Back to School the Sustainable Way
Kids walking to school with eco-friendly school supplies.
Choosing Eco-Friendly Materials
As the back-to-school season kicks in, the excitement of new books, supplies, and fresh starts fills the air. But there’s something else we can add to that list — making eco-conscious choices. 🌎 By opting for sustainable materials, we can help reduce waste, protect our environment, and set a positive example for the next generation.
Why Sustainability Matters in School Supplies 🌱
Every year, millions of notebooks, pens, bags, and lunch containers end up in landfills. 🗑️ Many of these are made from non-recyclable plastics or virgin materials that require high energy and resource consumption to produce. Choosing items made from recycled, biodegradable, or responsibly sourced materials makes a huge difference — both for the planet and for fostering eco-conscious habits in young learners.
Sustainable Materials to Look For
🌳 Recycled Paper & Notebooks – Look for FSC-certified paper or notebooks made from post-consumer recycled content. They perform just as well as new paper but save trees and energy.
💧 Reusable Water Bottles – Opt for stainless steel or BPA-free bottles that can last for years, cutting down on single-use plastic waste.
🎒 Eco-Friendly Backpacks & Bags – Choose bags made from organic cotton, recycled polyester (rPET), or durable hemp. These materials last longer and have a smaller environmental footprint.
Backpack made of rPET fabric
✏️ Plant-Based or Biodegradable Pens & Pencils – Many brands now offer pens made from cornstarch or recycled plastics, as well as pencils from sustainably managed forests.
🥗 Reusable Lunch Containers – Stainless steel, bamboo, glass containers or recycled polyester keep lunches fresh without disposable packaging.
Packit Thermal Lunch Bag crafted from recycled polyester.
Teaching Sustainability Through Action
When kids see their school supplies made from sustainable materials, it sends a clear message: caring for the planet is part of everyday life. Encourage them to take pride in reusing items from last year, repairing instead of replacing, and choosing quality over quantity.
A Simple Step with a Big Impact
Switching to sustainable materials for back-to-school season might seem small, but collectively, these choices add up. It’s about creating lasting habits that extend beyond the classroom — habits that help build a cleaner, healthier world.
This year let’s make back-to-school season not just about learning from books, but also about learning from the choices we make for our planet. 🌏💚