Feature Photo by Atlantic Ambience
There’s always something special about this season. Even though my own school days are long behind me, I still get a little thrill when the air sharpens, the evenings start drawing in, and shop windows fill with stacks of notebooks and neat rows of pens. It feels like a season of possibility, a chance to reset, refocus and make small promises to myself about how I’d like the next few months to unfold.
But, as much as I love the ritual of “back to school,” there’s a side of it that makes me uneasy, too: the sheer volume of stuff. Each year seems to bring an endless push to buy more, fresh supplies, new gadgets, updated wardrobes, all wrapped in layers of plastic. Over the years, I’ve realised it doesn’t have to be this way. With just a few small swaps, we can keep that back-to-school excitement alive without piling unnecessary pressure on the planet. And that’s what I want to share with you today: some simple, thoughtful swaps that can make this season not just more organised and inspiring, but also more sustainable.
Think of this less as a shopping list, more as an invitation. An invitation to step into September with intention, to question what we truly need, and to find joy in choosing differently.
The notebook swap: paper with purpose
For me, a brand-new notebook has always represented fresh starts. However, most traditional notebooks are produced from virgin paper and plastic-coated covers, making them difficult to recycle.
Brands like Good Tuesday are revolutionising stationery by using recycled paper and offering stunning, minimalist designs that feel too special not to cherish. Additionally, there’s Coffeenotes, which crafts beautifully textured notebooks from upcycled coffee waste. Yes, you read that right. Picture writing your daily to-do list on paper that’s literally rescued from the coffee industry’s waste stream. These notebooks are not just functional; they also spark conversations.
Not only are these options more environmentally friendly, but I’ve discovered that selecting a notebook with a meaningful story enhances my appreciation for it (and my productivity levels when writing in it). I’m less inclined to leave it half-filled and more motivated to utilise every single page.
The pen & pencil swap: tools that last
Disposable pens, often cheap plastic items, are designed to be discarded as soon as the ink runs out, making them overlooked environmental offenders. However, more sustainable alternatives are available. Good Tuesday also offers refillable pens that seamlessly complement their notebooks, providing an eco-friendly writing experience.
Meanwhile, Merchery offers a selection of stylish, eco-friendly stationery, featuring pens and pencils that outlast the typical biro. For those seeking a unique twist, Little Green Paper Shop sells eco-friendly writing tools like plantable pencils and pens. Once pencils become too short or pens run out of ink, they can be planted—thanks to seed-filled stubs or biodegradable caps, which can grow into herbs or flowers, transforming a simple everyday item into a delightful act of renewal.
The lunch swap: reusables over rubbish
As the school season kicks off, it often brings back the routine of packed lunches. Unfortunately, along with cling film, plastic cutlery, and juice cartons. However, adopting a lunch kit made from reusable materials can revolutionise this everyday ritual.
Jungle Culture offers eco-conscious homewares, including reusable bamboo cutlery that eliminates the need for plastic forks. For reliable lunchboxes and food containers, &Keep presents fantastic plastic-free yet practical alternatives. Additionally, Friendly Turtle provides eco-friendly food storage options, such as compostable sandwich bags and wraps. For families prioritising durability, EcoLunchboxes are a true innovation, stainless steel sets designed to endure the rigours of daily life for years to come.
It’s not just about reducing waste; there’s something uplifting about opening a lunchbox that has been thoughtfully selected. It transforms a routine into a daily reminder that small changes can make a significant impact.
The tech & accessories swap: a modern necessity
These days, “back to school” also means chargers, cases, and gadgets. But tech accessories are usually made to break quickly, feeding into the global e-waste crisis.
That’s where BackMarket comes in, a platform dedicated to refurbishing and reselling tech so it stays in circulation for longer. Instead of buying brand-new, you can get a like-new laptop or phone with a warranty, while saving huge amounts of carbon and waste.
Also, with Microsoft pushing nearly 400 million laptops into obsolescence, Back Market keeps perfectly good tech in use by refurbishing devices, installing secure operating systems, and offering them for just £99. It’s back-to-school shopping made sustainable.
