How To Make Your School More Eco-Friendly

Julie Starr • June 15, 2021



No matter whether you’re a pupil, a parent, or a teacher working at a school, coming up with ways to make the place more eco-friendly is important. Everyone needs to pull together to create a better planet, and what more perfect place could there be to do this than at a school, where children are learning all they need to about the world? 

  Yet coming up with these eco-friendly ideas can be harder than it seems. There are many different options, but not all will be suitable for a school. With that in mind, here are some of the best ways you can make your school more eco-friendly. 

Meat-Free Mondays 

Eating healthy is something all schools should be promoting anyway, and if you can tie it in with being eco-friendly, that makes it even better, and something that the children and teachers – and parents – can understand. 

If lunch is provided at the school, then one day a week (this is traditionally a Monday, but it could be any day) could focus on vegetarian or vegan dishes. If packed lunches are required, then set up a challenge for students to choose something without meat. 

Grow Your Own 

Following on from this idea, wouldn’t it be amazing for the school to grow all its own fruit and vegetables ? It would undoubtedly make meat-free Monday much easier, and if the children were involved as well and were responsible for taking care of the vegetable area, they would gain a fantastic understanding of where their food comes from. 

Learning about sustainability and growing their own food won’t just help them at school; it will give them ideas about how to do this in their adult lives as well. They might even be able to talk to their parents about it, and start a vegetable patch or similar at home. 

Playground Surfaces 

Depending on the type of school and what grades it caters for, there might have play equipment like jungle gyms and slides within the play areas. When it comes time for playground resurfacing (something that should be done regularly to ensure the play areas remain safe), you can use recycled materials such as old tires. This material will have been cleaned and shredded and then turned into surfacing for the play areas. This is recycling at its finest, and it will help to keep the children safe as well. 

Litter Picking 

Litter is a big problem when it comes to the environment, but there is something that can be done about it. What would happen if once a week the grades took it in turn – with adult supervision – to clean up the litter in the school’s local area? 

 

The difference would be amazing, and it would be noticeable. This would also teach the children how to be responsible for their own waste, especially around the school. This is an important life lesson. In addition to industry leading trailers, another solution is to use the best in a trailer which helps you with your waste collection and disposal efforts. These trailers can be filled with all the tools and bins you need to pick up that litter effectively and efficiently, in a clean and organized fashion. Schools can promote environmental stewardship by conducting regular litter cleanups with students, and for this to be successful, schools should provide students with the necessary equipment, as well as inform them of their positive impact on waste affecting our ecosystems.

 

  Eco-Friendly Supplies 

No matter what you might be supplying to the children at the school, whether it’s exercise books, pencils, crayons, or anything else, make sure it is eco-friendly. These eco-friendly products will then become an integral part of the child’s life, and they will become used to having them around, ensuring they make good choices in the future.

A Greener Supply Chain with Micro Fulfillment

By Julie Starr • May 23, 2025
A sustainable supply chain is made possible with some major shifts and minor changes that you may not consider at first. One of these is micro fulfillment, where strategically placed warehouses provide streamlined services to a smaller area. So, what are some of the benefits of changing your logistics? From consolidated deliveries to minimal eco-impact, here are a few. Closer Customer Proximity There are a few ways that micro fulfillment centers are revolutionizing the courier industry. Reduced emissions, local sourcing, and support for urban stability are just three of the many examples. Compact logistics are quickly becoming a solution for businesses that want to make a difference, and through small warehouse space for rent , as and when needed, environmental footprints are diminishing as companies deliver services and goods to a smaller customer area. Consolidated Delivery Options Efficiency is everything in business, but it is even more critical when a company is looking to reduce the environmental impact of its operations. Through a micro-fulfillment system, a business is able to reduce the overall number of trips that a courier has to make. With consolidated deliveries concentrated in a smaller geographic area, there are many more options available that contribute to a lower impact, including efficient use of fuel for lower emissions. A Greener Supply Chain with Route Efficiency A company can make many changes when becoming the green link in the supply chain for a healthier logistical operation. However, an average home delivery round for a standard courier service is 50 miles, with 0.42 miles between each drop-off, producing 181g of carbon each. Focusing on a smaller area through micro fulfillment reduce the associated issues with couriers: Being closer to delivery routes reduces the need for extra shipping options. Electric delivery vehicles can be used as there is no need to recharge them. Knowledge of the area helps with routes as drivers can avoid congested areas. Lower Environmental Impact Of course, all efforts to go green and become more sustainable through logistics are to reduce the environmental impact that a business has on the area. Micro fulfillment contributes to this in a way that a wider operation cannot. Shorter routes and enhanced inventory management actively reduce waste. There is also much less energy used, as micro fulfillment centers are designed to be energy-efficient, and EVs and less transport contribute to emission reduction. Enhanced Socioeconomic Benefits There is also a social and economic impact of a business. An enhanced and more sustainable business using local micro fulfillment centers instantly creates more jobs, helping to prop up the local economy. Of course, the efficiency of this type of logistical operation also results in happier customers, increasing the chance of repeat business. From a business perspective, you demonstrate a commitment to ongoing sustainability , appealing to eco-conscious customers. Summary Being closer to customers for delivery helps create a greener supply chain when used with micro fulfillment centers. Local couriers and employees also know the area and can avoid congested areas for streamlined operations. However, there are also social and economic benefits such as job creation, improved customer experiences, and enhanced brand reputation.

