Back-to-school is upon us once again, but before you rush out to buy new supplies, read these tips on green back-to-school shopping!

Do I need that?

It can be tempting to buy fresh stationery and other supplies at the beginning of the school year, but you might already have what you need! Gather the pencils and pens scattered around your house, rip out the used pages in your notebooks, and take inventory of your supplies before buying duplicates.

Buy used

Whether you are looking for dorm decor, school supplies, fall fashion, or anything in between, there’s plenty of ways to buy used. Check Temple Surplus or apps like letgo to find furniture; refresh your wardrobe at thrift stores and consignment shops; and hit up TOSS (Temple Office Supply Swap) for free office supplies.

Buy smart

When you do need to buy new supplies, be mindful of their impact. Look for eco-friendly supplies like biodegradable pencils and refillable pens, and make sure to buy supplies made from recycled materials. Also take durability into consideration; the price on that cheap backpack might be appealing now, but try to make high-quality purchases that will last you for years to come.

With some smart shopping, it’ll be easy to reduce your footprint (and your budget) this fall!

Source: TreeHugger