clean Slate, which offers fair trade, organic cotton clothing that otherwise conforms to the school requirements. Side pleated skirts for girls start at £12.50 and polo shirts for boys at £13.

Calculator
You don't need to buy a calculator that relies on batteries: this one at Nigel's Eco Store runs on water.

Comments