As parents and caregivers, getting your kids ready for another school year is an exciting time. From choosing the first-day outfit to shopping for school supplies, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and overlook the opportunity to reset household routines. 

At UGI Energy Services, we believe saving energy starts with simple choices, and the return to school is a great opportunity to adopt a new habit or practice. Whether you're getting the kids to class or stocking up on school year essentials, small changes can make a big impact on both energy efficiency and your wallet. Here are four back-to-school energy tips you can use this school year.

Tip 1: Pack School Lunches Sustainably

Between plastic sandwich bags, individually wrapped snacks, and juice boxes, the typical school lunch can generate a surprising amount of waste, which requires significant energy consumption both in packaging production and waste/recycling processing.

Keep energy conservation in mind as you prepare your child’s lunch:

• Switch to reusable containers. Invest in durable, washable lunchboxes, food containers, and drink bottles. Stainless steel and BPA-free plastic options are great long-term choices that reduce waste and energy consumption associated with single-use plastics.
• Ditch the plastic bags. Opt for silicone snack bags or reusable beeswax wraps instead of disposable sandwich bags.
• Buy in bulk. Purchasing snacks in bulk and portioning them at home cuts down on excess packaging and the energy used to produce them.
• Choose locally grown foods. When possible, pack fruits and veggies that are in season and locally sourced. This reduces the energy associated with transporting food long distances.
• Recycle and compost. Before throwing items in the trash, consider whether they can be recycled or composted. Oftentimes, cardboard juice pouches and some plastics can be recycled. And banana peels and other food waste can help improve the health of your yard's soil.

Not only does this help the environment, but it also teaches kids the value of sustainability from an early age.

Tip 2: Go Green with Your Commute

School drop-offs and pick-ups can be surprisingly energy-intensive, especially when every family drives their own vehicle. Reducing car use not only lowers your fuel bill but also reduces emissions.

Consider trying out these back-to-school energy tips:

• Walk or bike when possible. If your child’s school is within a safe distance, walking or biking is a healthy and energy-efficient way to get there. Organize a walking school bus with neighbors to make the journey safer and more fun.
• Take the bus. School buses significantly reduce the number of vehicles on the road. If it’s an option in your area, it’s one of the most energy-efficient ways to commute.
• Carpool. Coordinate with neighbors or classmates to create a carpool schedule. Fewer cars mean less traffic, less gas, and lower emissions.
• Avoid idling. If you must drive, turn off your engine when waiting in the pick-up line to conserve fuel and reduce air pollution.

Tip 3: Shop for School Supplies with Sustainability in Mind

Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to mean a cart full of energy-intensive products. Thoughtful choices at the store can help you conserve resources while still checking off that list.

Here’s how:

• Reuse before you rebuy. Take inventory of what you already have. Notebooks with a few unused pages, last year’s scissors, and gently used folders can often make a comeback.
• Choose recycled and eco-friendly options. Many school supplies are now made from recycled paper, biodegradable materials, or sustainable sources. Look for items labeled with certifications, such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council).
• Buy in bulk for shared items. If you’re buying supplies for a classroom or multiple children, bulk purchases reduce packaging and are often more energy-efficient to manufacture and ship.
• Opt for rechargeable electronics. When shopping for calculators or other devices, opt for rechargeable options whenever possible. This reduces energy waste and the need for constant battery replacement.

Tip 4: Set Smart Routines at Home

As kids head back to school, weekday routines become more structured, making it the perfect time to adopt energy-saving habits at home.

Give these back-to-school energy tips a try:

• Power down electronics. Encourage kids to turn off and unplug computers, game consoles, and chargers when they’re not in use. Even when idle, many electronics still draw power.
• Create a homework station with energy-efficient lighting. Swap out old bulbs with LEDs; they use up to 75% less energy and last longer.
• Set timers on thermostats and lights. With the house empty during school hours, consider adjusting the thermostat and setting lights on timers to avoid unnecessary energy use.
• Do laundry in energy-efficient ways. Back-to-school means more dirty clothes – from sports team uniforms to a mess from the science fair. However, you can save energy by washing full loads in cold water and air-drying when possible.

Let UGI Energy Services Help You Start the School Year Off Right

Saving energy doesn’t end at home. With natural gas and other innovative energy solutions from UGI Energy Services, you can enjoy a comfortable, efficient household all year long. Whether you’re optimizing your usage, looking for ways to lower costs, or considering renewable options, we’re here to support your family—so you can focus on a successful school year.

Contact us today to discover how we can help you save energy this school year and beyond.