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Transform Back-to-School: 10 Powerful Swaps for a Waste-Free, Local, and Lasting Start

Bymariah @ Fatchange.com

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As summer wanes, I’m not quite ready for fall, but it’s the perfect time to talk about BACK TO SCHOOL! So I wanted to share some of my favorite back to school secrets for a low waste lifestyle. Let’s chat about 9 ways to transform back to school from eco-friendly swaps to systemic changes.

1. Home-Packed Lunches

When we pack lunch we try to use reusables as much as we can. Drink in the Box is one of my favorites. I initially purchased these in 2018 and just replaced them in 2025. I figured 7 years of constant use was pretty good. I still have the 2018 drink boxes but they’re looking a little rough. The ones that have since broken have gone to the rainbow bridge at Terra Cycle.

If you pack snacks try to purchase large packages and use reusable ziplock bags or just reuse your actual ziplock bags until they need to be thrown away. We’ve even gotten a few “where’d you get that?” questions from classmates and teachers. That’s how change starts, right? If you don’t have time consider sending your snack package waste to Terra Cycle. They have free recycle programs. And if you haven’t already consider downloading the Yuka App that gives you ratings on the potential toxicity of your food and better alternatives. There are occasions when you need a disposable lunch. In that case I would recommend an old fashioned paper bag and wax paper snack bags.

  • Start with just one thing. Swap the juice box for a reusable drink container. Once that becomes a habit, add snack containers or a reusable utensil.

2. Buy Local (Especially for Back-to-School!)

Two-day shipping? Cheaper options? It’s tempting. But let me tell you why I’ve started hitting pause on those impulse buys—and why I’m leaning into local and regional brands whenever I can, especially for back-to-school shopping.

Let’s start with the basics: buying local supports your own economy. When you buy from a business in your own country—or better yet, your own state or city—you’re not just getting a product. You’re putting money directly into your community. You’re helping fund local jobs, small family-run operations, and sometimes even handmade craftsmanship.

And when it comes to backpacks? Yep, I’ve got opinions. I’ve listed several options depending on the country you live in.

🇺🇸 USA – Tough Traveler

I’ve bought 3 backpacks from Tough Traveler and I’m happy that I did. Even our oldest backpack is still tear free and in tact. Even if it wasn’t, Tough Traveler has a lifetime repair program. They will repair your backpack if it ever rips or tears. It’s not the cheapest but they last a LONG TIME. These bags are made in New York and built like tanks.

🇬🇧 UK – Trakke

If you’re in the UK, check out Trakke’s Waxed canvas backpacks bags. They’ve got that minimalist, street-style vibe without sacrificing function. Plus, they’re local, thoughtful, and you’re not contributing to a fast fashion cycle. Win-win. They’re not cheap but if you’re looking for handmade quality in the UK then check them out.

🇦🇺 Australia – Caribee

For my Aussie friends, Caribee is a gem. These bags are stylish, sturdy, and designed with Aussie families in mind. Caribee is proudly Australian owned and operated. If you support Caribee you’re supporting a small business open since 1956. Unlike some of the others, Caribee bags are well priced.

🇨🇦 Canada – Opolaire

Based in Canada, Opolaire produces backpacks and bags made from sustainable, eco-friendly organic cotton canvas, and they’re made in Canada—no middleman, no mystery factories. This means real local jobs, reduced shipping emissions, and quality built with Canadian craftsmanship.

I’m not saying you need to overhaul your entire life. But something as simple as buying a backpack that’s made to last, by people near you, for people like you? That’s a small shift with a big ripple effect.

🇪🇺 EU (European Union) – Cabaia

If you’re in Europe and looking for a school backpack that’s actually made to last—not just until winter break—Cabaia is such a good pick. Based in France, Cabaia checks nearly every sustainable box you could want. We’re talking B Corp certified, EVE Vegan, GOTS, OEKO-TEX, GRS, REACH… basically an alphabet soup of eco certifications. And yes, that means their materials are safer for the planet and your kid’s skin.

What really sets Cabaia apart is the design. These backpacks are made for real life—plenty of sizes, tons of color options (seriously, there are like 30+!), laptop sleeves, anti-theft pockets, padded straps, and luggage sleeves for travel days.

Even though production happens in Hong Kong, the brand is deeply rooted in ethical standards, working only with trusted suppliers who follow Cabaia’s strict Code of Conduct. They also keep everything super transparent and avoid greenwashing, which we love.

RELATED ARTICLE: SUPPORT LOCAL AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS.

3. If You Can’t Buy Local— Buy Certified Fair Trade

Even if a backpack isn’t made in your home country, certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), Fair Trade, B Corp, OEKO-TEX, and GRS (Global Recycled Standard) still matter—a lot. These labels mean the product was made with safe, ethical, and environmentally friendly practices, no matter where in the world it was produced. GOTS ensures organic farming and no harmful chemicals in textiles, while Fair Trade focuses on decent working conditions and fair pay. OEKO-TEX guarantees that fabrics are free from toxic substances, GRS confirms the use of recycled materials, and B Corp certification reflects a company’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and sustainability. So even if the bag travels across borders, you can feel confident it was made with care for both people and planet.

