School bags can make a difference!

Sustainable models for the Easter nest!

Many children who start their school adventure this year usually get their first school bag at Easter. The elaborately and often globally produced bags can fulfil their task for a long time if the right considerations are taken into account at the time of purchase. In addition to ergonomics and safety, this now increasingly includes environmental criteria. More and more brand manufacturers are undergoing programmes to avoid harmful substances, are paying attention to fair working conditions or are using textiles made from collected plastics, thus taking the path to sustainable development.

To provide parents with an overview of models that already meet sustainable criteria, the initiative "Clever shopping for school. And the environment is happy!" initiative of the Ministry of Climate Protection has recently compiled a list of school bags and backpacks. This means that parents can now pay specific attention to environmental protection and climate protection in addition to their children's wishes! The recommended models and practical tips for the purchase are available at schuleinkauf.at. The result of our product search proves that there are more and more manufacturers who are on the right track to produce more sustainably.

The Ministry for Climate Protection emphasises: "Children are already learning about climate, nature and environmental protection at school and this will become even more so in the future. Manufacturers of school articles and bags are also increasingly recognising the need to protect our planet Earth and thus our livelihood. Companies that try to produce sustainably deserve our attention, also when it comes to purchasing. Like used school bags, which are ecologically unbeatable when they are reused and thus contribute to the circular economy."

Enjoy your school bag or backpack for as long as possible.

The school bag must fit the child ergonomically. The recommendation list also provides information on this. The design should be simple, beautiful and timeless, which does not necessarily mean boring. Many models can be customised, for example with stickers that children can attach to their school bags as they wish.

A recurring theme is the question of safety on the way to school. For children who actively participate in road traffic on their way to school, it is indispensable that they are particularly well visible, whether on foot, by public transport, scooter or bike. School bags in brightly coloured designs, with reflectors and fluorescent colours are best. Nevertheless, dark-coloured bags without a colour signal effect are offered and bought. What to do if girls and boys find gaudy designs uncool? There is the possibility of discreetly "upgrading" bags and jackets with reflectors, for example, with self-made reflective tags, ironing reflective ribbons onto cotton jackets and gym bags or ribbons made of reflective material to put on. Material for safety equipment is available in specialised shops such as bicycle or sports shops, keyword "visibility on bicycles".

The durability of a school bag or backpack also depends on how good the quality of the material and workmanship is, whether the bag can be returned to the manufacturer for repair, whether the manufacturer also offers easily accessible instructions for proper care and cleaning and the longest possible warranty period.

The undisputed environmental winners among school bags and school backpacks are those that fulfil their purpose for a long time before they are finally disposed of. Therefore, choosing a second-hand school bag is the best way to protect the environment, the climate and your wallet.

However, the school bag or school backpack alone is not enough. Exercise books, pencils, glue, paints, rulers or sharpeners are still on the list of materials for the school year until school starts.

The Austrian Ecolabel also helps to make the right decision when buying school supplies.

The Clever Shopping school bag and school backpack list is available at www.schuleinkauf.at.