Sustainability in Ecommerce: 3 Ways to Make Progress Where It Matters

By Julie Starr • May 21, 2025
Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have—it's essential. That’s true across every industry, and ecommerce is no exception. But let’s be honest: building a more sustainable ecommerce business isn’t always straightforward. From packaging to supply chains to last-mile delivery, the challenges are real—and often feel like they’re outside your control. But here’s the good news: sustainable ecommerce is absolutely possible. And it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Small, strategic shifts can make a meaningful difference—not just for the planet, but for your customers and your brand’s longevity. Here are three actionable ways you can move the needle toward a more environmentally responsible ecommerce business. Choose Sustainable Packaging That Works for People and Planet Packaging is often one of the most visible and wasteful—aspects of ecommerce. From oversized boxes to plastic fillers, the impact adds up fast. But it doesn’t have to. Thoughtful, sustainable packaging design can dramatically reduce your environmental footprint. Start by right-sizing your shipments to reduce excess material and emissions. Opt for recycled, recyclable, or compostable materials that align with circular economy principles. Better yet, one option is to design custom boxes with sustainable materials, for example. These custom packaging solutions eliminate unnecessary layers while enhancing your brand’s presentation. These aren’t just more sustainable choices, they’re smarter ones. Today’s customers care about where materials come from, and where they end up. Your packaging can reflect your commitment to both. Partner with Purpose: Choose Sustainable Suppliers Your supply chain is an extension of your brand and one of the most powerful levers you have to reduce your environmental impact. You could end up using more than a few suppliers when you’re running an ecommerce company . It’s always worth making sure these are as sustainable as possible . While you may not control every aspect of your suppliers’ operations, you do control who you choose to work with. Prioritize suppliers who share your commitment to sustainability. Look for transparency in sourcing, third-party certifications, and a clear track record of environmental and ethical practices. Ask the right questions: Are their materials responsibly sourced? Do they minimize waste and emissions? How do they treat their workforce? Choosing partners who align with your values not only improves the sustainability of your products—it strengthens your brand’s integrity and resilience. When your supply chain reflects your mission, it creates trust and long-term value across your business. Lead with Impact: Promote Environmental Awareness Sustainability doesn’t stop at your supply chain. As an ecommerce business, you have a unique platform to elevate environmental causes and inspire meaningful change within and beyond your operations. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of highlighting and supporting various sustainable initiatives and causes around the world. One powerful way to do this is by supporting organizations and initiatives that align with your values. Whether it’s donating a portion of your profits, partnering with mission-driven nonprofits, or amplifying important causes across your website and social channels, your advocacy matters. By shining a light on solutions and inviting your customers to participate, you strengthen your brand’s purpose and build a community rooted in shared responsibility. This isn’t just good for the planet; it’s good for business. Sustainable ecommerce is entirely possible. With the right mindset and a few strategic shifts, your business can lead with integrity, reduce its footprint, and become part of a much-needed transformation in the digital economy.