Back To School Eco-friendly Shopping Tips: Environmentally Friendly Back-to-school Supplies

By Author: Erica Ronchetti
Total Articles: 738
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It’s that time of year again—the rush to get children ready for the upcoming school year. According to a National Retail Federation survey, research reveals that families with school-aged children spend on average $600 on back-to-school supplies.

According to the Green Schools Initiative, Americans use approximately 14 billion pencils each school year.
About 30 million tons of writing and printing paper is used in the United States each year—that’s equivalent to 660 lbs per person annually.

Considering all the natural resources, trees, and energy required to manufacture pencils, paper, and other school supplies, it’s a good idea to support better environmentally-friendly practices to reduce individual consumption. In this era of green products, there are many options available for families who wish to purchase well-sourced, sustainable back to school supplies. When choosing products this year, remember to help your children and the environment by making eco-friendly choices in your back to school purchases.


It’s all about balance—you can reuse old school supplies ...
... and supplement with new eco friendly products. Many back-to-school items are recyclable, contain a high percentage of post-consumer content, and are non-toxic.



The first step is to reuse last year’s notebooks, binders, and other school supplies. Remind your children to write on both sides of the paper. A good quality backpack can also last for years—no need to buy a new one each September. If you have bought a new bag but your old backpack is still in good condition, donate it. Reuse your lunch box from last year and fill it with containers that can be reused. You’ll save money and decrease the amount of disposable plastic and paper bags.

Choose refillable pens and pencils to save natural resources. If you’re shopping for paper, notebooks, or folders, choose products made from recycled paper. By purchasing these products, you can help close the loop on recycling.

Recycled filler paper

Recycled back to school three subject notebooks

Biodegradable Pens

Single subject notebooks

Eco friendly highlighter pens

Wrap n mats for lunch

School binders – 2”

School composition notebooks

Recycled rules made from blue jeans

Eco friendly pencils

We’d also like to remind parents to purchase textbooks used if possible—this is the not only environmentally friendly but great way to save money. All the little items (pencils, pens, notebooks, and paper) can really add up for both your wallet and the environment. Make greener choices this year and go back to school with sustainable products.

Erica Ronchetti is a freelance writer and editor for GreenLine Paper, a provider of eco friendly paper products. GreenLine Paper encourages the use of recycled paper and responsible energy choices.