Guide To Sustainable Stationery Choices For Beginners

It’s easy to overlook the environmental impact of everyday stationery items like pens and paper. Whether you’re a parent shopping for back-to-school supplies or part of a new business aiming for an eco-friendly workplace, making sustainable choices in stationery is crucial. Here, we’ll explore key factors to consider when selecting supplies.

Note: Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means I receive a commission if you click a link and then make a purchase.

Read The Labels

Enhancing the environmental friendliness of stationery involves various strategies, from responsible material sourcing to avoiding plastics in manufacturing and packaging. While there’s no official description for “environmentally friendly stationery”, individuals can look for specific signs when exploring options. 

Start by looking at the packaging labels for words like plastic-free, recycled, vegan, zero-waste, and green. Certifications such as FSC or B2P signify environmentally mindful practices. For example, a notebook made from 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper is a better option than one made from normal white paper, known for its use of 18 different harmful chemicals to water bodies. 

Keep in mind the fiver R’s: refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, and recycle. Look for companies that prioritize these principles, demonstrating a commitment to solving environmental issues associated with stationery, such as landfill contributions, chemical leaching, and harmful airborne emissions during the manufacturing process. 

Use What You Have

Another sustainable approach is to make use of what you already have at home, whether it’s stray pens or slightly used notebooks. This not only reduces environmental impact but also helps declutter. Consider second-hand options for additional sustainability. 

Consider How To Dispose

Disposing properly of stationery is essential as well. While paper is easily recyclable or compostable, pens and pencils that have plastic parts require special attention. Research your local recycling organizations, and when buying new things, opt for refillable pens or zero-waste alternatives to reduce landfill impact. 

For more tips on sourcing sustainable stationery, check out the accompanying resources from Pen Boutique. 

This is a contributed post.

 Infographic Provided By Pen Boutique, a provider of fountain pens for sale

More From NeededInTheHome

Product Reviews

Get Our Books

Etsy Shop

TPT Store

eBay Store

Linktree

My Faith Testimony

Recycled Paper On Amazon

• Mintra 100% Recycled Notebooks (Letter Size (8.5in x 11in), Plain Cover 3pk)
• A5 Notebooks for Work, Studies and More, Earth-Friendly Spiral Bound Notebook with Kraft Paper Cover
• CenterZ 100 Sheets Vintage Kraft Stationary Paper 5.71 x 8.27 inch, A5 Size 120gsm Blank Stationery
• Post-it 100% Recycled Paper Super Sticky Notes, 2X The Sticking Power, 3×3 in

Subscribe so you never miss a post.

If you find my tips useful, feel free to buy me a coffee. Thank you in advance!

---

Want to remember this? Pin it to your favorite Pinterest Board!