Unearth 19 Eco-friendly School Supplies Every Student and Teacher Needs

Reviewed by Godfrey Ogbo

Some eco-friendly school supplies are reusable water bottles, recycled paper notebooks, eco-friendly pencils, etc.

As the world becomes increasingly aware of environmental issues, the demand for eco-friendly products continues to rise. 

Schools and educational institutions are no exception to this trend, with students and teachers seeking sustainable alternatives to traditional school supplies. 

In this article, we’ll explore a range of eco-friendly school supplies, each designed to reduce our impact on the planet while fostering a culture of sustainability.

Important Eco-friendly School Supplies

1. Recycled Paper Notebooks

Recycled paper notebooks are one of the best choices for students and teachers who want an eco-conscious lifestyle. These notebooks are made from post-consumer waste paper, reducing the demand for new paper production. 

By using recycled paper, you help conserve forests and reduce the energy and water consumption required for paper manufacturing.

When you choose recycled paper notebooks, you’re not sacrificing quality either. They come in various materials, styles, sizes, and paper qualities to suit your needs. 

Some brands even offer acid-free, recycled paper, ensuring the longevity of your notes and drawings.

In addition to environmental benefits, using eco-friendly school supplies sets a positive example for students, teaching them about the importance of sustainability and responsible consumption.

2. Eco-Friendly Pens

Eco-friendly pens are innovative, eco-friendly school supplies that reduce plastic waste. Many traditional pens are made from non-biodegradable plastic materials that contribute to pollution and harm the environment. 

In contrast, eco-friendly pens are crafted from sustainable materials like bamboo or recycled plastic.

Bamboo pens, for example, are not only biodegradable but also renewable, as bamboo overgrows. Some recycled plastic pens are created from old water bottles, diverting plastic waste from landfills. 

When you choose eco-friendly pens, you’re supporting a circular economy and reducing your carbon footprint.

These pens come in various styles and colors, making it easy to find one that suits your writing preferences while making a positive impact on the planet.

3. Reusable Water Bottles

Reusable water bottles are must-have eco-friendly school supplies for both students and teachers. 

The convenience of single-use plastic bottles has led to a staggering amount of plastic pollution, with millions ending up in oceans and landfills. Reusable bottles, often made from stainless steel or BPA-free materials, are a sustainable alternative.

Stainless steel water bottles are stable, tough, long-lasting, and easy to wash. They keep your drinks hot or cold for extended periods, eliminating the need for disposable cups and bottles. 

Moreover, by refilling your bottle with tap water, you reduce the demand for bottled water, conserving resources and reducing plastic waste.

Encouraging the use of eco-friendly school supplies like this promotes a culture of sustainability and helps students, and teachers make eco-conscious choices.

4. Stainless Steel Lunch Boxes

Replacing disposable lunch containers with stainless steel lunchboxes is a significant step toward reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly school supplies in schools. 

Disposable containers, such as plastic bags and single-use plastic containers, contribute to the growing plastic pollution problem.

Stainless steel lunchboxes are a sustainable alternative. They are durable, resistant to stains and odors, and can last for years with proper care. They also come in various sizes and styles to accommodate different meal portions and preferences.

Using stainless steel lunchboxes not only reduces waste but also saves money in the long run by eliminating the need for disposable containers. 

These lunch boxes are easy to clean and maintain, making them a practical and eco-conscious choice for school lunches.

5. Cloth Lunch Bags

Cloth lunch bags are eco-friendly school supplies that can replace disposable paper or plastic bags. Disposable bags contribute to landfill waste and take a toll on the environment during production.

Cloth lunch bags are reusable, washable, and durable. They come in various designs, colors, and sizes, allowing students and teachers to express their style while reducing their ecological footprint. 

Additionally, they often have closures that are secure to insulate and preserve the food. By choosing cloth lunch bags, you are not only reducing waste but also promoting responsible consumption habits among students as they are great eco-friendly school supplies. 

6. Sustainable Backpacks

Sustainable backpacks are essential eco-friendly school supplies for students and teachers alike. Traditional backpacks are often made from materials that harm the environment, such as petroleum-based plastics. 

