Reduce your School’s Carbon Footprint and Buy Local

As climate change continues to be a growing concern for many businesses and individuals, many companies are seeking ways to reduce their carbon footprint. One area where schools can make a significant difference is by purchasing school supplies and stationery from local businesses.

But why is it important for schools, colleges, and educational facilities to source supplies locally?

What is Classed as ‘Local’?

It’s important to understand what the term ‘local’ means when looking at ‘sourcing locally’. Quite simply, any products or services bought from businesses located in close proximity to yourself or your business qualify as ‘Buying Local’. 

Schools are not exempt from buying local and receiving the benefits from this. A school can minimise the distance that supplies need to travel by buying their exercise books, and other stationery from businesses that are located close to them. In turn, this can reduce emissions created from transporting goods.

Benefits of Buying Local

Local Reinvestment of Profits

The benefits of buying locally go beyond just reducing emissions from the transportation of goods. Buying from local businesses supports your local economy, by keeping money within the community. In most cases, local businesses are more likely to reinvest their profits locally. This will further contribute to the local community and even the school, and children of the local area.

Building Strong Relationships

Furthermore, sourcing goods and services locally provide schools with an opportunity to build relationships with suppliers. These relationships can help to solidify the likelihood that schools receive quality products and that any issues are resolved promptly. Most local businesses are able to create more of a personalised experience when dealing with small and local companies. This could mean a better range or opportunity to purchase bespoke products. Include personalised exercise books, to ensure your school’s specific needs are met.

Cost Savings

Many local businesses offer delivery services within a specific radius around their business. This can provide an opportunity for cost savings for schools, as purchasing from local suppliers could mean avoiding added costs associated with shipping. Especially when exercise books and stationery are usually ordered in such large quantities, shipping costs can be substantial. With local supplies, as a school, you can take advantage of competitive pricing strategies offered, due to lower overheads associated with running a smaller business.

Ordering in Bulk

Ordering in large quantities is the reality for most schools since they need to provide supplies for all students, replacements, and maybe even supplies for the whole year. This means any potential discounts for ordering in bulk could help schools to make savings.

How Can Schools Buy Their Supplies Locally?

In terms of exercise books, copier paper, and stationery, there are a number of ways in which schools can adopt local sourcing strategies. Whilst schools can purchase directly from manufacturers, this can prove time-consuming. However, purchasing from a local distributor removes the costs associated with shipping from further afield, and allows you to shop for supplies in one place.

Where Possible, Choose ‘Recycled’!

Schools can also explore the option of purchasing recycled or eco-friendly supplies and stationery. More often than not, many local suppliers will offer an environmentally conscious option. This could include recycled copier paper, bamboo pens, or even recycled plastic classroom chairs. By purchasing these products, your school can further reduce its carbon footprint, whilst supporting local businesses that prioritise sustainability.

Reasons to Shop with Paper Plus

• We’re a family-run business. Our family is at the heart of what we do at Paper Plus, and we ensure that we build strong and sustainable relationships with all of our customers.
• Personalised packaging. We can pack your orders by classroom, which makes unpacking all of your supplies much easier, and straightforward.
• Price matching. We always aim to price match on like-for-like products. Get in touch to see how we can help your school make savings.
• We’re based in the heart of Sussex. Our team has worked in and around the local area for years. We are the supplier of choice for all things school and office supplies.
• Our quality customer service. At Paper Plus, we’re proud of the high level of customer service each member of our team offers. This is often praised by our customers and a reason why they return time and time again.
• Focus on sustainability. By shopping with us, your school can lower its carbon footprint. We have our own fleet of vehicles local to you, which means fewer emissions when we transport to you.
• Flexibility. We have created strong relationships with our customers, and communicate regularly with them. This allows us to monitor the quality of products, as well as onboard new products where needed.

Contact Us

If you’d like to know more about how Paper plus can provide your school with the supplies and stationery it requires, please get in touch. Call us at 01444 238 050 or email us at sales@paperplusuk.com