The ultimate list of eco-friendly school supplies

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The school summer holidays have just started, but it is never too early to get ready for the new academic year! I used to love going into town to buy stationery for the new year. As I got older, I started trying to find more eco-friendly school supplies as opposed to what was currently trending. There are now so many amazing sustainable school supplies so I have compiled a list so you can get prepared! The most eco-friendly thing to do is use what you already have, even if it isn’t eco-friendly.

(Photo by Deleece Cook on Unsplash)

Stationary

Pens, pencils & highlighters

Buying new stationary can be so much fun, but try to look for pens and pencils made from recycled materials. Once my pen highlighters have run out, I’m going to be making the switch over to highlighter pencils.

Notebooks

I tend to buy a4 notebooks for university, but my friend bought a5 notebooks. She used up all the pages, whereas mine is half empty. So to reduce unused paper, I’m opting for a5 this year.

Planner/diaries

Refillable planners are so much better for the environment because it means you don’t need to buy the cover again. My friend gave me a refillable notebook for my birthday and I’m excited to start using it.

Bags

There is so much choice nowadays for all the different types of bags. In primary school, the bag doesn’t really need to be that big because I think books are mainly kept at school. In secondary school, there is a lot to carry with the number of subjects studied! At college/sixth form and university, I would recommend a backpack that can hold a laptop if you own one. This is much easier than carrying the laptop separately, and much better for your body than a tote bag.

Backpacks

Day Owl slim backpack* is made from “25 recycled post-consumer plastic bottles, plus 100% recycled polyester lining and trim, algae-based foam, water repellant neoprene, and conflict-free metal YKK zippers”. It’s called slim, but still fits in a 14″ laptop so would be perfect for going to university or work. I love a backpack with practical extra pockets to fit my extra nicknacks. This one has a ‘floating’ pocket for smaller items such as lip balm, tissues, hand sanitiser, and earphones. As well as a bigger pocket at the front for other things.

Tote bags

Sometimes tote bags can be a good bag for days that aren’t so lesson-heavy. They are also useful shopping bags, and you never know when you might need them! I like to carry one in my backpack for this purpose.

Continue reading: The ultimate list of eco-friendly school supplies

Clothing

As children grow out of clothes so quickly, schools often have sales of these clothes. This is a much more sustainable way of using school clothes, and is much cheaper for you! Have a look to see if your child(rens) school has one. Alternatively, you could ask fellow parents and pass down clothes to others.

Related post: How to have a sustainable wardrobe

On the go

Water bottle

A water bottle is essential for anyone, whether you go to school or not! Here are some of my sustainable favourites:

Travel mugs

I have the Circular & Co travel mug, and have had it for almost 5 years now. It is as good as the day I bought it, so I definitely recommend that one! My sister has a collapsible travel mug and she has recommended it to me.

Lunch boxes

A few months ago, I bought the bento box-style lunch box that everyone had been raving about. I’m so glad I did because I enjoy making my lunch and then having something prepared so I don’t need to think. It saves so much money taking your lunch instead of buying it, and it is more eco-friendly too.

I hope this post helps you out with buying your (children’s) eco-friendly school supplies!

Will you be looking to buy eco-friendly school supplies this summer?

Caroline ♡