Today's Edition
Mays Ibrahim (ABU DHABI)
As students and families start the new school year, they’re presented with an opportunity to make a positive impact on the planet through embracing sustainable choices.
Aletihad spoke to environmentalists, who highlighted ways to prepare for the back-to-school season with a circular economy mindset focused on reusing, recycling, and reducing waste.
Educators Leading the Way in Sustainability
Dima Maroun, an environmental scientist, CSO and co-founder of Thriving Solutions, and Nahla Nabil, a sustainability strategist based in the UAE, highlighted the critical role educators play in promoting sustainable practices among students and parents.
Educators can embed lessons on environmental sciences and the principles of the circular economy into their teaching. This could include hands-on projects and communal activities such as setting up competitions, creating school gardens, composting systems, and campaigns to work towards a net-zero campus, Maroun explained.
She further suggested that schools create a culture of sustainability by adopting green practices themselves, such as reducing energy use, eliminating single-use plastics, and promoting zero-waste and lunches. By setting these targets and tracking progress, students and staff are likely to embrace them at home as well, Maroun noted.
She also explained how schools can leverage their existing communication channels with parents to foster community-wide sustainability initiatives.
For example, schools can encourage parents to contribute recycled materials for art or donate unused stationery to classrooms, and even organise used marketplaces for uniforms, backpacks, and lunch boxes. “These initiatives not only reduce waste but also build a strong, supportive community around shared environmental goals,” Maroun said.
Nabil highlighted solutions to the issue of overconsumption at schools. Instead of buying new items for themed school days and projects throughout the year, schools should encourage parents and students to reuse and repurpose materials they already have.
“This approach not only promotes creativity but also helps normalise the idea that reusing is not just acceptable, but actively encouraged,” she said.
Nabil also suggested introducing creative in-house projects, like hydroponic towers, where students can grow their own plants.
“These projects can serve multiple purposes: they can be integrated into the curriculum, used to supply vegetables for school markets, or even extended to students’ homes. Through such initiatives, schools can help shift the mindset, making sustainable practices a practical and impactful part of everyday life,” she added.
Practical Tips for Families Embracing Circular Economy
For families new to adopting a circular economy approach, both Maroun and Nabil offered practical tips.
Maroun suggested starting with the basics: “Opt for school supplies made from recycled materials, like notebooks from post-consumer waste, refillable pens, and eco-friendly backpacks. These choices not only reduce waste but also teach your kids about sustainability from a young age.
“Look through last year’s supplies, are they in good condition? If so, use them - pencil cases, backpacks usually look brand new again after a good wash. Erasers, sharpeners, scissors can usually be used again.”
Regarding uniforms, Maroun advises families to consider swapping with friends or purchasing from second-hand uniform shops. “This keeps clothes in use longer and supports a circular approach to fashion.”
She pointed out that the textile industry is a “major contributor” to environmental waste; according to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, an estimated 92 million tonnes of textiles end up in landfills each year.
Nabil encourages families to start small and embrace simple changes.
“When families hear the term “circular economy”, it can sound a bit daunting… But it’s actually pretty simple. It’s about making sure we don’t waste anything. Instead of tossing things out, we find ways to reuse, recycle, and repurpose them, keeping things in a continuous loop that’s better for both our environment and our wallets,” she said.
Nabil also advises parents not to throw last year’s school supplies and upcycle or personalise them; “A little mending or a creative touch can extend the life of old favourites.”
For new purchases, choose durable and timeless items, she added. “Another simple but effective strategy is the ‘One-In, One-Out’ Rule: for every new item you buy, commit to donating, recycling, or repurposing something you already have. For instance, if your child really wants a new backpack, make sure the old one finds a new purpose, whether it’s donated, recycled, or repurposed as a storage bag for sports gear”.
Nabil also suggested swapping disposable lunch bags and containers for reusable ones. "It might seem like a small step, but it adds up. Plus, it’s an easy way to teach kids about making choices that help the planet.”
The Environmental Benefits of a Circular Economy
The environmentalists highlighted the environmental benefits of adopting a circular economy approach as opposed to the environmental risks of overconsumption when preparing for the school year.
“There was an old saying that always made me stop and ponder “I am too poor to buy cheap things”. Investing in quality, durable items—rather than cheap, throwaway ones—saves money and resources in the long run,” said Nabil.
She noted that overconsumption often leads to buying cheap, low-quality items that quickly end up in the trash, increasing waste and ultimately harming the environment.
“Every new item we buy comes with hidden costs—from the resources needed to make it, to the energy used in production, to the waste generated when it’s thrown away. By adopting a circular mindset, we can extend the life of what we already own, reducing the need for new resources and minimizing waste. It’s not just about saving money—it’s about making smarter, more sustainable choices that are better for our planet,” added Nabil.
“When we resist the urge to buy new just for the sake of it, we’re doing more than just saving a few dirhams, we are making a choice that aligns with the true meaning of that old saying. We’re investing in a future where sustainability isn’t just a buzzword.”
Maroun concurred, emphasizing the broader environmental risks of overconsumption.
She explained that the production and distribution of new goods contribute to carbon emissions, deplete natural resources, and increase waste. On the other hand, adopting a circular economy approach reduces these impacts, saves money, and fosters more thoughtful, environmentally friendly choices among younger generations.
