The Ultimate Climate-Friendly Back-to-School Guide!

Carbon Footprint Investigation: School Supply Edition

Earth Rangers, let’s get ready for school with a twist—by being Earth-friendly! Use your investigation skills to prepare for the new school year with supplies that are better for the planet or can help lower your carbon footprint.

We’ve created a handy guide below to help!

Getting ready for school doesn’t mean you need to buy a lot of new stuff! Start by checking what you already have at home. You might find half-used notebooks or supplies from last year that just need a little care to be as good as new! Instead of buying new supplies, give your old items a makeover. It’s a great way to reduce waste and make the most of what you already have!

Here are some tips for eco-friendly back-to-school prep:

• Look for items with minimal or recyclable packaging. Less packaging means less waste!
• Choose things made from recycled or non-toxic materials. These are better for the planet and for you!

Paper and Notebooks – Take out your magnifying glass and check to see that your notebooks and paper have labels that say they’re made from recycled or upcycled products. This can help protect trees and reduce waste!

Pencils – Look for pencils made from recycled materials or sustainably sourced wood – pay attention to the special symbol on the box!

Erasers: If you need a new eraser, pick one made from recycled rubber.

Glue – When it comes to glue, look for ‘non-toxic’ first. You can also look for a label that says ‘eco-friendly’ or ‘made from plants.’

Crayons and Markers –Certain crayons and markers are made using solar power, which is a nice bonus. You can also choose crayons made of sustainably sourced beeswax instead of paraffin wax.

Backpacks –If you’ve got a backpack at home, give it a refresh! A trip through the washing machine or adding some fun buttons or pins can make it feel like new.

For more cool ideas, check out the Creative Corner in the Earth Rangers app. There, you’ll find fun ideas like how to make a bookmark or a pencil holder!

Ready to take your detective skills to the next level? Join the Carbon Footprint Investigation mission today and find even more ways to shrink your carbon footprint!

Did you know you can lower your carbon footprint by making smarter choices when you shop? Learn more in the Carbon Footprint Investigation Mission in the Earth Rangers App!