Last Updated on September 17, 2024
Back-to-school season is exciting for students, teachers, and parents. It’s a time of fresh beginnings and the unavoidable need for supplies and accessories. As the globe becomes more environmentally conscious, many individuals are looking for sustainable alternatives to school supplies, preferring Eco-Friendly Back-to-School Gifts that serve a function while protecting the environment.
This guide will explore some of the best eco-friendly gifts for the back-to-school season. Whether shopping for a student or looking for a teacher gift, this list contains items that promote sustainability without compromising style, quality, or functionality.
15 Eco-Friendly Back to School Gifts
Reusable Water Bottles
Hydration is vital for students, but single-use plastic bottles contribute to a growing pollution problem. A high-quality, reusable water bottle is one of the best eco-friendly gifts you can give. Stainless steel or glass bottles are durable, long-lasting, and completely free of harmful chemicals like BPA.
Reusable water bottles come in various designs and sizes, making them suitable for kids of all ages. Many brands also offer insulated versions that keep drinks cold or hot for hours, which is excellent for long school days. Plus, these bottles reduce the demand for single-use plastics, making them a gift that keeps giving to both the recipient and the environment.
Eco-Friendly Backpacks
Another fantastic back-to-school gift idea is a durable, eco-friendly backpack. These backpacks combine sustainability with style and function and are Made from organic cotton, recycled plastic bottles, or hemp. These materials are better for the planet and often more durable than traditional ones, ensuring the backpack lasts for years.
Some companies even go the extra mile by ensuring eco-friendly production processes, using non-toxic dyes and sustainable manufacturing methods. When selecting a backpack, look for certifications like Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) or recycled content claims, which guarantee the product’s eco-friendly attributes.
Sustainable Stationery Sets
Traditional school supplies often have a high environmental cost due to their use of plastic, non-recyclable materials, and chemicals. Instead, opt for eco-friendly stationery sets made from recycled or sustainable materials. Notebooks made from recycled paper, pencils crafted from reclaimed wood, and biodegradable pens are just a few examples of sustainable stationery options.
Many brands now offer eco-conscious alternatives that look as sleek and stylish as conventional supplies. Some companies even allow you to refill pens instead of discarding them, reducing waste.
Organic Cotton Lunch Bags
Students who bring their lunch to school need a reusable lunch bag. Look for bags made from organic cotton or recycled materials, which are better for the environment than plastic alternatives. Many of these lunch bags are also insulated, helping to keep food fresh throughout the school day.
Another benefit of these eco-friendly lunch bags is that they can be washed and reused yearly, drastically reducing the number of plastic or paper bags in the trash. You can pair the lunch bag with reusable sandwich wraps or stainless steel food containers for an added touch.
Eco-Friendly Writing Utensils
Pencils and pens are essential school supplies, but traditional plastic models often end up in landfills. On the other hand, eco-friendly writing utensils are crafted from sustainable materials like bamboo, recycled plastic, or even biodegradable plant-based materials.
Some companies offer pencils made from recycled newspapers or pens that can be refilled instead of discarded. Gifting sustainable writing tools helps reduce plastic waste and teaches students the importance of mindful consumption.
Solar-Powered Calculators
Many students, particularly in high school and college, need a calculator. Instead of choosing battery-operated versions, opt for solar-powered calculators, which run on renewable energy. These calculators are just as effective as traditional ones but have the added benefit of reducing battery waste.
Solar-powered calculators are an excellent choice for eco-friendly back-to-school gifts. They highlight the power of renewable energy while being practical and useful for daily school tasks.
Plant-Based or Recycled Notebooks
Notebooks are an essential school supply, but most conventional notebooks use virgin paper, contributing to deforestation. A more sustainable alternative is to choose notebooks made from recycled paper or plant-based materials such as bamboo.
Recycled notebooks have the same quality and performance as regular ones but have a much smaller environmental footprint. Many eco-friendly notebook brands also use soy-based inks and environmentally friendly binding methods, ensuring the entire product is as sustainable as possible.
Wooden Rulers and Other Sustainable Tools
Plastic rulers, protractors, and other school tools often break and are thrown away. Consider wooden or metal alternatives, which are much more durable and eco-friendly. Wooden rulers, for example, are usually made from sustainably harvested wood, making them a great addition to any eco-conscious school kit.
Choosing sustainable school tools over their plastic counterparts helps reduce waste and encourages using renewable resources.
Reusable Snack Bags
Instead of packing snacks in single-use plastic bags, consider gifting reusable bags made from washable, food-safe fabric. These bags are perfect for sandwiches, fruits, and other snacks and can be easily cleaned after each use.
Reusable snack bags come in various colors and designs, making them a fun yet practical gift for students of all ages. These reusable options help reduce waste and promote more sustainable habits by reducing the number of plastic bags used daily.
Eco-Friendly Art Supplies
For students who love to get creative, eco-friendly art supplies are an ideal gift. Look for non-toxic, biodegradable crayons from soy beeswax or watercolor paints that use natural pigments. Recycled sketchbooks, charcoal pencils, and plant-based markers are also great options.
These eco-conscious alternatives are as vibrant and fun as traditional art supplies but come without the environmental cost. Gifting sustainable art supplies encourages students to express their creativity while being mindful of their ecological impact.
Recycled Paper Planners
A planner is an excellent tool for students to stay organized throughout the school year. Opt for planners made from recycled or FSC-certified paper. Some eco-friendly planners also come with covers made from upcycled materials, giving them a unique and sustainable touch.
In addition to being made from recycled content, these planners often feature minimalist, reusable designs that reduce waste while helping students plan their days in an environmentally friendly way.
Sustainable Tech Accessories
Many eco-friendly tech accessories, from phone cases to laptop sleeves, make perfect back-to-school gifts. Look for cases made from biodegradable or recycled materials or laptop sleeves crafted from organic cotton or recycled plastic bottles.
These eco-friendly accessories are functional and stylish, helping students protect their devices while reducing their carbon footprint.
Bamboo Toothbrushes for Dorm Life
Bamboo toothbrushes make a thoughtful and practical gift for college students. Plastic toothbrushes contribute to significant landfill waste yearly, but bamboo toothbrushes are biodegradable and sustainable.
A bamboo toothbrush with eco-friendly toothpaste or mouthwash can make a complete, zero-waste gift set perfect for dorm life.
Compostable Phone Cases
Many students rely on smartphones, so why not give them a sustainable phone case? Compostable phone cases are made from plant-based materials that can be broken down at the end of their life cycle, leaving zero waste.
These durable, stylish cases come in a wide range of colors and designs, making them a practical yet eco-friendly gift option for tech-savvy students.
Eco-friendly highlighters and Markers
Conventional highlighters and markers are often made from plastic and use chemical-based inks. Eco-friendly versions, however, are made from sustainable materials and non-toxic, water-based inks. Some highlighters even come in wooden casings, reducing plastic use while providing vibrant, long-lasting color.
By opting for these sustainable alternatives, students can enjoy all the benefits of traditional highlighters and markers without contributing to plastic waste.
Eco-Friendly Gifting for a Greener Future
Choosing eco-friendly back-to-school gifts is a great way to positively impact the environment and the next generation of students. These sustainable alternatives reduce waste and encourage responsible consumption and environmental stewardship. From reusable water bottles to biodegradable phone cases, there is an eco-friendly option for every student. By giving these thoughtful, sustainable gifts, you’re supporting students in their academic journey and helping them build a greener, more sustainable future. I hope you enjoyed my selection of Eco-Friendly Back-to-School Gifts.