According to the National Retail Federation, the average American household budgeted $875 for back-to-school shopping in 2024. By directing that spending power towards eco-friendly options, we can reduce our personal environmental impacts while also encouraging companies to invest in sustainable product lines.

For each item on your school supply list, think of the most sustainable and practical option. Wherever possible, opt for recycled materials over new, natural materials over synthetics, and durable items instead of single-use. In addition, be sure to check secondhand stores, your local community, and last year’s leftover supplies before buying anything new.

Beyond these general principles, here are some specific tips to consider:

• You have many choices when it comes to backpacks, but the most important factor to consider is longevity. Look for timeless styles, durable materials, and a bag that you will enjoy using for years to come – and then commit to using it until the end of its life. Consider bags made from recycled materials, such as Timbuk2’s eco backpack line, or natural fibers, such as Terra Thread’s organic cotton backpacks.
• A reusable water bottle is one of the most important supplies for sustainable and healthy living. By replacing single-use plastic bottles, a reusable water bottle reduces your waste production while also encouraging a healthy hydration habit. Look for bottles made from stainless steel (such as Hydro Flask), glass (such as Kablo), or recycled plastic (such as an Ocean Bottle) instead of new plastic.
• SproutWorld’s plantable pencils are a unique solution to the sustainable stationary problem. At first glance, they look like regular pencils, but once you’ve used the pencil up, it can be planted to grow real flowers, fruits, or herbs. These pencils can also be customized with different seeds, colors, and messages, making a great gift for the green-thumbed teacher in your life. Learn more here.
• Instead of buying new paper, look for recycled paper. For notebooks, consider Decomposition Book, whose creative and 100% post-consumer-waste recycled notebooks can be purchased here.
• If you’re planning to purchase a laptop for this back-to-school season, check out our recommendations for sustainable laptops.

Designing a sustainable school supply list may feel overwhelming, but remember that sustainable living isn’t all-or-nothing. Each eco-friendly decision you make is a positive step and should be celebrated! Try starting with just one sustainable swap, and then use that momentum to take the next step.