It’s that time again…back to school season. I graduated with my undergrad in psychology in 2017 and I’m not currently pursuing a masters, but I know a lot of you are headed back to school. Whether you’re headed to high school, college, or graduate school, you have to be prepared for the school year. Using school supplies you already own or finding school supplies secondhand are cost-effective and sustainable options. For items, you do not own or cannot find secondhand, consider buying zero waste school supplies from ethical brands. A lot of the school supplies I’ve bought in the past were made of plastic and not designed to last more than a couple semesters. Save yourself the hassle of having to buy new items each year by opting for long-lasting zero-waste school supplies instead.

Tips for buying zero waste school supplies

1. Shop your own home

Before going out to buy anything, check your home to see what you already have.

2. Ask a friend

Ask the people around you if they have any spare items you can take off their hands. Recent graduates are especially helpful because they probably no longer need certain items.

3. Check your local thrift store

Thrift stores sell anything and everything, making it the perfect place to search for school supplies. At the thrift store, you can find back to school clothes, office supplies, backpacks and more.

4. Shop secondhand online

Sites like eBay, OfferUp, or even Craigslist can be helpful when looking for textbooks, calculators, etc.

5. Shop ethically

Buy new items from ethical brands that offer quality zero waste options. Some ethical brands sell items on Amazon, so don’t forget these tips for ensuring a zero-waste Amazon order.

10+ Zero Waste School Supply Alternatives

1. Backpack

Check your local thrift store or the online thrift store Thred Up for some cute backpacks.

2. Binders

Replace plastic binders with thrifted binders or recycled cardboard binders.

3. Calculator

Opt for a used scientific calculator.

4. Lunch Box

Reuse plastic grocery bags, thrift a lunchbox, or purchase a long-lasting stainless steel lunch box*. All of these are great options for transporting your lunch sustainably. Extend the life of ziplock bags by washing and reusing them or opt for silicone ziplock baggies*. Also, bring stainless steel utensils from home or opt for bamboo utensils.

5. Notebook

Purchase recycled notebooks because they are both stylish and sustainable.

6. Pencils

If you prefer wooden pencils opt for plantable pencils*. If you prefer mechanical pencils opt for pencils made from recycled water bottles or metal. Avoid plastic by buying mechanical pencil lead in cardboard packaging.

7. Pens

Choose long-lasting, refillable pens to last you several semesters.

8. Post It Notes

Stand out with reusable post its* or go digital with Google Keep.

9. Planner

Pick an eco-friendly and ethical planner to stay organized.

10. Textbooks

Borrow from the library or purchase textbooks used from eBay or Craigslist.

11. Water Bottle

Swap out single-use water bottles for a reusable bottle. Klean Kanteen* and Soma* offer super cute sustainable water bottles.

What are your back to school essentials?