Sustainable Back-To-School Staples For Elementary And Preschool Kids

As the first day of school approaches for many students, parents are scrambling to stock up on wardrobe staples and other school gear for kids. And, for many families, shopping for sustainably-made items is a priority. However, knowing where to shop for eco-friendly kids items can be a challenge. From shoes to backpacks to all the basic clothing items kids wear each day, it can feel like a scavenger hunt tracking down sustainable brands. It’s also helpful to know which brands are durable enough to stand up to the beating kids give them throughout the school year. The following list includes back-to-school staples that are durable, stylish, and eco-friendly.

Recycled Backpack 15" by Ten Little, $44

A new school year often means a new backpack and this Recycled 15” Backpack by Ten Little is made with 100% recycled textile that’s Oeko-Tex certified non-toxic. The backpack is lined with waterproof fabric that’s easy to clean and includes a padded pocket for a laptop. Cushioned straps and an ergonomic fit are ideal for little shoulders — this backpack is suited for kids ages 5 to 7. Ten Little has a 12” backpack for younger children.

Charley Sugarlite™ Child by Native Shoes, $35

Schools seem to start earlier and earlier each year with many students back at their desks in August or even late July. Stocking up on a pair of durable sandals is a must for hot climates. These Charley Sugarlite™ Child Sandals by Native Shoes are as comfortable as they are tough. They are made from sugar resin and incredibly lightweight. Native Shoes is committed to reducing its carbon emissions and using their recycled shoes to build playgrounds for children. With a simple but functional design, these sandals work well for school — but if your school requires a closed-toe option instead, the brand has many other warm weather-friendly offerings that also stand up well to kids’ play.

Kids Bo Shorts by Alex Crane, $55

In most climates, shorts remain in rotation for at least the first couple months of school and a couple of fresh pairs is always a good idea for growing kids. These Kids Bo Shorts by Alex Crane are made from sustainably-grown French linen and dyed with organic pigments then washed with biodegradable enzymes to soften the fabric so they’re ready to wear. Available in three colors and sizes that’ll fit kids ages 6 months to 10 years, these shorts are a great one stop shop for the whole family — and available in adult sizes, too!

Everyday Jogger and Everyday Hoodie by Pact, $30 and $40

Athleisure is still on-trend, which is great news for parents trying to keep kids comfy both at school and at home. This Everyday Hoodie and Everyday Jogger by Pact comes in four color and pattern options that mix and match well and could be the perfect staples for any child’s back-to-school wardrobe. Made from 100% organic cotton that’s soft to the touch, the fabric is more durable than leggings but still lightweight enough for daily wear on the playground and in the classroom. By using organic cotton, Pact saves water and spares the environment and your children from unnecessary pesticides. Pact also uses fair trade factories to ensure ethical production practices.

Lunch Tote Bag by PlanetBox, $39.95

PlanetBox makes lunch totes for kids out of recycled materials. The bags come in five styles including space, dinosaur, and rainbow themes as well as simpler prints. Parents who are already a fan of the stainless steel lunch containers from PlanetBox will appreciate that the bags are compatible with the company’s other products and can also hold cool packs and a water bottle and have water resistant interiors.

Kids Polo by Renwick, $49.50

Nothing says back-to-business (or school) quite like a polo shirt and these Kids Polos by Renwick are made from Peruvian pima cotton that is sustainably grown and harvested by hand. The cotton is soft and lightweight, making it perfect for returning to school during warm summer months. And, parents will appreciate that the shirts are pre-shrunk for easy sizing. Perhaps best of all, buying from Renwick means supporting a small business that’s family and woman-owned by two sisters who wanted to create the perfect golf shirts for women and children.

Denim Kid Shirt Dress by Mon Coeur, $78

A denim shirt dress is a great staple for cooler months because it adds both style and warmth and can be worn over different colored leggings to change up the look from day to day. This Denim Kid Shirt Dress by Mon Coeur will be available as part of the brand’s fall collection on August 12, 2022 and is made with up-cycled cotton under fair working conditions in Portugal. Mon Coeur sources its fabrics in Europe to ensure traceability and limit emissions. The dress is a nice weight for durability and both stretchy and soft for comfort.

100% Earth Loving Kid Sweatshirt by Mon Coeur, $61

While hoodies are nice, sometimes it’s better to have a crewneck sweatshirt for layering under jackets during cooler months. This 100% Earth Loving Kid Sweatshirt by Mon Coeur will be available on the site on August 12, 2022 and is made from reclaimed cotton fiber in Portugal. It features the words “100% Earth Loving” on the front and may also include cute patches like “I bug out over nature” depending on the version ordered. It also pairs nicely with thick cotton leggings available in the same shade for $46 beginning August 12, 2022.

Plant Protector Beanie Hat by Mon Coeur, $39

Don’t forget the hat! Temperatures will drop sooner than you expect and having a beanie ready for back-to-school is important in most climates. This Plant Protector Beanie Hat by Mon Coeur is darling, sustainably-made, and a nice heavy weight for winter warmth — it will be available on the site on August 12, 2022.

Pokémon Faux Shearling Hoodie In French Terry and Double Knee Slim Sweatpants by Hanna Andersson, $68 and $50

Comfy seems to be the name of the game for back-to-school in 2022 and these Pokémon Faux Shearling Hoodie In French Terry and Double Knee Slim Sweatpants by Hanna Andersson are perfect for the cooler days ahead. The hoodie is lined with super soft faux shearling and the sweatpants have twice the knee fabric for durability. Both are constructed with soft yet tough French terry to withstand the trials of recess and gym class well enough to be passed along to the next kid. In fact, hand-me-downs are key to Hanna Andersson’s sustainability philosophy — make kids’ clothes that last so they can be worn again and again. The brand is also committed to using organic, toxin-free and recycled materials to tread lightly on the planet. And, if you happen to have a Pokémon obsessed kid, Hanna Andersson has a whole line of Pokémon offerings, including pajamas and t-shirts.