🇺🇸 USA – I’ve got my eye on Terra Threads. If you’re looking for a cost-effective, eco-conscious kid’s backpack that actually performs, Terrathread is worth considering. Their bags are made from 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton canvas, which means they’re natural, toxin-free, and built to last with fair-trade production practices—no synthetic liners or plastics required.

🇬🇧 UK – If you’re in the UK, a more affordable option is Roka London. ROKA’s backpacks come in recycled nylon or canvas, made from recycled plastic bottles and offcuts. They’re durable, water-resistant, and smartly designed with padded straps, laptop sleeves, and clean, minimalist styling that feels school-appropriate (think modern meets practical). Everything you’d expect for a busy school day—from organized pockets to comfy carrying—ROKA delivers.

🇦🇺 Australia – For those shopping in Australia, Alimasay deserves a mention. Their bags are handmade in Australia, which is a big deal if you’re trying to shop close to home. They’re not just stylish—they’re built to last. Their slower, more intentional approach to production means you’re getting a backpack that won’t unravel by mid-year. And while they may not have quite as many certifications as some global players, their transparency and small-batch craftsmanship is worth celebrating.

4. Why I Bought an Old-School Pencil Sharpener—and Love It

old fashioned electronic pencil sharpener
old fashioned pencil sharpener

Buy an old fashioned pencil sharpener from Ebay (whether crank or electronic). This may seem simple, but it’s important. Kids still ned lots of pencils. Buy an old fashioned pencil sharpener to sharpen your kids pencils from Ebay instead of ordering new. It gives these wonderful items a new lease on life and it gives you a low waste alternative. The metal crank pencil sharpeners are the kind you have to mount on a table, a wall, or a cabinet—because honestly, they’re kind of magical. The sound? That click-click-zing is basically ASMR for school supplies.

5. Back-to-School, Not Back-to-Fast Fashion: Why I’m Choosing Clothes That Last

Steer away from fast fashion or uneccessary comsumption. Do we really need brand new school outfits? If we do, how many do we need? Perhaps only a few. Okay, let’s be honest—back-to-school shopping can feel like a mini fashion show for kids. Every store has racks full of glittery leggings, licensed t-shirts, and hoodies with sequins that flip. And trust me, I’ve said more than once thinking, “Well, it’s only $6.99…”

But those $6.99 leggings don’t last. The knees are shot, the seams unravel, and by the time it’s cold enough to actually wear that sparkly hoodie again? It looks like it’s seen better days. Since our kids are constantly outgrowing their clothing anyway, why not buy used? Sometimes it’s just easier to load up the cart online, which is why I’ve listed some of my favorite online used clothing shops below.

In person.

RELATED ARTICLE: HOW TO STOP CLOTHING WASTE IN ITS TRACKS

Why Recycling Clothes Matters

Kids grow, but not as fast as fast fashion breaks down. And if you’re kids grow out of their clothes check out my previous post on recycling your clothing. Another one of my favs is Trashie.

6. The Most Underrated Back-to-School Hack? Reuse What You Already Have

You don’t need to buy all new school supplies every year.

Back-to-school shopping is one of those things we’ve turned into a tradition—new markers, fresh folders, every color Post-it known to humankind. I love a good new notebook smell as much as anyone. But somewhere between the 8th pack of pencils and the 4th pair of scissors, I realized… wait, “we already have all this.“

Before I step foot into a store—or add anything to an online cart—I go through our drawers, bins, and random cabinets. You’d be surprised what turns up:

  • Pencil pouches that just need a quick wipe down.
  • Markers with plenty of life left.
  • Spiral notebooks with 3/4 of the pages still blank.
  • Scissors that still work.
  • Binders that have maybe seen two actual uses and one juice spill.

I’m not trying to be a supply grinch here. But I am saying: if it works, why toss it?

7, Donate Old Crayons

Every year, millions of perfectly usable pens, crayons, and folders get tossed to make room for “new.” And where do they go? Into landfills. Into oceans. Into bins that never get sorted properly. School supplies might feel small, but they add up—especially across hundreds of classrooms and thousands of families.

One of my favorite things to do is to donate my kid’s old crayons. You can visit your local Staples and donate old crayons here, here, or here in the USA. If you’re in the UK donate here, Australia donate here, Canada donate here, and Europe donate here.

Sustainability can start in your own backpack. If you have school supplies that have gone beyond their usefulness then check out Terra Cycle’s school supply box.

What We Do Instead

  • Create a “supply stash” box. We keep gently used supplies in one bin throughout the year. Come August, it’s our starting point.
  • Only buy what’s actually needed. If the list says “10 glue sticks,” but we already have six perfectly good ones—we’re getting four. (Sometimes we don’t even need to buy that.)

8. Encourage Your School to Have Lunch AFTER Recess

Why it works:
Multiple studies confirm that when children play before eating—rather than rushing to recess afterward—they eat more and waste less. One Utah study showed a 54% increase in fruit & veggie consumption when recess came first.

