Back to School & University: Get Organised, Make Thoughtful Choices
August is drawing to a close, which can only mean one thing: back-to-school lists are appearing, bags are being packed and the familiar feeling of getting organised for a new term is setting in.
For some, it’s the excitement of starting somewhere new. For others, it’s the slightly daunting task of getting everything ready again.
And while there’s always a temptation to buy lots of new things for the new academic year, we think there’s a more thoughtful approach.
Buy what you need, choose things that will last, and where possible, choose products that are kinder to the planet too.
A Fresh Start Without All the Waste
The start of a new school or university year can create a surprising amount of waste.
New notebooks, planners, pens, water bottles, toiletries, cleaning products and everything else on the list can quickly add up.
But getting organised doesn't have to mean buying everything brand new.
Before you head out shopping, have a look at what you already have. There might be pens hiding at the bottom of a drawer, a perfectly good notebook with a few pages left, or a reusable bottle that's ready for another year.
Then, when you do need something new, look for something you'll genuinely use and enjoy.
Get Organised with Thoughtful Stationery
A new academic year is the perfect excuse to get organised.
We're big fans of stationery that is practical, beautifully designed and made with sustainability in mind.
Whether you're trying to keep track of lectures, homework, appointments, deadlines or simply remember where you're supposed to be, a good planner can make life feel a little more manageable.
Weekly Planners
A weekly planner is ideal for seeing everything at a glance.
Write down lectures, meetings, homework, appointments and all those little jobs that otherwise have a habit of disappearing into the week.
It's a simple way to take some of the mental clutter out of a busy schedule.
Monthly Planners
Prefer to see the bigger picture?
A monthly planner makes it easier to look ahead, keep track of important dates and see what's coming up.
It's particularly useful at the beginning of term when there seem to be endless deadlines, events and dates to remember.
Keypad Planner
For those who like a little more structure, our keypad planner is another useful addition to a study space.
Having your plans, priorities and tasks in front of you can make a busy day feel much more manageable — and there's something rather satisfying about ticking things off as you go.
Take a look at our keypad planner
Back to Uni? We've Got the Cleaning Covered
Moving into university accommodation is exciting, but let's be honest — student bedrooms and shared kitchens aren't always quite as sparkling as we'd like!
That's why we've put together our Back to Uni Kit, packed with practical, planet-friendly essentials to help get a new home feeling clean and fresh.
Inside you'll find:
- Multi-surface spray for those essential first-day clean-ups
- Compostable sponge for the kitchen
- Washing-up liquid for shared kitchen duties
- Seep sponge for tackling dishes without plastic
- 2-in-1 shampoo and body wash bar to save space in the bathroom
- Deodorant stick to keep them feeling fresh
It's a simple starter kit that covers some of those everyday essentials without filling a new room with unnecessary plastic bottles.
Small Spaces, Simple Choices
University accommodation often means living in a much smaller space than you're used to.
A few thoughtful choices can make a surprisingly big difference.
Solid toiletries take up less room than bottles. Refillable cleaning products mean you don't need to keep buying new containers. A reusable water bottle saves space and avoids the need for single-use bottles.
And stationery that helps you stay organised? Well, that's a win for the desk and the brain!
Don't Forget the Reusable Essentials
Starting a new term is also a great time to establish a few simple habits that can last well beyond university.
A reusable water bottle can replace countless single-use bottles.
A reusable coffee cup can become part of the morning routine.
And choosing refillable products means there's no need to throw away a perfectly good bottle every time something runs out.
These aren't dramatic changes. They're simply small habits that become part of everyday life.
Back to School Doesn't Have to Mean Buying More
Whether you're shopping for a child starting a new school year, a teenager heading off to college or a student leaving home for the first time, our advice is the same:
Check what you already have. Make a list. Buy what you need. Choose well.
It can save money, reduce waste and help avoid the inevitable drawer full of unused stationery and half-finished products!
And perhaps most importantly, it helps young people see that sustainable living doesn't have to be difficult or expensive.
It's simply about making thoughtful choices where we can.
A New Term, A Fresh Start
The beginning of a new academic year is full of possibility.
New subjects. New friends. New routines. Maybe even a new home.
So, as September approaches, we're wishing everyone heading back to school, college or university a very happy new term.
And if you're helping someone get ready, we hope we can make those preparations just a little easier — and a little kinder to the planet.
Good luck for the new term. You've got this.