Introduction – School Supplies Consume Resources
There’s a lot of hidden carbon footprint in school supplies. For example, the ones that come to mind easily are paper products, such as notebooks, which use up virgin wood unless sourced sustainably. However, there are also hidden carbon costs, such as in laptops, computers and tablets.
Even though digital equipment avoids use of paper, their manufacturing hides a high resource cost. Additionally, the annual carbon footprint of school supplies may be affected by the type of packaging used for the supplies and the recycling or disposal processes used for the supplies. For these reasons parents and guardians are very interested in environmental school supplies.
Environmental School Supplies
In this blog post, we will discuss 10 different types of sustainable school supplies that you can use to help reduce your environmental impact. By using these eco-friendly school supplies, you can help make a difference in the world while you’re getting ready for class!
As the school year approaches, parents and guardians across the country begin their annual search for the perfect school supplies for their children. But in addition to the ubiquitous notebooks and pencils, there is an increasing demand for eco-friendly school supplies. These products are made from sustainable materials and are designed to reduce waste and minimize environmental impact.
Many major retailers now offer a wide range of eco-friendly school supplies, including recycled notebooks, eco friendly markers or plastic free markers, solar-powered calculators, and reusable water bottles. And as awareness of the importance of environmental conservation grows, it is likely that even more, eco-friendly school supplies will hit store shelves in the coming years.
Benefits Of Using Environmental School Supplies
When it comes to school supplies, there are a lot of choices out there. And with so many options, it can be hard to know which ones are best for the environment. Here are some of the benefits of using environmental school supplies:
1. They Help Conserve Resources.
Environmental school supplies are often made from recycled materials, which helps to conserve our natural resources. In contrast, traditional school supplies are often made from new materials that have to be mined or extracted from the earth. So by using recycled materials, we can help reduce our impact on the environment.
2. They Generate Less Pollution.
Environmental school supplies also tend to generate less pollution than traditional school supplies. This is because they often don’t require the use of harmful chemicals and pollutants in their production. As a result, they can help to keep our air and water clean.
3. They’re Often Cheaper.
Another benefit of using environmental school supplies is that they’re often cheaper than traditional school supplies. This is because recycled materials are often less expensive than new materials. So if you’re looking to save money, environmental school supplies can be a great option.
4. They Last Longer.
Environmental school supplies also tend to be more durable than traditional school supplies. This means that they can last longer and won’t need to be replaced as often. As a result, you can save money in the long run by using environmental school supplies.
5. They Support Green Businesses.
Finally, by using environmental school supplies, you can help support green businesses that are dedicated to reducing their impact on the environment. These businesses often use recycled materials in their products and follow eco-friendly practices in their production process.
10 Environmental School Supplies You Can Use Right Away
With the overwhelming amount of choices available, it can be difficult to know where to start. To help make your search for the perfect environmental school supplies a little easier, we’ve compiled a list of 10 eco-friendly products that are sure to put a smile on your child’s face.
1. Reusable Cloth Face Masks
These masks are made of natural materials like bamboo, organic cotton and artificial materials like nylon, spandex. Look for options with low-impact dyes and packaging that further reduce impact on environment. Many of us continue to use disposable masks which can’t be recycled due to a mixed material composition.
2. Recycled Paper
Recycled paper is made from waste paper that would otherwise be thrown away. This paper costs a bit more than regular paper, but it helps to reduce deforestation and the amount of pollution caused by the manufacturing process. To take this idea to its fullest potential, we should recognize toilet paper would benefit from being derived from a recycled source rather than what is done today: 80% of toilet paper is made by cutting down virgin forests.
3. Reusable Water Bottles
Reusable water bottles are made of durable materials like stainless steel or glass, which can be reused multiple times without leaching chemicals into your water. They’re great for reducing your reliance on disposable plastic water bottles, which often end up in landfills. More unusual solutions include edible water containers which comprise a gel-like solution that encapsulates water.
4. Recycled Notebooks
Just like recycled paper, recycled notebooks are made from waste paper. These notebooks are a great way to reduce your impact on the environment while still getting all the benefits of a standard notebook. There’s more to recycled notebooks though, the full spectrum of eco-friendly notebooks include those made from responsibly sourced paper, reusable notebooks, and so-called “stone paper” notebooks.
5. Efficient Light Bulbs
Efficient light bulbs use less electricity than standard bulbs, which not only saves you money on your energy bill but also helps to reduce your carbon footprint. These bulbs come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit any need, and they last for many years before needing to be replaced. The most common type of “efficient lightbulbs” are CFLs – or compact fluorescent lights.
6. Solar Powered Calculators
Solar-powered calculators are a great way to reduce your reliance on battery-powered devices. They work by absorbing sunlight and converting it into electrical energy, which can then be used to power the calculator. These calculators are relatively inexpensive and they’re becoming more and more common in schools as an environmentally friendly alternative to standard calculators.
7. Recycled Printer Paper
This type of paper is available at most office supply stores and it’s a great way to save money while also helping the environment.
8. Energy-Efficient Computers
Energy-efficient computers use less electricity than standard computers. These computers often come with special features like a power-saving mode, which can further reduce their energy consumption. Most major computer manufacturers now offer energy-efficient models, so it’s easy to find one that meets your needs.
9. Eco Friendly Dry Erase Markers
Dry erase markers are one of the most popular stationary items around, used in homes, offices, and schools for their convenience. However, traditional dry erase markers contain harmful chemicals that can be released into the air, posing a risk to human health.
Eco-friendly dry erase markers are a great alternative, as they are made from safe, non-toxic materials. These markers provide the same smooth writing experience and bright colors as traditional markers, but without harmful chemicals. In addition, eco-friendly dry erase markers are often made from recycled materials, making them a more sustainable choice.
10. Handwoven Pencil Case
Handwoven pencil cases are a unique and stylish way to store your school supplies, and they also help to reduce your environmental impact. Unlike mass-produced pencil cases made from synthetic materials, handwoven cases are made from natural fibers that biodegrade quickly and don’t add to the growing problem of plastic pollution.
In addition, handwoven cases often use recycled materials, so you can be sure that your purchase is supporting sustainable practices. And because they’re produced by artisanal craftspeople, each handwoven case is one of a kind.
11. Environmentally Friendly Backpack
Environmentally friendly backpacks for school are a great choice for any student looking to reduce their environmental impact. They are made from sustainable materials like organic cotton, hemp, recycled polyester, and recycled plastic bottles. Environmentally friendly backpacks for school are a great way to show your commitment to sustainability and to help reduce the environmental impact of your daily life. We review 10 environmentally friendly backpacks for students.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many eco-friendly school supplies available that can help reduce the amount of waste produced each year. Choosing products made from recycled materials can help to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. By making small changes to the way they shop for school supplies, students can make a big difference in the health of our planet.
