Eco-Friendly Finds For Kids Going Back to School

Well, it’s that time of year again…the time when parents start doing their back to school shopping for their kids. It’s for this reason I thought it would be a good idea to cover some eco-friendly finds good for school-age children, as well as a few your college-bound kids might find useful.

Please note, while this article contains items of our own choosing, it also contains some affiliate links from Amazon and other sites from which we may earn a commission on any qualifying purchase made.

Reusable water bottle

First up is one of my go-to items, the reusable water bottle. This particular bottle is the Bambaw 32 ounce metal water bottle. It’s stainless steel, plastic-free, BPA-free and extremely durable. It also has a very minimalistic look with a stylish bamboo lid. The one downside is it isn’t insulated.

So, if you’re looking for a reusable water bottle with a little insulation, give this Ello Syndicate glass water bottle a try. This bottle is eco-friendly and doesn’t have the metal taste many associate with stainless steel bottles. It is also protected by a silicone sleeve, is leak-proof and dish-washer safe.

Whatever option you choose, having a reusable water bottle is an essential. This is true whether you’re in elementary school, middle school/junior high, high school or college. Even those going into the office on a daily basis can benefit from having a reusable water bottle.

What’s even better is many schools these days have water filling stations where kids can refill their bottles throughout the day, so you won’t have to worry about them running out of water.

Plastic-Free Lunchware

Although schools across the United States have been working on upgrading school meals, there is still room for improvement. Those who are able, should consider sending their kids to school with a healthy lunch, designed with their taste-buds and/or required diet in mind. One of the best ways to do this is in plastic-free lunchware.

Ecolunchbox has a variety of eco-friendly options for kids (and adults) of all ages. This woman-owned, California Green Certified Business takes pride in providing healthy options people can use to keep their food fresh and away from plastic materials. They have Plastic-Free ECO-Friendly Lunchware in a variety of styles including lunch boxes, lunch sets and snack containers.

At Home Stem and Steam Projects

Whether your child attends public school, private school or is home-schooled, I have no doubt he or she will benefit from at home STEM and STEAM green kid crafts. These particular projects are designed to give your kids the gift of screen-free, hands-on learning. In addition, the company itself is a green and sustainable business, so takes pride in making sure its products are as well.

What’s nice about these craft boxes is you can buy a single box, if you want. You can also get your child a subscription, which means new boxes come each and every month. The ideal age for these projects is between the ages of 3-10 and each box comes with four to six activities.

If your child is a lover of science, art or DIY craft activities, these project boxes are right for you.

Sustainable Cell Phone case

I know a cell phone case isn’t necessarily something you think of when thinking about what to get your kid as part of their back to school shopping, but you might want to include it on your list. Instead of buying a plastic cell phone case, why not opt for a durable, plastic-free and truly sustainable cell phone case?

With their Back to School Savings, I recommend checking out Pela Case and all they have to offer. Their cell phone cases are made from plants and are fully compostable. In addition, they offer a 100% happiness guarantee. It’s a win-win all around.

Recycled Paper Pencils OR Eco-friendly Pens

When you think about getting your kid pencils for school, you probably think back to the traditional yellow #2 pencils you had to use in class. Well, now there are other options available. In fact, if you’re looking for a more friendly find, check out these earthbound CREATIONS wood and plastic free, handmade, recycled paper #2 pencils. These pencils meet the #2 pencil requirements but, the main difference is, they are made using recycled newspaper.

If it’s pens you need, these I’M PERFECT FOR SCRIBBLE eco-friendly pens should fit the bill. Yes, I know they may not look like a “traditional” pen, but that’s okay. These pens still write the same, with the added benefit of being plastic-free, recyclable and sustainable. An extra benefit is the company vows to plant a tree for every pack sold.

Be sure to do your research first

When it all comes down to it, shopping these days isn’t what it used to be, even back to school shopping. If you want to buy eco-friendly, sustainable products, and do your best to avoid fast fashion by purchasing long-lasting clothes, be sure to do your research first. Educate yourself. Find those companies who genuinely take pride in producing environmentally-friendly products and give them your business. It doesn’t take a lot, but it’s well worth it in the long run.