Buy Me Once also champions sustainable innovation, curating tech gadgets and accessories built to last—like the gomi Power Bank. Handmade in Brighton from 100% waste plastic and second-life batteries, this 10,000mAh charger delivers up to three phone recharges with fast USB-A and USB-C ports, and comes with lifelong repairs.
A biodegradable phone case or a laptop sleeve made from upcycled materials might feel like a small switch, but it’s exactly these choices that shift us away from throwaway culture.
The clothing swap: rethinking “new”
One of the most cherished back-to-school traditions is undoubtedly the purchase of new clothes. For children, this is often necessary, as they have outgrown their uniforms or shoes from the previous year. However, for many adults, it has become a ritual: a new season inspires a new wardrobe.
The reality is that the fashion industry stands as one of the largest contributors to global pollution. Fortunately, there are more sustainable alternatives. Consider options like uniform swaps at schools, shopping for second-hand items, investing in fewer but higher-quality pieces, or supporting ethical brands to make a positive impact. Even small swaps—like bamboo socks from Bare Kind, made from soft, durable fibres with antibacterial, moisture-wicking properties and supporting animal conservation through donations—can help. Often, though, the most eco-friendly choice is simply to continue wearing what we already own.
There’s a subtle strength in resisting the lure of the “new.” By cherishing well-loved items like a favourite jumper, worn shoes, or a patched-up backpack, we embrace the stories these possessions hold, stories that brand-new items simply cannot convey.
The everyday swap: swapping the essentials
This is one aspect we often overlook: the essentials we utilise before heading out the door. Items like toothpaste, toothbrushes, cotton swabs, deodorant, and dental floss may be small, but collectively, they contribute to significant amounts of plastic waste.
Fortunately, there are some fantastic brands that are helping us make smarter swaps. Georganics offers natural, plastic-free oral care products—from toothpaste in glass jars to compostable dental floss—and even has a dedicated kids’ range, making sustainable choices easy for the whole family.
Lochtree curates everyday bathroom and household items that prioritise sustainability. When it comes to skincare and deodorant, Kutis Skincare and Fussy Deodorant are transforming our perceptions of self-care. Kutis crafts natural deodorants packaged in biodegradable materials, while Fussy features refillable deodorant sticks with compostable refills, demonstrating that even the most routine daily practices can be reimagined for a better future.
By swapping out these essentials, we not only reduce plastic consumption but also embrace healthier, more mindful routines in our mornings.
Playful Learning at Home
Back to school isn’t just about uniforms and stationery—it’s also about creating spaces at home where children can learn, play, and grow. Enter the Zonky, a modular play sofa designed for children aged 2–8. Loved by families across the UK, the Zonky transforms playtime with endless possibilities for building, tumbling, and creating, all while supporting problem-solving and self-regulation skills.
Crafted from premium, shock-absorbing foam with removable, machine-washable vegan microsuede covers, the Zonky is as practical as it is fun. It doubles as a sofa, stacks neatly for storage, and can even be used as a spare bed for sleepovers. Available in a variety of colours, the Zonky is designed to grow with your child while keeping your main sofa safe from spills and stains.
The mindset swap: less about buying, more about being
Perhaps the most significant change we can make is within our own minds. For many years, back-to-school season has been promoted as a time for shopping, an opportunity to stock up, refresh, and replace. However, the reality is that a fresh start doesn’t always necessitate new items.
Sometimes, the most sustainable choice is to utilise what we already possess. This could mean rediscovering that half-used notebook, dusting off last year’s backpack, or exchanging supplies with a friend. It’s about transforming the narrative from “buying” to “being”: Being intentional, being mindful, and being aware of the impact of our decisions.
What are your thoughts on the swaps I suggested above? Personally, what I love about these swaps is that they don’t feel like sacrifices. They feel like steps towards something richer, more meaningful. Instead of being weighed down by the excess and waste, back-to-school becomes a chance to align with my values, to make choices that I can feel proud of.
And the beauty of it is, it’s not about perfection. None of us will get it all right. But if each of us makes even one swap (one notebook, one lunchbox, one refillable pen, one plastic-free toothbrush), that adds up to something extraordinary. This year, let’s start a new kind of back-to-school tradition. One rooted not in overconsumption, but in care. Care for ourselves, care for our children, and care for the planet we all share.
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