20 Eco-Friendly School Supplies For a Zero Waste School Year

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From kindergarten to college, get ready with these eco-friendly school supplies. Find 20 A+ products made from recycled, recyclable, or biodegradable materials.

Estimated Read Time: 7 minutes

Wipe away the tears, take the pics, and cue Abba’s ‘Slipping Through My Fingers’, because it’s nearly time to send your baby into the next school year!

Before the big day, it’s time for the big shop. As exciting as new school supplies can be, shop shelves are often a sorry sight for the eco-conscious - there’s paper, plastic, chemicals, and fast fashion everywhere!

But don’t worry, we’ve got plenty of alternatives for you. These 20 products are made from recycled, recyclable, or biodegradable materials, making them A+ students in school supplies.

Remember, the most sustainable thing you can do is use what you already have so start by seeing what can be repaired or upcycled for another school year. Still got some unticked items your checklist? Read on!

20 Eco-Friendly School Supplies For Every Age

From Kindergarten artists to college change-makers, these school supplies cover everything growing eco-warriors need.

Back to Kindergarten

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Children's Paint Brush Sets

Let your kiddos' masterpieces shine with our Honeysticks Paint Brush sets! With comfy wooden handles, eco-friendly bristles, and non-toxic ingredients, these brushes are perfect for your little artist.

$14.99

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Beeswax Triangle Crayons

Unleash your kid’s inner artist with 8 vibrant, all-natural colors in a reusable tube and mess-free tube.

$8.99

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Reusable Silicone Snack Bag - 8 Colors

When snack time calls, be prepared with these non-toxic, microwave-safe, endlessly reusable baggies.

$9.99

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Plant Based Clear Liquid Glue

Get crafty, without the nasty chemicals with this plant-based glue. It’s natural, transparent, and fast-drying, perfect for the next refrigerator masterpiece.

$5.99

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Back to Middle School

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Bamboo Ruler

Need a ruler for art or geometry projects? The Bamboo Ruler is your go-to! Made from sturdy, renewable bamboo, it outperforms flimsy plastic ones.

$5.99

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Plantable Colored Pencils

Turn your pencils into a garden with these eco-friendly, plantable colored pencils made from FSC Certified wood, complete with seeds for herbs, flowers, or veggies in the stub!

$15.99

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Recycled Rubber Erasers

Get a grip (pun intended) with these eco-friendly, colorful erasers, made from recycled rubber and covered with a paper sleeve for easy handling.

$4.99

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Batai Organic Cotton Pencil Bag

This compact pencil bag packs a big eco-punch, with 100% Fairtrade Certified organic cotton sewn in a Fair Trade Certified factory. It supports Feeding America too!

$15.95

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Organic Cotton Canvas Everyday Backpack

Crafted from sturdy 14 oz cotton canvas with pockets and a laptop compartment, this is your school for years to come. Each purchase donates to Feeding America!

$76.95

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Stainless Steel Solo Cube Food Container

Send your kiddo to school with this stainless steel solution to plastic sandwich bags! Durable, compact, and dishwasher-safe, it’s perfect for lunch break.

$24.99

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Back to High School

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Recycled Paper Sticky Notes

Did you know that most recycling centers can't handle small sticky notes? Made from 70% recycled paper and compostable, these colorful alternatives are perfect for study notes.

$3.99

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Bamboo Ballpoint Pens - Black

Keep your school supplies waste-free with pens made from renewable bamboo and equipped with a cozy rubber grip to make essay writing as easy as it can be.

$7.49

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Ruled Spiral Decomposition Notebook

Made from 100% recycled paper and printed with soy ink, this aesthetic notepad offers 80 sheets (160 pages if you're counting) for all your note-making needs!

$10.99

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Compact Lite Portable Tech Charger

Power up sustainably, with this lightweight portable Charger, Made from 72.5% post-consumer plastic, it powers two devices 2x faster and reduces CO2 footprint.

$29.95

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Executive Work Tote Bag

Sturdy, stylish, and made from Fairtrade Certified organic cotton, this bag has compartments for everything they need for the school day. Plus each purchase donates a meal to families in need!

$49.95

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Reusable Utensil Kit with Straw

The perfect lunchtime companion, this compact kit includes bamboo cutlery, a glass straw, a cleaning brush, and a holder they can clip to your bag.

$27.50

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Back to College

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Insulated Coffee Mug 12oz

Help them survive the early morning lectures without the waste! This insulated coffee cup made from stainless steel with a splash-resistant lid and cozy grip.

$27.95

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Organic Cotton Duvet Cover Sets

Make college dorms feel like home with this soft and breathable duvet cover made from 100% organic and hypoallergenic cotton sateen.

$169.00

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More Planet Less Plastic Organic Tote Bag

Encourage them to make a statement on campus with this durable organic cotton tote bag, ideal for library trips.

$14.99

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Compact Lite Portable Tech Charger

Power up sustainably, with this lightweight portable Charger, Made from 72.5% post-consumer plastic, it powers two devices 2x faster and reduces CO2 footprint.

$29.95

Shop Now
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Shower Bag Made of Ocean Plastic

Washable and waterproof, this shower bag is ideal for weekends away and trips back home. Bonus: each one recovers 2.2 lbs of ocean plastic!

$29.00

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10 More Quick Tips For A Zero Waste School Year

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Photo by Matt Ragland on Unsplash

Nurturing a sustainable student goes beyond the back-to-school shop. Here are some ways kids can reduce waste all year round:

  • Look through last year’s school supplies and see what can still be used, before buying new.
  • Bulk buy stationary like pens and notepads where possible.
  • Pack lunches in reusable containers.
  • Encourage them to recycle any cartons or paper they use.
  • Label everything they take to school to avoid having to rebuy lost items
  • Save packaging like cardboard, egg cartons, and wrapping paper for craft projects
  • Ask them to take a reusable water bottle to class to avoid single-use
  • If their teacher allows, take notes using digital tools to minimize paper use
  • Swap clothes and kit with classmates instead of buying a new every year

Wish them good luck from us! We’re sure they’ll smash it.

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