In contrast, sustainable backpacks are crafted from eco-conscious materials like organic cotton, hemp, or recycled fabrics.

These backpacks are designed to be durable and functional, offering ample storage space and excellent features for comfortable carrying. 

By choosing a sustainable backpack, you not only reduce your reliance on non-renewable resources but also support ethical and eco-friendly school supplies.

Sustainable backpacks often feature stylish designs and colors, catering to various tastes and preferences. Making the switch to a sustainable backpack is a conscious step towards minimizing your environmental impact.

7. Solar-Powered Calculators

Solar-powered calculators are an intelligent choice for eco-conscious students and teachers who want to venture into using eco-friendly school supplies. 

Traditional calculators rely on disposable batteries, contributing to electronic waste and the depletion of valuable resources. Solar calculators, on the other hand, harness energy from sunlight to power their functions.

These calculators typically have a built-in solar panel that converts light into electricity, eliminating the need for batteries or external power sources. 

They are reliable and work well in various lighting conditions, making them a practical and eco-friendly choice for math classes and exams.

8. Eco-Friendly Cloth Book Covers

Eco-friendly cloth book covers are sustainable and practical eco-friendly school supplies for protecting your books. They come in various sizes and designs, allowing students and teachers to personalize their books while extending their lifespan. 

Additionally, cloth book covers are washable, ensuring they stay clean and functional throughout the school year.

9. Sustainable Art Supplies

Sustainable art supplies are a creative choice of eco-friendly school supplies for art classes and projects. Traditional art materials may contain toxic chemicals or be derived from non-renewable resources.

Sustainable art supplies include options like non-toxic paints, recycled paper canvases, and brushes made from sustainable materials. 

These materials allow students and teachers to explore their artistic talents while minimizing their impact on the environment and their health.

By incorporating sustainable art supplies into the classroom, you foster creativity and environmental awareness among students, encouraging them to make responsible choices in their artistic endeavors.

10. Energy-Efficient Laptops

Energy-efficient laptops are a forward-thinking choice for digital learning environments. Traditional laptops may consume excessive energy, contributing to electricity bills and environmental impact. 

Energy-efficient laptops, however, are designed to operate with minimal power consumption.

These laptops often come with ENERGY STAR certification or similar labels, indicating their energy efficiency. They utilize advanced hardware and software optimizations to reduce power usage, prolong battery life, and minimize heat generation. This doesn’t just save energy; it makes the laptop last longer. 

As they are eco-friendly school supplies, using energy-efficient laptops reduces electricity costs and sets a green example for students. It emphasizes the importance of sustainable technology choices in a world increasingly reliant on digital tools.

11. Solar-Powered Chargers

Solar-powered chargers are eco-friendly school supplies that are great solutions for keeping devices powered up. 

Traditional chargers rely on electricity from the grid, which may have a significant carbon footprint. Solar chargers, in contrast, harness energy from the sun to charge devices.

These chargers come with built-in solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity, storing it in an internal battery or directly charging your devices. 

They are portable and versatile, making them suitable for outdoor activities, field trips, or reducing your reliance on conventional chargers.

By using solar-powered chargers, you reduce your dependence on fossil fuels for charging, making a positive impact on the environment. It’s a practical way to introduce solar energy concepts and sustainability into the classroom.

12. LED Desk Lamps

LED desk lamps are energy-efficient lighting options for studying and working. Traditional incandescent or fluorescent bulbs consume more energy and have a shorter lifespan. LED lamps, on the other hand, use significantly less energy and last much longer.

LED desk lamps provide bright and adjustable lighting, making them ideal for reading, writing, or computer work. They also produce less heat, improving comfort during extended study sessions. 

Additionally, LED lamps often come with features like dimming and color temperature adjustment, allowing users to customize their lighting experience.

13. Reusable Cloth Napkins

Switching from disposable paper napkins to reusable cloth napkins is an eco-friendly choice for school cafeterias and lunchrooms. Disposable paper napkins contribute to deforestation and generate unnecessary waste.

