Back to school represents, for many families, an extra expense in September, especially when it is necessary to buy from scratch or renew a large part of school supplies. Before replacing items that already exist, it is worth checking their condition and understanding which can continue to be used. Backpacks, pencil cases, binders, calculators, rulers, compasses or colored pencils can accompany more than one school year when they remain in good condition, avoiding unnecessary purchases and the consumption of new resources.
Repairing can also be an alternative to replacement. A zipper that stops functioning, a loose seam or a damaged piece do not necessarily mean that the item has reached the end of its useful life. Whenever possible, small repairs allow extending the use of the products and prevent still-functional materials from turning prematurely into waste.
School textbooks are another example of reuse. In the 2026-2027 school year, students from 1st to 12th grade have access to free textbooks through MEGA vouchers. From 5th grade onward, most textbooks should be returned at the end of the school year, allowing their reuse by other students. Keeping the books in good condition throughout the year thus helps them to remain usable. Learn how you can access the free textbooks here.
When it is necessary to acquire new material, durability is one of the criteria to consider. Durable products, designed for prolonged use and, when applicable, with replaceable parts or recharge systems, can avoid frequent replacements. It is also preferable to assess the real need for each item, rather than buying simply because it is new or because last year’s material shows normal signs of use. For example, if you need to buy activity manuals, you can choose to laminate the cover and write with a pencil, allowing you to keep it throughout the year and, later, lend it to another child.
What is no longer needed can still find a new use. A pencil case, a backpack or other material in good condition can be donated, shared or reused by someone else. In this way, its useful life is extended and the need to produce and acquire new items is reduced.
Reusing, repairing and prolonging the life of materials are simple gestures that help prevent the production of waste and avoid the unnecessary consumption of new resources. At the start of the school year, before buying, it’s worth starting with what already exists and, then, indeed, making conscious choices.
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