I’ve loved spending the summer holidays with my kids. The weather has been good enough to have BBQs, sunny days out and get the paddling pool out in the garden.
But after 6 weeks of juggling work and holiday clubs, and hearing “Muuumm, I’m bored!”, “Muuuum, I’m hungry”, I’m more than ready for the kids to go back to school.
Getting ready for a new school year can cost a lot and create extra waste. Here are a few simple ways to make back to school a bit cheaper and more sustainable.
Children grow quickly, so it’s always worth checking what you already have before buying more uniform items. Look out for missing buttons, loose hems or small tears that can be fixed. PE pumps are usually only worn indoors, so if they still fit, they might last another term.
Before you buy new stationery, have a look at what you already have at home. If your house is anything like mine, there are probably pencils, rubbers and every kind of colouring pen tucked away in drawers and cupboards. Keep the ones your child likes best and think about donating any spares to a children’s hospital or local cause.
It’s lovely for children to start a new school year in a fresh uniform, but it doesn’t all need to be brand new. I’ve found lots of branded cardigans and hoodies in my local charity shop. Instead of spending more than £20 on one item, I can often pick one up for £3 or £4 and save the rest for shoes and trainers, which never seem to last long!
Lots of schools now run uniform swaps too. They’re a great way to save money, help another family and give last year’s uniform a new home.
If you do need to buy a new stuff, try choosing a size with a little room to grow. It could save you having to buy the same item again in a few months.
We’ve bought so many branded water bottles over the years, only for them to be used for a few months before the next film or character becomes the new favourite.
Last year, we went for a plain bottle that could be decorated with stickers and changed whenever needed. Not only was it cheaper, it also meant we weren’t buying another plastic bottle every few months.
We’re heading into Year 3, so there will be a mix of school dinners and packed lunches. I like batch cooking, and I’m hoping a bit of planning will make lunches easier to sort the night before.
I have also had to get creative to keep lunchboxes interesting and make sure they come home empty. Buying bigger packs can help save money and cut down on packaging. For example, you could buy a large block of cheese and cut it up yourself instead of buying individually wrapped snacks. Reusable pouches and small tubs are also handy for yoghurt, fruit and other lunchbox bits.
For more tips on how to waste less this back to school and through the year follow us on Facebook and Instagram @Recycle4GM, TikTok recycleforgm.
