Back to School (But Make It Sustainable)

Let’s all take a deep breath: c’est la rentrée. That magical time when we fight over the last pair of size 29 pantoufles at Migros, label every smock and sock, realize the school backpack still has last June’s snack in it, and try not to think about how your kiddo is already in 4P. I'm not crying you're crying. 

Anyway, if you’re like me, the shopping aspect gets overwhelming. You want to do it sustainably. It’s great in theory… and a little chaotic in practice.

So let’s talk about real-life ways to make back-to-school more eco-friendly—without requiring 47 Pinterest boards or an industrial-grade label maker. (Although let's be real. Who doesn't love a label maker?)

Here are our best tips for buying less, choosing better, and getting your kid ready for the school year. 

Step 1: Check What You Already Have (aka Closet Archaeology)

Before you buy anything, do a quick inventory of last year’s clothes, shoes, and gear. It’s sure to be enlightening—how did your kid end up with six hoodies and no trousers? Did their feet really grow a whole size over the summer??

Set aside outgrown items to sell, donate, or trade up with us at Treehouse Circular. Make a list of actual needs. 

Step 2. Buy Secondhand First

We’re obviously biased, but the environmental footprint of new clothes is wild. Hit up Treehouse Circular’s curated collection of back-to-school basics, layers, and cozy autumn wear. And don’t be afraid to wait until you find just the right thing. We know the urge to check off the entire list is powerful, but they don’t need absolutely every article of fall clothing before the school and creche doors open. 

Treehouse is stocked and ready for you. Need a rain jacket? We’ve got ‘em. Easy joggers and jeans? Yes. Cute dresses from luxury brands that don’t cost your soul? Check!

Step 3. Go Reusable on Snacks

I love that my kids' school makes a strong recommendation for healthy snacks. But it takes a little extra effort. Invest in a few good containers that they like, that don’t leak and that won't disappear by week two (okay, it still might. Enter the label maker.). Bento boxes, beeswax wraps —tiny switches add up. Also, getting kids to pack their own healthy snacks in their own containers means they’re more likely to actually eat them. Win-win.

Step 4. Don’t Try to Do It All

If you forget to compost an orange peel or end up having to buy new pantoufles (why do they need so many??) you’re not failing. You’re parenting. Sustainable living isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing kids you care about them and the planet. Make better choices when you can and forgive yourself when you can’t.

So cheers to a new school year. May your jackets stay un-lost, your socks match, and your coffee be strong.