It’s back-to-school time! Whether you are sending your child to school for the first time or sending them off to college, here are some resources on reducing waste by using only Zero Waste School Supplies.
Starting in kindergarten or preschool? Check out these fun ideas that even little ones can help with!
Make sure to check out your school’s policy on what is and is not allowed to be sent in with your child. Some schools are now banning disposable water bottles and other single-use plastics due to the massive waste they produce each year.
Table of Contents
1. Reusable water bottle
Send your child to school with a reusable water bottle instead of disposable ones. Not only will your child get in the recycling habit, but the reusable bottle is sure to come in handy for all of their sports and outdoor activities!
2. Recycled crayons
Crayons are a mainstay in any child’s school supplies, but all those tiny wrappers add up. Send your child to school with recycled crayons made from old crayons that have been sent in for recycling.
3. Markers and highlighters
Most markers and highlighters are made from plastic and come with disposable caps. Send your child to school with recycled markers and highlighters that come in cardboard or steel containers instead.
4. Reusable lunch bags and boxes
Send your child to school with a reusable lunch bag and box instead of disposable ones. Not only will this reduce waste, but it will also help keep your child’s lunch nice and cold (or hot) all day long!
5. Compostable or biodegradable straws
Send your child to school with compostable or biodegradable straws instead of disposable ones. These straws are made from materials that decompose quickly so that they won’t add to the landfill waste.
6. Recycled paper
Send your child to school with recycled paper instead of regular paper. You can even find recycled paper with soy-based inks!
7. Reusable sandwich bags
Send your child to school with reusable sandwich bags instead of disposable ones. These bags can be used repeatedly, and they come in a variety of fun colors and designs.
8. Recycled notebooks
Send your child to school with recycled notebooks instead of regular notebooks. Not only are these notebooks made from recycled materials, but they also come with cool covers made from post-consumer materials.
9. Recycled pencils
Send your child to school with recycled pencils instead of regular pencils. These pencils are made from 100% post-consumer materials, so you can feel good about using them.
10. Recycled paper clips
Send your child to school with recycled paper clips instead of regular paper clips. These paper clips are made from 100% recycled steel to last.
11. Reusable plastic bags
Send your child to school with reusable plastic bags (instead of disposable ones). These can be used for many things, including holding wet swimsuits or dirty shoes after organized sports practices.
12. Reusable sponges
Send your child to school with reusable sponges instead of disposable ones. These sponges are great for cleaning any number of surfaces, and they come in many different colors, shapes, and sizes.
13. Recycled pencil sharpeners
Send your child to school with recycled pencil sharpeners instead of regular ones made from plastic. These pencil sharpeners are made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic, which will last a long time.
14. Reusable divided plates
Send your child to school with reusable divided plates instead of disposable ones. These plates come in various colors and designs, and they can be used many times over for all sorts of different meals.
15. Reusable utensils
Send your child to school with a reusable set of silverware instead of disposable ones. These utensils are made from durable stainless steel to last for many years.
16. Recycled construction paper
Send your child to school with recycled construction paper instead of regular paper. This paper comes in various colors, patterns, and textures, and it is made from 100% recycled materials.
17. Reusable water bottles
Send your child to school with reusable water bottles instead of disposable ones. These bottles are great for all sorts of different things—from daily use to sports activities! Best of all, they can be used over and over again.
18. Reusable ice packs
Send your child to school with reusable ice packs instead of disposable ones. These ice packs are made from recycled materials, so they help reduce waste while still ensuring that your child’s lunch will stay nice and cold throughout the day.
19. Cereal Box Covers
If you use plastic bags to cover your cereal, consider cardboard cereal box covers instead. These can be used repeatedly to keep your cereal nice and fresh.
20. Fruit Cup Covers
If you send your children fruit cups, consider sending them reusable fruit cup covers or paper towel squares instead of disposable ones. These covers and squares can be washed and reused many times over.
21. Magazine Covers
If you receive magazines in the mail, consider using the covers as reusable snacks or sandwich bags. These covers come in various colors and designs, and they are made from 100% recycled materials.
22. Grocery Bag Covers
If you bring your groceries home in reusable bags, consider using grocery bag covers to keep them clean. These covers come in various colors and designs, and they are made from 100% recycled materials.
23. Reusable Stickers
Send your child to school with reusable stickers instead of disposable ones. These stickers can be used for all sorts of different purposes, and they can be used repeatedly.
