Back to School, Mindfully
Setting Your Kids Up for Success Without Buying Everything Brand New
As summer winds down [wild!] and the school year is in sight, it’s easy to feel the pressure, mentally and financially, to stock up on brand new everything: clothes, backpacks, lunchboxes, notebooks, and the long list of school supplies requested. But here’s the skinny: you don’t buy your way into a successful school year.
In fact, there’s a lot of power in slowing down, taking inventory, and approaching back-to-school season with a little more intention - for your wallets, for the planet, and peace of mind.
Here are a few practical, low-waste, and community-minded ways to get your family ready for the new school year - no (or limited) Target haul required.
✨ 1. Shop Your Own Home First
Before you buy, take stock. Most small human-occupied homes have stashes of school supplies scattered around the house: half-used notebooks with plenty of blank pages, pencils and pens from last year, folders and binders that just need a quick wipe-down. What felt old last spring might feel “new enough” with a fresh perspective.
♻️ 2. Join a Buy Nothing Group
Buy Nothing groups on Facebook are an incredible resource (I use mine ALL the time) — especially this time of year. Whether you’re looking for lunch boxes, backpacks, school clothes, or basic supplies, chances are someone nearby has what you need. You can post a request, or offer up what you no longer use. It’s a beautiful way to reduce waste and build community.
🧥 3. Thrift, Swap, and Trade
Thrift stores are full of hidden gems this time of year — gently used jeans, sneakers, rain jackets, and more. Some schools and communities even host back-to-school swaps. If yours doesn’t, you could organize a casual one with neighbors or friends: bring what no longer fits, and go home with a few new-to-you treasures.
🖍 4. Share with Classmates
If you happen to over-buy or come across good deals on multipacks, consider sharing with classmates or your child’s teacher. Many classrooms operate on limited budgets, and small gestures — like donating extra notebooks, glue sticks, or markers — go a long way.
✏️ 5. Make Old Supplies Feel New Again
Get creative with what you already have. Let your kids decorate last year’s folders or pencil cases with stickers, washi tape, or paint pens. A personalized lunchbox or customized binder can feel just as exciting as something store-bought — and it’s a fun weekend project to do together. For my fellow Millennials: do you remember the excitement (and stress) when we had to wrap our textbooks with paper bags and decorating them??
🥪 6. Reuse + Refine Your Lunch Gear
Reusable lunch containers, water bottles, and cloth napkins can help cut down on SO much daily waste (and costs $$). If you’re looking to upgrade your lunch setup, check secondhand stores or ask around in your Buy Nothing group - parents are often jazzed to pass along items their kids have outgrown. And if you need recommendations for reusables in your kids lunch set up, I’m your gal :)
🌱 7. Involve Kids in the “Why”
This can also be a great opportunity to talk with your kids about sustainability, generosity, and resourcefulness. When they understand why you’re repurposing instead of replacing, they’re more likely to get excited about it, share this info with friends and carry those values with them into the future.
A Mindful Start to a New Year
Back-to-school doesn’t have to mean back-to-overconsumption. With a little intention and community support, we can set kids (and teachers!) up for a successful school year, all while modeling creativity, gratitude, and care for the planet. That’s a win for everyone.
With less waste and lots of love,
Ali