We’ve all been there—standing in the school supply aisle, list in hand, overwhelmed by rows of plastic-covered notebooks, single-use pens, and glittery binders destined for the landfill. While it’s tempting to grab what’s cheap and easy, most mainstream school supplies are designed to fall apart (and be replaced) long before the year ends.
But what if we told you there’s a better way?
Eco-friendly school supplies aren’t just good for the planet—they’re built to last, save money over time, and help kids understand the power of sustainable choices. And the best part? They’re just as colorful, functional, and kid-approved as their wasteful counterparts.
Let’s talk about the swaps that actually work—in backpacks, in lunchboxes, and in classrooms.
Why Traditional School Supplies Are Wasteful
The average student goes through a surprising amount of waste in one school year: plastic folders that tear within weeks, dried-out markers tossed in the trash, half-used notebooks forgotten in lockers. And don’t even get us started on the piles of broken pencils, mystery crumbs, and empty glue sticks.
Many of these supplies are made from virgin plastic and other synthetic materials that aren’t recyclable—especially when they’re laminated, blended with metal, or coated in glitter. Even paper goods often come wrapped in plastic or printed with chemical-based inks.
The result? A cycle of buying, tossing, and rebuying that adds up fast—for your wallet and for the planet.
What to Look For in Sustainable Supplies
When shopping for back-to-school season with sustainability in mind, you’re looking for three magic words: reusable, refillable, and recyclable. Bonus points for plastic-free packaging and natural or recycled materials.
Durability is also key. It’s not eco-friendly if it breaks after two weeks. Look for supplies made from bamboo, stainless steel, recycled paper, or organic cotton. And when it comes to consumables like pens and glue? Refillable and water-based is the way to go.
Shopping mindfully also means skipping the urge to overbuy. Chances are, you’ve already got a stash of supplies hiding in drawers, closets, or last year’s backpack. Start there, then fill in the gaps with products that go the distance.
The Supplies That Deserve a Spot in Your Cart
Here’s your one-and-done list of school essentials that are sustainable, durable, and actually classroom-ready:
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Reusable pencil case: Skip the vinyl pouches and opt for one made of cotton, canvas, or recycled materials. Our snack pouches also work great for this.
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Refillable pens and pencils: Look for mechanical pencils with replaceable lead and refillable ink pens to avoid tossing plastic after every dry-out.
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Recycled notebooks: Made with post-consumer paper and often packaged plastic-free. Some even have tear-out pages for easy recycling.
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Bamboo or recycled rulers: Avoid plastic tools that warp or snap in half after a few drops.
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Natural glue sticks and water-based markers: Safer for kids, gentler on the planet. Bonus if they come in cardboard packaging!
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Reusable lunch gear: From cloth napkins to condiment containers, skip the disposables and pack waste-free lunches that kids can repack on their own.
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Eco-friendly erasers: Choose natural rubber or recycled material erasers without unnecessary plastic casing.
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Paper folders: Avoid laminated folders that can’t be recycled. Reinforced paper folders last just as long and break down naturally when you're done.
Tips for Getting Kids Excited About Sustainable Swaps
Let’s be honest—if it doesn’t sparkle or feature their favorite animal, your kid might not be sold on a recycled notebook. That’s where you get to flex your creative muscles.
Let kids pick their favorite colors or prints when choosing reusable napkins, snack bags, or pencil cases. (Yes, we make avocado and mushroom prints for a reason.) Add stickers or patches to personalize folders and bags. Let them test the pens, snap the containers shut, or roll their own Unpaper Towels.
When kids feel ownership over their supplies, they’re more likely to use—and care for—them.
Make It a Teaching Moment (Without the Eye Roll)
Back-to-school season is the perfect time to talk with your kids about the impact of their choices. You don’t need to bust out the landfill stats (unless they’re into that)—just connect the dots between using a refillable pen and keeping plastic out of the ocean.
Ask questions like:
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“What do you think happens to a plastic marker when it runs out?”
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“What’s something we could reuse from last year instead of buying new?”
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“Want to help me pack your waste-free lunch?”
These moments help kids think critically about waste—and empower them to be part of the solution.
Sustainability Grows With Them
The cool thing about eco-friendly school supplies? They’re not just a one-grade wonder. Many of these items grow with your child—snack bags turn into travel pouches, cloth napkins become lunchbox staples year after year, and refillable pens carry them from handwriting practice to essay writing.
And when something finally wears out? Compost it, recycle it, or repurpose it. Unlike plastic-laden supplies that stick around for centuries, sustainable tools leave a lighter footprint and a lasting impression.
Looking to stock up on classroom-ready reusables? Browse our Back-to-School Collection to grab the goods that work hard, look great, and help your kid start the school year off right—waste-free.
