Preparing for the new academic year can be a significant challenge for many. Both students and pupils often seem to need a lot of new things: from stationery and clothes to new electronic devices or furniture. However, blind, unplanned purchases are often not only costly but also unsustainable. Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH) researcher Dr. Ruta Mikucioniene suggests that careful, sustainable choices can help avoid this.

When does shopping become unsustainable?

According to Dr. Mikucioniene, coordinator of sustainability programs at VILNIUS TECH’s Centre for sustainability, avoiding back-to-school shopping entirely is impossible—some essential items are required for the educational process in schools and universities. This primarily applies to stationery items such as notebooks and pens, which are essential for children learning to write.

School shopping becomes unsustainable when it’s done impulsively. One of the biggest mistakes people make is not determining which supplies are genuinely needed for the academic year, failing to consult with teachers, or succumbing to sales and buying just in case.

"Parents often buy everything at once, for example, a protractor or compass that their child doesn’t need at that moment. Then, the following year, when it's actually required, they buy it again. This leads to an accumulation of unused supplies," says Dr. Mikucioniene. She also advises thinking carefully about which purchases are necessary and which are merely desired. "Maybe you don’t need to buy new sports clothing if there are suitable items at home that can be put together."

Dr. Mikucioniene also suggests waiting before buying workbooks since there are many different types, and it’s better to wait until teachers specify which ones are needed. In higher grades, students often transition to digital workbooks, eliminating the need for paper copies.

The researcher points out that the shift of many educational processes to the digital domain is a significant step toward sustainability—for example, students no longer need to print papers, saving paper that would otherwise be used once.

"Meanwhile, paper notes and summaries, if used multiple times, aren’t unsustainable. It’s important for students to take notes," says Dr. Mikucioniene. "Of course, there are exceptions where paper is unavoidable. It’s not a bad thing, especially considering that recycled paper is now available. While young children still learning to write need high-quality paper, older students can definitely seek alternatives."

What to do if previous year's notebooks are half-used but you don’t want to continue using them in the new school year?

"As a lecturer, I can say that psychologically, it’s recommended to start a new school year with a fresh notebook, so it's essential to think it through rationally. It’s better to buy thinner notebooks or ones with dividers, where notes for several subjects can be organised. Older students are also more aware of how much work each subject will require, so they can choose their notebooks accordingly," advises Dr. Mikucioniene.

Sharing – beneficial in many ways

Another sustainable and cost-effective solution is sharing. You can share stationery items—such as a set of markers with classmates—or exchange unused items or even clothes.

"Most schools have uniforms. Some students wear them out, while others outgrow them quickly. Many schools have forums or Facebook groups where parents sell or give away outgrown uniforms for a lower price. Larger schools even organise bazaars or fairs at the end of the school year or through summer. This is sustainability that also contributes to the wallet," says Dr. Mikucioniene.

Sharing is especially relevant for students who are starting independent living and moving into temporary accommodation. Furnishing these spaces can be expensive, so students often choose cheaper, short-term furniture or appliances. However, there are other financially attractive and sustainable options.

"Many items can be obtained for free. There are donation centres and online platforms where furniture or household appliances are given away for free—you just need to reserve them and pick them up. There’s also the sharing app ‘Olio,’ and social media groups where people give away or exchange items," says Dr. Mikucioniene.

She adds that electronic devices, which wear out quickly and push people to seek more powerful models, are more challenging, but there are still solutions.

"Maybe someone is giving away or selling affordable monitors, which don’t need to be replaced as often? Ultimately, it’s worth considering whether you really need everything. University libraries are very modern now, equipped with powerful computers and databases, offering many services, so maybe you don’t need your own computer," lists Dr. Mikucioniene.

Still, sometimes buying a particular item is unavoidable. In such cases, Dr. Mikucioniene advises investing money saved from acquiring free items into a quality purchase that will last a long time and retain its value, allowing you to sell or give it away later. To make sustainable choices, one should also consider the entire lifecycle of the item. When purchasing, it’s recommended to check where it was made, its recyclability, and, when possible, choose items made in Lithuania or nearby.
"My sustainability motto is: if you don’t need to buy it, don’t. Share and be part of a community. I strongly encourage students to take initiatives, create sharing stations where people can leave or take items, and exchange things. We should strive to reduce the number of short-term-use items in circulation," urges Dr. Mikucioniene.

Not just things can be shared

According to the researcher, one of the biggest sustainability challenges is food waste. Since saving money is crucial for students, Dr. Mikucioniene encourages those living in dormitories to share food and cook meals together, especially when there is an excess of food. This is also a great way to meet new people and find like-minded friends.

"In this case, sustainability isn't just about ecology but also the social aspect, especially when first-year students move into dorms and don’t know their neighbours. It’s important to foster community spirit, as it’s more economical, eco-friendly, sustainable, and just friendlier," smiles Sustainability centre specialist Dr. Mikucioniene.

Funded by the Economic Revival and Resilience Plan "New Generation Lithuania“ and the state budget of the Republic of Lithuania.