Smart Back-to-School: Sustainable School Supplies for Kids

Back-to-school prep doesn’t have to be all shopping bags and plastic clutter. With a basic school supplies list, families can save money, protect the planet, and make the season greener. The only question is—how to choose wisely? Let’s find out.

How recycling school supplies makes a difference

Before rushing to buy new supplies, it’s worth taking a step back and seeing what can be reused from last year. True recycling goes beyond the blue bin— it’s about stretching the life of the items already on our shelves.

Many notebooks still boast untapped pages, begging to be math quizzes or diary entries. Backpacks, pencil boxes, rulers, and calculators keep serving year after year as long as we rinse and respect them. The same goes for uniforms and sports kits that can easily be handed down or traded within the team.

Reusing not only gives kids a firsthand lesson in stewardship, it reminds the entire household that caring for the Earth begins in our entryways. Plus, the practice trims our grocery aisle bill, clears our closets, and chips away at the daily impact of our choices.

Green writing tools: draw and write responsibly

Stationery is one of the biggest contributors to school waste, but choosing eco-friendly alternatives can make a real difference. Instead of traditional plastic pens and non-recyclable notebooks, consider:

Recycled paper notebooks can help save the planet: the eco-certified covers use scraps that would otherwise fuel landfills.
Replace standard pens with sleek, refillable biodegradable ink cartridges that don’t leave heavy residue in soil or interfere with waterways.
Bamboo rulers and pencils, a renewable alternative to plastic or non-sustainably sourced wood.
Non-toxic crayons and markers, safer for kids and kinder to the environment.

Try biodegradable sticker paper for notebooks, folders, or art projects to boost creativity and sustainability. Eco stationery lets children use safer products and learn responsible consumption, with every pencil, pen, or notebook contributing to a smaller footprint.

Planet-friendly clothing for school days

School clothes needn’t empty your wallet or hurt the planet. Whether it’s uniforms or play clothes, today’s brands serve up sustainable picks crafted from things like organic cotton, soft bamboo, or nifty recycled fibers—all made with less water and no nasty chemicals. Opting for sturdy, well-made tops and bottoms helps them make it through the whole year, cutting out the landfill pile.

The same smart buys count for shoes, too. Pairs built from recycled plastics or natural cork keep tiny feet comfy and give Mother Earth a friendly high-five at the same time. Sticking with quick-clean, mix-and-match styles saves water at laundry time and stretches the wardrobe. Bring the kids along for the fitting room fun; choosing planet-smart threads, cool colors, and comfy shapes shows them that clothes can be stylish, useful, and easy on the Earth all at once.

Green gear: eco-friendly school bags and supplies

Every child needs a sturdy backpack and pencil case, but choosing recycled, upcycled, or vegan materials helps the planet. Built to last, they cut down on waste from worn-out school supplies.

When choosing a backpack, look for ergonomic designs that spread weight evenly, along with strong stitching and zippers to make it last. Pencil cases made from recycled plastics or biodegradable fabrics can fit all your supplies – pens, markers, rulers – while still not contributing to waste.

Many brands also offer customizable, eco-friendly backpacks for school and pencil cases, letting kids make unique, long-lasting items they will use year after year. Eco-friendly storage blends style, practicality, and sustainability, showing children that organization and caring for the earth do not need to be mutually exclusive.

Sustainable lunch essentials for school kids

School lunches are another place where waste can pile up fast, but small swaps make a big difference. Eco-friendly food storage cuts single-use plastics while keeping meals fresh and safe:

Lunchboxes made from stainless steel, bamboo, or BPA-free plastic last for ages, wipe out in a flash, and usually stack together.
For drinks, a sturdy stainless steel or glass bottle, sometimes insulated, cuts the urge to grab a disposable.
Wrap and bag the snacks in beeswax covers, a squeezable silicone pouch, or a bag that composts when the week’s over.

Packaging leftovers in a sturdy container goes beyond just keeping food fresh; it shows that the everyday kitchen is also a tiny greenhouse of good habits. When children see examples of good lunch and snack habits, they internalize the idea that food is not separate from the planet, but part of it.

Top 5 global brands for eco-friendly school supplies

Want school gear that’s tough enough for daily adventures and easy on the Earth? Check out our shortlist of brands that stitch sustainability right into every backpack, lunchbox, and lunch snack.

Stabilo – Eco-minded markers, pens, and highlighters that keep going with refill packs. Ideal for doodles and essays without the daily waste.

Price range: $2–$15 per item.

Terra Thread – Backpacks and bags that flaunt Fairtrade status. Crafted from organic cotton and upcycled materials, these day packs turn waste into wow.

Price range: $40–$120.

Onyx + Green – Must-have stationery from notebooks that recycled paper loves, to pens made from plants. Perfect for sketchbooks and science fair posters.

Price range: $5–$25 per item.

PlanetBox – Durable lunchboxes weigh in with snack-sorting skill, keeping burritos, grapes, and broccoli in their own stay-floor home. Easy to scrub and endlessly refillable.

Price range: $60–$100.

Chilly’s Bottles – Eye-catching stainless steel drinkers that keep chill in and waste out. Choose from kid-sized cups to big thirsty towers, all BPA-free and ready for the refresher.

Price range: $25–$40.

Creating a sustainable school year isn’t just about supplies — it is about instilling in the next generation that every choice matters. From recycled writing materials to eco-friendly lunch packing, it’s those small steps that make a significant difference. Not only does going green this school year provide learning opportunities, but it’s a positive gift for the planet that our children will inherit.