Eco-Friendly School Supplies

Every school year, students buy lots of supplies like notebooks, pencils, and folders. Many of these items are made from materials that harm the environment. Eco-friendly school supplies are made from recycled or sustainable materials. Choosing them is a simple way for students to help the planet.

Better Choices

Recycled paper notebooks use old paper instead of cutting down new trees. Pencils can be made from recycled newspapers instead of wood. Binders and folders come in recycled plastic versions. Even glue and markers now have eco-friendly options. Looking for labels like recycled or sustainably sourced helps you pick the best supplies.

Reuse and Reduce

The most eco-friendly supply is one you already have. Reusing folders, binders, and pencil cases from last year reduces waste. Sharing supplies with classmates means less is needed overall. A reusable water bottle and lunch box replace hundreds of disposable bags and bottles each year.

Fun Facts

• Making paper from recycled materials uses 70 percent less energy than making it from new trees.
• Americans throw away about 1.6 billion pens every year!
• Some companies make pencils that can be planted in soil after they are too short to write with, and they grow into herbs or flowers.

Did You Know?

Switching to a reusable water bottle can keep about 150 plastic bottles out of the trash each school year!