Time for new back-to-school supplies and clothes? Here are tips and resources to help you shop sustainably this school year.
- Shop savvy AND purchase sustainably-made clothes
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- Learn more about sustainable fashion certifications, like OEKO- TEX to Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), so you can make an informed decision when buying goods.
- Try one of the brands listed in Sustainably Chic’s 2023 Sustainable Kids Clothing Brands
- Try buying secondhand clothes. In addition to local consignment and thrift stores, some brands like Levi’s® offer secondhand clothes on their websites.
- Buy supplies made with recycled-content materials
Recycled-content supplies are available in stores and on-line, including:
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- backpacks made with recycled polyester or cotton
- folders, notebooks, and paper made with recycled paper
- lunch boxes and pens made from recycled bottles
- aluminum thermos bottles made with recycled steel
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- Don’t place clothes, broken markers, or shoes in the recycling bin
Clothes can become tangled around equipment. Small items like markers can’t be sorted and contaminate the recycling stream.
- Donate old clothes and supplies
Check locally for places that accept usable supplies and clothes. Need help finding a drop-off location, try one of these resources:
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- America’s Thrift Stores: https://www.americasthrift.com/locations/
- Salvation Army: find your nearest drop-off location at www.satruck.org
- MUST Ministries: check www.mustministries.org/marietta-donation-center for list of items accepted
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Consider donating used crayons to organizations like Crayon Collection that provide crayons and art education to underserved schools.
- Check for take-back programs for clothes, shoes, and school supplies like markers and crayons
Take-back programs from brands like Levi’s® and GAP extend the life of your unwanted clothes. GAP provides a credit when using Gap X thredUP Clean Out Kit. Learn more details about Levi’s® repair, reimagine, and recycle initiatives.
Have old t-shirts? Marine Layer’s Re-Spun program offers the options to either drop off tees at their store or mail back t-shirts to receive a credit.
Need more ideas? Check Style Salute for a list of companies with take back program for clothes.