Better Sustainable School Supplies
photo: Society6
by Azucena Melchor
You’re getting ready to start yet another year of school, but first you have to go shopping for some new essentials. This time around, ditch the 40 packs of plastic pens (half of which you’ll probably lose before November) in favor of some sustainable school supplies that’ll treat you and your environment better.
Wondering where to find them? Here’s a list of some cute and sustainable items that’ll help you make it through the school (or work) year.
NOTEBOOKS
Even if you do most of your work online, you can never go wrong keeping a notebook or two around. Kokuyo’s Campus Notebook ($18) comes with a sleek design in a bunch of energizing colors, and the company is committed to contributing “towards the advancement of a ‘low carbon society’”. Check out their planners too!
PENS + PENCILS
Onyx Green’s pencils ($7.99) are both stylish and active in reducing waste by using recycled newspapers in their composition.
Using refillable pens reduces waste even more, but if disposable pens are more feasible for your student lifestyle, try these recycled, biodegradable ballpoint pens from Simply Genius (Pack of 100, $29.99).
BINDERS + FOLDERS
Wisdom Supply Co. carries a bunch of simply and attractively designed paper school supplies that’ll go with any style, most notably their Recyclable Pocket Folders ($5.50) and their binder.
WATER BOTTLE
It’s always important to stay hydrated and this cute and sustainable bkr bottle helps you do that in not one, but two different ways! Take a sip of water and apply a swipe of lip balm all in one go.
LUNCHBOX
The struggle to find a pretty lunchbox is something I’m convinced everyone who has a lunchbox has gone through. U Konserve really gets it right with the Recycled Insulated Lunch Tote ($25.95), which will fit in just fine with the rest of your stylish supplies.
BACKPACKS + TOTES
Daph’s handmade, naturally dyed leather backpack ($230) is both functional and way prettier and more sophisticated than your average backpack. Perfect to hold the rest of your sustainable school supplies. If you’d rather let the backpack go in favor of a sturdy tote bag, try Raven + Lily’s leather Mara Stitch Tote, ($186) which is handmade in Ethiopia and roomy enough to carry around anything you would need for the day. If you’re worried about purchasing leather goods or you want something a bit more affordable, the Dobi Daily Tote ($69) from BIPOC-woman-owned Made Trade is another excellent tote option.
