14: Zero Waste Back to School — Simple Ways to Save Money and Reduce Waste

Back-to-school doesn’t have to mean a cart full of new stuff. In this episode of Sustainable in the Suburbs, I’m sharing how to get your kids ready for school without wasting money — or creating a mountain of waste.From supplies and clothing to tech and litterless lunches, you’ll hear practical tips for:Starting with what you already have before buying new.Teaching kids the difference between needs and wants.Shopping secondhand first and making use of community resources.Tips for thrifting with and for your kids.Choosing durable, repairable, and refillable items when you do need to buys.Packing low-waste lunches (and making mornings easier in the process)!We’ll also talk about mindset — how to push back on the marketing pressure that tells us everything “expires” every August, and instead set your family up for a school year that’s lighter on the planet and your wallet.And stick around to the end for this week’s One Small Shift — a simple, doable way to make your child’s school year more sustainable.ResourcesHow to Pack a Zero Waste School Lunch25 Healthy Snacks for Zero Waste LunchesThrift Shopping for KidsHow to Stop Shopping on Amazon (And Why You Should)Support the showConnect With MeWebsiteNewsletterShopInstagramSupport the ShowSustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal StudioIf you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you followed the show, shared it with a friend, or left a rating and review. Every little bit helps more people find Sustainable in the Suburbs — and live a little greener.