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Back to school season is right around the corner! Many of you probably already have school supply lists and will be getting ready to go shopping soon.
Have you ever thought about the environmental impact the school supplies you buy have? Eco-friendly school supplies are a great alternative and can have a huge impact.
Most of the school supply items get used once and thrown away or are used throughout the school year and then thrown away. Help cut down on single-use disposable items by purchasing more sustainable options!
Grab that school shopping list, and let’s get started with finding some eco-friendly alternatives!
What Are Eco-Friendly School Supplies?
Like all eco-friendly products, they are better for the environment and don’t create as much waste.
Eco-friendly school supplies are made from alternative materials, help cut down on single-use items, and will break down easier once disposed of.
Why Should I Buy Eco-Friendly School Supplies?
Buying eco-friendly is the best choice! I try to buy eco-friendly and sustainable products when I have the chance. Each small step to help Mother Earth is a good one!
Most students go through many pieces of paper, plastic pens, tissues, and more during the school year. Most of the items get thrown away without a second thought.
Buying plastic-free products, made from natural materials, or are biodegradable can help the earth.
To help with school preparations coming up, let’s learn about a few eco-friendly school supply options!
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19 Eco-Friendly School Supplies for Back-to-School
1. Reusable Water Bottle
I prefer stainless steel or a glass bottle, but these may not be practical for your little one to start back to school. Get them a fun plastic water bottle in vibrant colors so they can reuse it at school.
It helps cut down on single-use plastic bottles! They can refill their water bottle at the fountain to have water all day long.
2. Bamboo Notebooks
Bamboo is such a great alternative to traditional notebooks! It grows fast and can be harvested quickly. Grab some bamboo notebooks for your sustainable school supplies list.
3. Hand Sanitizer Refills
It’s hard to find plastic-free options for hand sanitizer, so buying the refills is the next best option.
It helps to save on plastic waste since you can buy very large sizes and refill small hand pump containers.
Overall, you won’t be throwing away as many plastic bottles which is a small win!
4. Biodegradeable Pens
The new school year calls for new pens! Biodegradable pens are a great alternative because they will eventually break down after they have been thrown away.
5. Plant Me Pencils
Plant Me pencils are a great way to give back to the earth. Once you are finished with the pencil, you can plant the bottom part of the pencil.
This is an eco-friendly and fun way to have your child use school supplies!
Once they are finished with the pencil, you can plant it together and watch it grow wildflowers.
6. Recycled Paper Sticky Notes
Recycled paper sticky notes are a better choice for paper products.
They are made from recycled materials and are 100% recyclable (The sticky note and the container they come in) at the end of their life.
7. Pencil Case
A pencil case made from recycled materials is a great idea! Reduce, reuse, recycle. Recycling materials is the best way to create less waste.
Another great option is a silicone pencil case. Silicone is more durable than plastic and will last a much longer time.
8. Bamboo Rulers
Bamboo rulers are perfect for younger or older kids! They are made from sustainable materials and will last a long time!
9. Bamboo Tissues
These tissues are perfect to replace regular tissues. They are plastic-free and made from sustainable Bamboo.
Every little bit helps, in the long run, to save our planet. Using bamboo as an alternative can help to end deforestation!
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10. Plastic-Free Tape Dispenser
How cool is this?! A plastic-free tape dispenser is perfect for the kids starting back to school or adding to your list of must-have office supplies!
Either way, it helps cut down on the amount of plastic being used and disposed of.
11. Reusable Lunch Boxes
Reusable lunch containers are a must-have for anyone who plans to take their lunch often. They help save money and keep waste under control.
These reusable silicone lunch boxes are perfect for school or work (if mom needs to borrow them for a day).
12. Pens Made From Recycled Plastic
These pens are amazing! The best part about these pens is that they are made from recycled plastic from the ocean!
A good ballpoint pen is important, but having one made from recycled plastic is even better.
13. A Backpack
A backpack is essential for young kids, older kids, and high school, and college students!
Eco-friendly backpacks are stylish and better for the environment!
This fun backpack is made from recycled polyester. Another good option is to find one made from organic cotton, or another sustainable material.
14. Refillable Pens
Refillable pens are a great option for students who write a lot with a pen. It allows them to use the same pen, they just have to refill the ink whenever it gets low!
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15. Binder
A binder is an essential school supply for students.
The good news is that you can get a binder made from plant-based materials!
16. Reusable Silicone Bags
Reusable silicone bags are great for so many different things! They are great for packing lunches, storing small items, or sending items to school with your kids in their backpacks.
Invest in reusable silicone bags and you will get your money’s worth out of them!
17. Permanent Markers from Recycled Materials
Using products made from recycled materials is a great way to practice sustainability.
Permanent markers are a school supply that many students use once they are older, and many teachers need these as well!
18. Recycled Newspaper Pencils
From the packaging to the pencils, these are a great sustainable alternative. These pencils are made from recycled newspapers, creating less waste and environmental impact.
The packaging is recyclable, too! Better than wooden pencils, these are a great choice for back-to-school!
19. Plant-Based Glue Sticks
These glue sticks are perfect to send to school with your kids for crafts and other school projects.
They are plant-based and non-toxic which is a win-win!
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Finding sustainable alternatives is so important for the environment.
Products made from sustainable materials can be disposed of in a better way that doesn’t harm the environment like plastic.
Choosing eco-friendly products for back-to-school shopping can go a long way!
What are your favorite eco-friendly school-to-school and office supplies?
Until next time,
Catherine
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