As an eco-friendly family, your routines at home make a big impact! But, there’s no need to stop there. Embracing these practices in all aspects of your kiddo’s life — especially at school — not only protects the earth but sets them up for a lifetime of healthy, sustainable habits.

So, to help you make this your most sustainable school year yet, we’ve created a back-to-school checklist for parents. Keep it handy as you plan, shop, and live out the last few days of summer all the way until school’s out once again!

1. Gear up, the green way

• Use a 100% plastic-free water bottle from Pura Stainless to keep your kiddo hydrated
• Choose a backpack made from recycled or organic materials — or better yet, one you already own
• Select pencils, highlighters, notebooks and other supplies that are refillable or made of eco-friendly materials (here are our recommendations)
• Choose items with minimal packaging 

2. Respect your tech

• Repair tech you already have before replacing it
• Whenever possible, buy used or refurbished items
• Donate or recycle old tech responsibly
• Go paperless whenever possible 

3. Style sustainably

• Go thrifting for back to school clothes
• Support ethical and eco-friendly brands
• Use last year’s items or those from an older sibling or relative
  

4. Reduce, reuse, repurpose, recycle

• Print double-sided and only when necessary
• Offer to set up a recycling station in your child’s classroom
• Repurpose or donate used items instead of tossing them out
• Take care of supplies to reuse next year
  

5. Mindful meals

• Avoid items that are packaged in single-use plastics
• Choose local, seasonal foods
• Wrap sandwiches snacks in beeswax wraps or reusable silicone bags
• Pack lunches in 100% plastic-free lunch jars and containers from Pura Stainless!
• Stash a compost bag in your little one’s lunch box to use for food scraps
  

6. Hone your habits

• Have your kid walk, bike, carpool, or take the bus to school whenever possible
• Advocate for sustainable practices at your child’s school
• Volunteer at your child’s school or community garden
• Offer to coordinate a field trip focused on conservation
• Reflect on what’s working and how to do better next year!
  

At Pura Stainless, we believe that sustainability starts with intention and is sustained with action! Every effort you make to live an eco-friendly lifestyle as a family, at home and out in the world makes a real difference. We hope this back to school checklist serves as a helpful roadmap for meaningful change — and that you share it in your community to inspire others to make a positive impact too!