24. Personalized Pens
Send your child to school with a personalized pen instead of a regular one. If you look on sites like Etsy, you will see that there are many options for creating pens from recycled materials and customizing the design in any number of ways.
25. Recycled Pencils
Consider sending them with recycled pencils instead of regular ones if your child uses pencils. These pencils are made from 100% post-consumer recycled materials, so they are completely re-usable!
26. Magnetic Letters
If your child loves to write, consider sending them to school with magnetic letters instead of regular ones. These letters can be used repeatedly, and they are a fun way for kids to learn how to spell new words.
27. Customized Bookmarks
Send your child to school with a customized bookmark instead of a regular one. These can be made with recycled materials, and they are useful for keeping track of your place in books while also adding some fun to reading time!
28. Reusable Snack Bags
Send your child to school with reusable snack bags instead of disposable ones. These bags are made from durable materials like cloth or nylon so that they can be used over and over again.
29. Fabric Markers
If your child loves to draw, consider sending them to school with reusable fabric markers instead of regular ones. These markers are great for decorating clothing and creating works of art! Plus, they come in a variety of colors and designs.
30. Watercolor Sets
If your child loves to paint, consider sending them to school with a watercolor set instead of regular paints. These sets come in various colors and designs, and they are made from recycled materials. Plus, they’re perfect for creating beautiful works of art!
31. Chalkboard Paint
If your child loves doodles, consider sending them to school with chalkboard paint instead of regular chalk. This type of paint can be used on almost any surface, and it’s perfect for drawing pictures and writing down ideas.
32. Customized Notebooks
Send your child to school with a customized notebook instead of a regular one. These notebooks can be made out of recycled materials, and they are also great for keeping track of important assignments.
33. Recycled Envelopes
If your child sends or receives mail at school, consider sending them recycled envelopes instead of regular ones. These envelopes are made from post-consumer recycled materials, and they come in a variety of colors and designs.
34. Reusable Stickers
Send your child to school with reusable stickers instead of disposable ones. These stickers can be used for all sorts of different purposes, and they can be used repeatedly.
35. Customizable Notepads
If your child takes notes at school, consider sending them a customizable notepad instead of regular paper. These pads are made from recycled materials, and they come in a variety of colors and designs. Plus, they can be customized with your child’s name or initials!
FAQ’s
Q: Is it possible to go completely zero waste with school supplies?
A: Unfortunately, the answer is no. It is impossible to go completely to zero waste with school supplies because at least some items require resources that would otherwise be going towards landfills or recycling facilities. However, it is still very important for students to use eco-friendly products to reduce their environmental impact whenever possible.
Q: Which school supplies are the best for going zero waste?
A: The best school supplies for going zero waste can be reused or recycled. This includes items like pens, pencils, markers, and notebooks. It is also important to use products made from recycled materials whenever possible.
Q: Are zero waste school supplies less expensive than disposable ones?
A: Yes, they are! Reusable items like pencils, pens, markers, and notepads can be used over and over again. They also tend to last much longer than their disposable counterparts. This means that you will save money on school supplies by purchasing reusable items.
Q: How can I go zero waste with school supplies?
A: There are many different ways to go zero waste with school supplies. The first step is to purchase reusable pencils, pens, markers, and notepads. You should also consider using recycled products like watercolor sets and paintbrushes when possible. Finally, you can reduce waste by choosing products that come in packaging made from recycled materials.
Q: Why is it important to go with zero waste school supplies?
A: It is important to go zero waste with school supplies because they have a significant environmental impact. By using eco-friendly products, we can reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills or recycling facilities. This helps the environment and helps to conserve dwindling supplies of recycled materials.
Q: Which school supplies are the least sustainable?
A: Disposable items like pencils, pens, markers, and notepads are some of the least sustainable school supplies because they have a significant environmental impact. They also have to be constantly replaced, which increases their overall impact on the environment.
Conclusion
This guide is for those looking to go zero waste with their school supplies and save money. The list includes everything from pencils and erasers to notebooks, lunchboxes, backpacks, and more! It’s time we rethink our relationship with the environment. Follow this guide if you want to know how easy it can be to create less waste in your life and start saving some cash at the same time! What are your favorite tips? Have you tried any of these ideas yet? Let us know by commenting below or on social media; we love to hear what works best for you!
