Back-to-school shopping is an annual ritual that can often be wasteful and may lead to purchases that are harmful to the environment in the long-run. So how can you be back-to-school cool, while still staying green? Take a look at these easy tips to get you started:

1. Ride in Style
   Look for green ways to get to school every day. Whether it’s riding the bus, taking your bike, or carpooling, green-alternatives of transportation are a great way to start off your eco-friendly year!
    
2. Lunchbox vs. Brown Bag
   It’s true! Every day, thousands of paper bags are tossed out by kids without reusable lunchboxes. By buying a PVC-free, reusable lunchbox, you are helping stop 67 lbs of waste from going into a landfill.
    
3. Look for the Sign
   When shopping for recyclable school supplies, like notebooks, binders, and writing utensils, look for the sign that tells you whether or not they were made with recycled materials. Buying recycled supplies shows businesses that you favor environmentally-friendly products, and prevents waste. Can you say “eco-chic”?
    
4. Bottle it Up
   Instead of bringing a plastic bottle of water to school every day, buy a reusable, aluminum bottle. They’re really sturdy, and come in tons of cool colors and designs, so you can get one that fits your personality and style. How cool is that?

These are just a few ways you can green-up your school year. In reality, there are hundreds of choices to make every day, and each good decision you make takes you one step closer to a brighter, greener future. So get out there, greenie, and work your magic! Good luck!