Back to School, Greener Than Ever: How I Prepared for Grad School the Eco-Friendly Way (And How Your Family Can Too!)
Back-to-school season always brought a mix of excitement and anxiety for me — the smell of fresh notebooks, the crisp feel of new clothes, and the buzz of possibilities. But when I was preparing to go back to school for my MBA in Sustainability and Environmental Compliance, I wanted to make sure my enthusiasm didn’t come at the cost of the planet.
That back-to-school season marked a shift in how I approached everything: from supplies to transportation to my daily routine. And I realized along the way, going green isn’t just for grad students — it’s a mindset that works for the whole family.
Here’s how I tackled back-to-school in an eco-conscious way — and how your family can too, with a bit of intention, creativity, and yes, fun!
1. Shop Your Home First
Before I bought a single item, I went through drawers, closets, and old storage bins. I found half-used notebooks, pens that still worked, folders that just needed a wipe-down, and even a barely-touched whiteboard I’d forgotten I had.
Family tip: Make it a scavenger hunt! Challenge your kids to find as many reusable supplies as possible. Whoever finds the most gets to choose dinner that night — plant-based, of course.
2. Choose Quality Over Quantity
I used to be tempted by those bulk deals — 10 notebooks for $5! But I realized most of it ended up unused or falling apart halfway through the term. For grad school, I invested in a couple of high-quality, recycled-paper notebooks and a refillable pen. They lasted the whole year and reduced my waste dramatically.
Family tip: Teach kids the value of well-made supplies. Let them pick one “special” item — a durable lunchbox, a sturdy backpack — and talk about how it helps the environment to buy less and choose better.
3. Digital When Possible
I went mostly paperless in grad school. Assignments, notes, and syllabi lived on my laptop or cloud storage. Not only did it lighten my backpack, it saved tons of paper.
Family tip: Encourage older kids to use apps for notes and homework when appropriate. For younger ones, choose 100% recycled paper or reuse the backs of old printouts for doodles and practice worksheets.
4. Green Your Commute
Living in Southern California, car culture is strong — but I made a point to ride my bike or take public transit whenever I could. It saved money, lowered my carbon footprint, and gave me quiet time to decompress.
Family tip: Walk or bike to school if it’s safe, or set up a neighborhood carpool to cut down on gas and emissions. Bonus: it builds community.
5. Pack (and Snack) Sustainably
Instead of grabbing packaged snacks or bottled drinks, I started packing lunches in glass containers and brought my own reusable water bottle. I made a habit of prepping meals the night before — mostly plant-based — which kept me energized without the plastic waste.
Family tip: Get the kids involved in packing their own zero-waste lunches. Use beeswax wraps, stainless steel containers, and compostable napkins. Make snack prep a weekend family activity!
6. Dress Smart, Not Fast
When I needed new clothes for grad school presentations and job fairs, I hit the thrift store first. I found high-quality items at a fraction of the price — and gave them a second life. I did Amazon Days, on Amazon, this reduced shipping packaging, cost of transport, and carbon footprint.
Family tip: Host a “closet swap” with friends or relatives. Let kids trade gently-used clothes or backpacks — it’s like shopping, but sustainable!
7. Talk About It
The best thing I did during that transition? I talked about it. With classmates, professors, even the barista at my campus café. People were curious, and some even started adopting eco-friendly habits too.
Family tip: Make sustainability part of everyday conversations. Ask kids what changes they think the school could make. Start a small family “green challenge” — whoever uses the least single-use plastic in a week wins a reward.
Final Thoughts
Going back to school is a fresh start — not just for academics, but for how we engage with the world around us. My return to school as a sustainability-focused grad student opened my eyes to how powerful our daily choices are. Whether you’re 8 or 48, your routine can be both exciting and Earth-friendly.
So this school year, sharpen those pencils — or plug in those tablets — and let’s make learning something that lifts up the planet too.
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