Reusable cloth napkins are durable, washable, and available in various colors and designs. They are designed for multiple uses, reducing the need for disposable alternatives. 

Additionally, cloth napkins are eco-friendly school supplies that promote a sense of responsibility for managing personal dining waste.

Implementing cloth napkins in school cafeterias not only reduces waste but also educates students about sustainable dining practices, encouraging them to make eco-conscious choices.

14. Recycled Backpack Patches

Customizing backpacks with recycled patches is a creative and sustainable way to add a personal touch to your eco-friendly school supplies. 

These patches are often made from recycled fabrics or materials, diverting waste from landfills and promoting recycling.

Recycled backpack patches come in various designs and themes, allowing students to express their individuality and style. They can be attached to backpacks, jackets, or other accessories, adding a unique and eco-friendly flair to your school attire.

By choosing recycled patches, you contribute to a circular economy and demonstrate the value of upcycling and reusing materials. It’s a fun and sustainable way to personalize your school gear while making an eco-conscious statement.

15. Plant-based Glue

Traditional school glue often contains synthetic chemicals and petroleum-based components. However, there’s a better, eco-friendly alternative: plant-based glue. 

These glues are derived from renewable plant sources like cornstarch, making them biodegradable and non-toxic.

One of the remarkable features of plant-based glue is that it’s just as effective as conventional glue. It adheres well to paper, cardboard, and even fabric, making it versatile for a wide range of school projects. Moreover, it dries clear, leaving no unsightly residue behind.

By choosing plant-based glue for your child’s eco-friendly school supplies, you’re not only promoting sustainability but also ensuring that their artistic and craft projects are free from harmful chemicals. 

16. Sustainable Rulers

The humble ruler is an essential tool in every student’s eco-friendly school supplies kit. Sustainable rulers are crafted from eco-conscious materials like bamboo, recycled plastic, or reclaimed wood. 

These materials not only reduce the consumption of new resources but also provide durable and long-lasting rulers.

One of the critical advantages of sustainable rulers is their resilience. They can withstand the rigors of daily use and last throughout the school year and beyond. 

Additionally, their eco-friendly composition means they’ll eventually decompose when disposed of, leaving a minimal environmental footprint.

17. Crayons from Recycled Wax  

Crayons are a beloved tool for young artists and budding scholars, but the production of traditional crayons can be resource-intensive. 

Enter crayons made from recycled wax and innovative eco-friendly school supplies that transform old crayon stubs into vibrant, eco-friendly coloring tools.

These recycled wax crayons are not only sustainable but also visually appealing. They come in a rainbow of colors, just like their conventional counterparts, and they’re just as easy to use. 

Some brands even go the extra mile by packaging their crayons in recycled and recyclable materials, ensuring that the entire product aligns with eco-friendly principles.

18. Eco-friendly Erasers

Erasers are essential tools for students, but conventional erasers can contain harmful chemicals and synthetic rubbers. 

Eco-friendly school supplies like erasers, on the other hand, are typically made from safer materials like natural rubber or biodegradable components.

These erasers effectively remove pencil marks without leaving streaks or damaging paper. They are also free from harmful phthalates and PVC, ensuring that students can use them without exposure to potentially toxic substances.

Moreover, eco-friendly erasers are designed to decompose over time, reducing the environmental impact when they are eventually discarded. 

19. Homemade DIY Eco-friendly School Supplies

One of the most exciting and educational aspects of eco-friendly school supplies is the opportunity for creativity through do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. 

You can make some eco-friendly school supplies like upcycled pencil holders, cardboard shoe boxes, etc.

Making homemade eco-friendly supplies not only teaches students about sustainability but also engages their imagination and resourcefulness.

Conclusion

In the pursuit of a greener tomorrow, the adoption of eco-friendly school supplies represents a pivotal step towards sustainability in education. 

By incorporating these environmentally conscious alternatives into classrooms, we not only reduce our ecological footprint but also impart invaluable lessons in responsible consumption to the next generation.