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The Ethical Back To School Guide

Trade This For That

Elona Bebla

Sep 13, 2016

University of San Diego

Flickr

As we trade in our surfboards for textbooks and the trees start to change color (for anyone who isn't in California and actually experiences seasons) we all know that the end of summer is upon us and fall is rearing its pumpkin spiced head. Although getting back in the swing of academics may seem dreary, the silver lining of back to school shopping is imminent. While back to school shopping is fun and you have an excuse to buy out all of Target, a great deal of back to school staples are not ethical and are often made in sweatshops with underpaid and overworked women and men oversees. Here are some swaps that can help back to school shopping benefit everybody involved!

1. Nike Roshe Run - Adidas Superstar Shoe

Not only are Adidas super stylish and popular (thanks Kanye), they are also made in a manner in which every person involved in the production of these shoes are paid a living wage in safe working conditions. Walk with confidence and pride in knowing that your purchase is going to a great company with solid morals.

2. Converse Chuck Taylors - Toms Paseo Sneaker

TOMS are not only made ethically (and very cute), for every pair you buy, they will donate a pair to a child in need. How can you not want to support such a great company?

3. North Face Denali Jacket - Patagonia Better 1/4 Zip Fleece

Gone are the days of matching with 12 year olds wearing their UGG boots, North Face jackets, and sporting a Starbucks. Now, keep warm and look cute while supporting a great cause. Patagonia is an amazing brand that promotes sustainable and ethical clothing that helps both the environment AND humans.

4. Contigo Water Bottles- Klean Kanteen

http://www.kleankanteen.com/collections/insulated-...

Not only is this bottle insulated and can keep liquids cold for up to 50 hours and hot for up to 24 hours but it is also made out of sustainable materials in factories in China where those working are paid a living wage. Bottoms up!

5. Jansport Backpack - Amici Accessories

Jansport Backpacks are a staple in every stage of school from elementary to college. Now, however, you can keep the same stylish shape backpack that you love knowing that nobody was taken advantage of in the process of creating your backpack!

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/amici-accessories-faux...

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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The Ethical Back To School Guide

Trade This For That

1. Nike Roshe Run - Adidas Superstar Shoe

2. Converse Chuck Taylors - Toms Paseo Sneaker

3. North Face Denali Jacket - Patagonia Better 1/4 Zip Fleece

4. Contigo Water Bottles- Klean Kanteen

5. Jansport Backpack - Amici Accessories

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No one best represents the struggle like our favorite 90s squad.

1. When course schedules are released and you have a conflict between two required classes.

2. When there is only one section of a popular course.

3. Receiving the 18,000 emails reminding you to register ASAP.

4. When you need to see an advisor, but they are too busy/unresponsive.

5. Trying not to dress like a bum for your appointments with your advisors/department heads.

6. When you have a perfectly planned out schedule, and one class ruins it.

7. Carefully moving things around to accommodate a different class/section.

8. Waking up at 6:00 a.m. for your enrollment time.

9. Concocting a new schedule at your enrollment time after your original plan gets changed.

10. Getting into a class and filling the last available seat.

11. When all of your classes finally go through.

12. Realizing that you forgot a class that was a pre-requisite for everything else.

When your capability of "adulting" is put to the test

Nobody deserves to be living in poverty.

"Nobody living in one of the most influential nations in the world should be worried about making ends meet."

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What are the benefits of raising the minimum wage?

What are the states that have set a $15/hour minimum wage?

Told through Parks & Recreation GIFs

Because who understands your bitterness better than April?

1. When you have to provide an "interesting fact" for your first day ice-breaker.

2. When your professor is babbling on and on in his lecture.

3. When you edit your friend's paper and they get an A.

4. When it's 2 AM and you remember you have a test tomorrow.

5. When you finish taking the test and you're pretty sure you failed...

6. ...but then you get the test back and somehow passed.

7. When you've been up for 12 hours straight writing a paper.

8. And then you manage to stay awake in class the next day.

9. When you have to butter up your professor for an extra credit opportunity.

10. When you're assigned a group project.

11. And your group-mates are trying to chat about life instead of the assignment.

12. When it's your last class of the day and you're about to go home.

13. But then you remember rent is due tonight and the anger comes back.

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