For Boston students, school starts a week from today. That means that it's time to gather together this year's supplies. But back to school shopping can be expensive, not only for moms and dads, but for the planet, too. Here are some easy tips for going back to school the green way.
Supplies
Going back to school doesn't have to mean buying all new supplies. Go through last year's pens, and keep the ones that still have ink in them. Instead of buying new pencils, look for lead refills for your mechanical pencils. Restore tattered backpacks by giving them a run through the washing machine and sewing or ironing on cool patches to reinforce weak spots.
For those things you need to buy new, look for eco-friendly brands and labels. Office Depot and Staples both have Boston-area stores, and sell school supplies made from recycled materials. If you prefer, you can avoid big box stores and shop local at places like Greenward in Cambridge. FreeCycle Boston is another great way to get new-to-you stuff, from desks and computers to clothes and accessories.
Wherever you shop, know which brands offer green alternatives. Pilot makes pens made from recycled materials. Mead sells recycled notebooks, and New Leaf makes eco-friendly printer paper. For information on other green brands, check out the Greenopia Retailer Guide.
Clothes
The first day of school practically begs for a new outfit, but that doesn't mean it has to be brand new. For awesome second-hand clothes, check out Buffalo Exchange in Davis Square. They operate on a buy/sell/trade system, so if you bring in last year's cast-offs, you might be able to trade them in for outfits that are way more 2011. Other good options are your local Goodwill or Salvation Army stores, Second Time Around, and the Garment District in Cambridge. Most of these stores will accept donations of old clothes as well, so you can make room for the new-to-you in your closet.
Lunches
Many schools are focusing on offering healthy, eco-friendly lunches in their cafeterias. If your child will be bringing his or her lunch, you can do the same. Consider joining Boston Organics and have organic produce and other products delivered right to your door. Another option is Shared Harvest, a winter CSA that will keep you well-stocked with local produce throughout the fall and winter. If neither of those options is right for you, you can still look for local or organic ingredients at your local Whole Foods or Trader Joe's.
What you pack lunch in is almost as important as what's for lunch. Consider using a lunch box or washable canvas lunch bag, dishwasher and microwave-safe reusable containers, BPA-free thermoses and bottles, and even washable sandwich wrappers, available at stores like Greenward.
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