7 Sustainable, Eco-Friendly School Supplies To Buy Right Now

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It’s not always easy being green, but it’s more important than ever. And, in case I forget, the kids are always reminding me of our too-big carbon footprint. My eight-year-old keeps Greta Thunberg quotes on her bulletin board and just a few years ago, my older daughter’s school staged a sit-in at our local Brooklyn courthouse to urge Mayor De Blasio to ban plastic straws in New York. It worked.

Needless to say, I’m shopping differently these days and specifically when it comes to the annual back-to-school supply list. I’m favoring sustainable, eco-friendly school supplies or products from companies that give back. And, while some of these must-haves can only be purchased online from bespoke sites like Etsy, there are lots of school supplies on both kids’ lists that are readily available at major retailers like Target and Amazon. If you’d rather shop local, many mom-and-pop shops now carry sustainable brands too.

More About Back to School:

7 Sustainable School Supplies

Recycled Backpacks and Lunch Bags with a Mission

Look for sturdy packs with recycled materials. I’m a huge fan of these from State Bags. Several styles are made from 90 percent recycled polyester AND the company donates five percent of its annual revenue to low-income and at-risk youth. Through signature “bag drop” rallies to mass donations of school supplies, State's given back to more than half a million kids! Backpacks, lunch bags and more are available on their site, in many smaller retailers as well as at Target.
Sturdy, Multi-Use Food Containers

Steer clear of anything with BPA or phthalates. These lunch boxes from Stojo (available on Amazon.com and at Target) can be used for hot and cold foods, carry a whopping 4.5 cups of anything, are stackable and made from dishwasher-safe silicone. They also come in fun colors.
Reusable Silverware and Utensils

This seems like a no-brainer, but I still find that I (cringe) cave last-minute and buy plastic utensils for easier school lunch prep. This year, I purchased this bamboo set by Dot and Army for both kids. Bonus, it comes with a reusable, metal straw and a cloth napkin. Order from The Sistain and you receive 10 percent off your first order.
Recycled Paper Notebooks

I’m not proud of how much paper we throw into the recycling bin, so it’s always nice to support companies that are doing something positive with the waste. Decomposition has been around since 1949 and now makes oodles of trendy, whimsical lined and plain notebooks and sketchbooks. They manufacture every product with eco-friendly practices in mind. Notebooks are all made from 100 percent recycled paper.
Pencils That Make a Difference

If you can’t find recycled pencils (I love these from ByAmberandRose on Etsy are made 100 percent from old newspapers), consider supporting a brand that gives back. For example, Yoobi (available online or at Target) donates school supplies to children in need with each purchase of any of their pens and pencils. Want to go even futher? Consider a donation to Pencils for Promise this back-to-school season. Every donation, even when you buy their giant pencil in the merch section, supports school builds, teacher resources and more in areas around the world where children won’t otherwise receive an education.
Recycled Polyester Pencil Case

Thankfully, recycled-material pencil and art supply cases are easier than ever to find. Just last week, I found a great one at Target (brand Art Class) and my older daughter found this one, among many, on Etsy. It’s made with organic cotton that's 100 percent recycled and manufactured with fair-trade policies.
Reusable Food Wraps

How awesome would it be not to use plastic wrap this school year? With products like Bee’s Wrap, it’s possible. Made from organic cotton, each set is completely biodegradable. The wraps come in fun, whimsical patterns, are simple to clean, and can be reused for up to a year. When you’re done, cut into strips and pop in your compost bin.