With students getting ready to head back to the classroom, the Northern Health Region is encouraging families to make back-to-school shopping a little more sustainable.

Northern Health Region’s Bruce Krentz says families can start by looking around the house before buying everything new.

Krentz also recommends reusable lunch containers and water bottles, buying durable supplies when possible, and walking or cycling to school.

He says families can use the weeks before classes begin to start adjusting sleep schedules and practicing their school-day routines.