The National Retail Federation expects back-to-school and back-to-college spending in the United States to total $83.6 billion this year – an increase of more than 10% over the 2016 level. Families with children in elementary through high school expect to spend an average of $687.72, while those with college students estimate they’ll spend $969.88.
To avoid unnecessary costs and wasteful purchases, start by taking inventory of school supplies you already have at home. When you do go shopping, consider the following green alternatives:
To avoid unnecessary costs and wasteful purchases, start by taking inventory of school supplies you already have at home. When you do go shopping, consider the following green alternatives:
- Look for school supplies – especially paper products, but also pencils and even backpacks - made of recycled materials.
- Choose products which are themselves recyclable or biodegradable.
- Instead of stocking up on plastic bags and single-serving packaged foods, buy washable, reusable containers for lunch and snacks. Is the backpack getting too heavy? Reusable water bottles can be carried to school empty and filled on site, as needed.
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