Going Back to School in (Responsible) Style
Back to school shopping can either be an exciting or not so exciting time for children. With the promise of school on the horizon, kids and parents alike are holding on to the last few days of summer. Get excited and check off your back to school list with Jejune’s guide for environmentally friendly fashion and school supplies!
Who are they: Terra Thread is also a Certified B Corporation. Every backpack is made from Fair Trade Organic Cotton, created in a Fair Trade factory, and GOTS Certified (Global Organic Textile Standard).
Price Range: $$
Fun Fact: With a purchase of a backpack, 20 meals are donated to children and families in need, 268 days of drinking water is saved, 3 miles of driving emissions are avoided, and 66 sq. ft. of land farmed without pesticides (stats by third party Green Story, Terra Threads).
More about Terra Thread: On top of backpacks, Terra Thread also sells pencil cases and laptop sleeves. All products come with the same benefits and guarantees to the earth as the backpacks.
Price Range: $
Fun Fact: With each purchase of a backpack, pencil case, or laptop sleeve you are supporting Feeding America by helping donate meals to kids and families in need.
Who are they: Decomposition by Michael Roger notebooks are made from 100% post-consumer-waste recycled paper and soy-ink. You can choose from a variety of notebook designs and they include approximately 80 sheets, 160 pages.
Price Range: $
Fun Fact: Decomposition by Michael Roger is based in Brooklyn, NY. The brand has been family owned and operated since 1949.
Who are they: STATE is a Certified B Corporation, therefore they always consider their impact on their workers, community and the environment. The brand creates personalized backpack designs, and select bags are made from water resistant and recycled materials.
Price Range: $$
Fun Fact: In 2016, STATE launched the #WhatDoWeTellTheKids Initiative that works to create conversation and empathy around challenging social issues. The company has focused on Black Lives Matter, the Flint Water Crisis, national anthem protests, and harmful language surrounding LGBTQ+ and disabled communities.
Who are they: What is unique about Jackalo is that you have the option to take a quiz that will curate a collection of their items based on your preferences. You can take the quiz for your child, yourself, or for a future gift. Jackalo is also committed to environmental responsibility and transparency through organic farming and upcycling practices.
Price Range: $$
Fun Fact: Refer a friend with a $20 gift card and get $20 back for your own shopping spree with Jackalo’s “Refer a Friend” initiative!
Who are they: Sprout pencils are not just any other pencil! It includes a plant based seed capsule that can be retrieved from the pencil once it is too short to use. The seeds grow into flowers, herbs and vegetables. The idea of the Sprout pencil is to allow your sustainability to be visible to others. Enabling yourself and others to make small changes in your lives.
Price Range: $
Fun Fact: Sprout pencils are made from sustainable and certified wood. 100% natural and non-toxic with 10 different non-GMO seeds.
Who are they: For all the technology kids out there, Casetify Conscious Collection includes phone cases, AirPod holders, and stainless steel water bottles all customizable and in a variety of colors. All products are made from 50% recycled material and eco-friendly ink, 100% compostable packaging, and in sustainable certified facilities.
Price Range: $$
Fun Fact: The RECASETiFY program allows customers to send their old cases back to be recycled and in return receive a 15% off discount.
Who are they: Primary was created for children who rewrite the rules! The brand sells every color for every kid, includes no labels or slogans, with soft and sustainable materials. Their back to school selection is all under $30!
Price Range: $
Fun Fact: Primary sells clothing for babies (0-24M) and kids (2-14Y). However, they also sell matching clothing for adults, at the same affordable price!
Who are they: BIC Revolution Round Stic Ballpoint Pens can be found wherever you buy your pens and pencils. This eco-friendly pen is made from 74% recycled plastic!
Price Range: $
Fun Fact: The BIC Revolution collection also includes more pen versions, pencils and white out. All made from recyclable materials.
Who are they: nu-in is for the young adults heading back to school this year. The brand is deeply committed to transparency and ensuring each part of the supply chain is treated fairly. Their clothes are made from a variety of organic, recycled and regenerative materials.
Price Range: $$
Fun Fact: Buy for Good is a nu-in initiative which rethinks the way the fashion industry deals with surplus. The brand resells their overstock and 30% of the net revenue from this initiative is given to different chosen charities.
With all these options for your back to school shopping spree, your child or young adult is sure to go back to school in (responsible) style!
