3 Sustainable Back-to-School Items

The last few weeks have been exciting as I transitioned back to Claremont after almost a year and a half. The best part has been going to in-person classes, studying in the library, and being reunited with PZ Threads. When I was thinking about writing this article, I realized that I joined PZ Threads exactly one year ago. Since then, I have learned so much about fashion, grown as a writer, and met incredible people who have taught me a lot about sustainability.

So, as I was doing my back-to-school shopping this year, I couldn’t help but think about PZ Threads and how I could use what I have learned to influence my college essentials. After a bit of research, I found three sustainable tools that can help revamp your collection of back-to-school supplies. From paper backpacks (which I still need to try!) to plantable pencils, I hope that you gain inspiration and consider more eco-friendly options the next time you need supplies!

Sprout Pencils

While I was doing my inevitable back-to-school shopping, I came across Sprout Pencils. I learned that the company creates pencils that are made from sustainably certified wood, graphite, clay, and... non-GMO seeds. At first, I thought it was strange that there were seeds in the pencils, but I learned that once your Sprout pencil is too short to write with, you can plant it and watch it grow into flowers, herbs, or even spruce trees. What I love about this product is that it is creative, sustainable, and super easy to integrate into your daily life. It is only the second week of school so I haven’t used up all the pencils yet, but maybe in the spring, you’ll see me with a new tree.

Decomposition Books

I started using decomposition notebooks my freshmen year by accident. My mum bought them for me as a present because she liked their detailed and interesting covers. I used them for all my classes and always got so many compliments on them. I later learned that the notebooks are 100% post-consumer-waste recycled paper, which means that every page has been used, discarded, and then saved from the waste stream to be processed into recycled paper! Since Decomposition Books was founded, their process of using recycled paper “has saved the equivalent of nearly 40,000 trees, over sixteen million gallons of wastewater, and thousands of tons of CO2 and solid waste.” Not only are they cute, but they are sustainable and helping the environment!

ECOlunchbox

It is a little strange that I am recommending a lunchbox because we are in college, but considering I can only eat at Collins dining hall and there are NO reusable boxes, this is essential in my daily routine. ECOlunchbox prides itself on being a plastic-free and certified B-Corp company by meeting the rigorous standards for social and environmental performances. What I like about ECOlunchbox is that they make it easier to produce less waste and are durable, reusable products that can live a lifetime.

Citations

“Decomposition: Eco-Friendly Notebooks, Made in the USA.” Decomposition.com, 19 Feb. 2021, decomposition.com/.