Here’s a personal example: one of my kids eats lunch at 10:30 a.m. in their elementary school—and it’s just way too early. They’re often not hungry yet, having just eaten breakfast an hour or two before. Unsurprisingly, I’ve noticed much of their lunch comes home uneaten. The USDA even recommends scheduling lunch closer to midday to encourage better appetite and less waste.

Parent toolbox:

  • Bring recent data to PTA or school board meetings.
  • Propose a pilot week with recess preceding lunch. Track waste for before-after comparison.
  • Share national best-practice resources—such as from Peaceful Playgrounds and USDA-backed research.

Encourage school to compost or find ways to limit food waste.

Make Lunch Time at Least 30 minutes.

Why it works:
Early-grade kids often get just 20 minutes—too little! Research shows a 30-minute lunch allows for fuller eating, especially among younger students, reducing plate waste significantly Wyoming Department Of Education.

Parent toolbox:

  • Appeal to administrators using “time-for-nutrition” arguments: better eating habits → fewer hunger distractions in class.
  • Offer to help gather data; weigh left-over trays during a trial extension.
  • Highlight success stories: schools that extended lunch saw measurable drops in waste and improved concentration.

9, Farm to Table School Lunches

Why it works:
Engaging kids with local produce—plus hands-on learning—boosts interest and consumption. Farm-to-school initiatives decrease waste by an average of 17%.  School Nutrition Association and how salad bars encourage healthier choices: California students using them took 90–144% of their recommended produce versus 40–60% without Wikipedia.

Parent toolbox:

  • Collaborate with nutrition staff to start a small pilot (e.g., two fresh fruit trays per week).
  • Apply for grants through programs like WWF’s Food Waste Warriors World Wildlife Fund.
  • Connect with local farmers or co-ops and offer educational visits or tastings.

10. Set Up Share Tables & Composting Systems

Why it works:
Share tables allow unopened food items to be shared, donated, or composted—reducing waste and feeding others. Composting education teaches kids about environmental impact and resource cycling.

Encourage your school to particpate in a local compost program. We all know how much food is waste for school lunches but it doesn’t have to be this way. If kids don’t eat, then we can send their food to compost instead of the trash.

Parent toolbox:

  • Propose a pilot share table, citing USDA support and successful case studies.
  • Investigate composting partnerships—like local farms or municipal waste services—to process scraps.
  • Encourage school board to include share tables & compost bins in Climate Action Plans, backed by environmental toolkits

What Composting Programs Look Like in Action

1. Classroom Worm Bins & Share Tables
At Marshall Road Elementary (Fairfax County, VA), classrooms host worm bins where students observe how “nature eats nature.” Lunchrooms feature “share bins” for unopened foods—students place unwanted items and peers can take them later—encouraging generosity while diverting waste from landfills.

2. District-Wide Cafeteria Composting
New Haven Public Schools set up organics bins in eight schools in 2023. Working with Blue Earth Compost and Farm2x, they diverted over 33,000 lbs of food scraps from landfills in their first year—backed by sustainability grants and curriculum integration New Haven Register.

3. Garden-Based Compost Systems
Waters School (Chicago Public Schools) runs a student-led onsite system: students sort lunch scraps into buckets at cafeteria stations, transport them, and load them into garden compost bins. In just three months, this program generated enough nutrient-rich compost for school gardens—and developed student leadership sevengenerationsahead.org.

How Parents Can Champion Composting

Advocate at Meetings
Use data and success stories (like New Haven’s 33,000 lbs diverted) to bring credibility to PTA or school board presentations.

Lead Waste Audits
Offer to organize volunteer-driven audits to demonstrate the school’s compost potential—parents can supply scales and recording tools.

Funding & Partnerships
Seek grants via environmental nonprofits or corporate sponsors. New Haven received bins from IKEA, while other schools tapped into local conservation groups New Haven Registergreenmountainfarmtoschool.org.

Promote Outreach & Events
Run composting events during school fairs, earthy spirit weeks, or Earth Day—host student-led table demonstrations or worm-bin tours marshallroades.fcps.edu+4greenmountainfarmtoschool.org+4Earth Day+4.

Formalize a Resolution
Draft a composting resolution for the school or district. You can use templates from EarthDay.org to collect signatures and require administrative backing Earth Day.

In Summary

You don’t have to overhaul your whole life. Just start with one thing. Swap the juice box. Buy from a local maker. Advocate for a share table at school. These tiny changes ripple outward—to your community, your kids, and the planet.

Let’s Keep This Conversation Going

If this got you thinking about your own back-to-school habits—and how a few small swaps can make a big impact—let’s stay connected. My newsletter is where I share more tips like these, plus personal updates, behind-the-scenes projects, and simple ways to live with less waste (and less overwhelm).

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Join me in making this school year our most intentional one yet. Ready to Join me on this journey? If you’d like to get a free eBook (Simplify & Thrive: A Practical Guide to Minimalism, Sustainable Living, and Zero Waste Wisdom), get exclusive content, please sign up for my zero waste | minimalist newsletter. If you’d like to keep up to date on new posts Follow my blog with Bloglovin.

10 sustainable back to school swaps