Best Non-Toxic & Eco-Friendly School Supplies

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Why Choose Non-Toxic School Supplies?

Most school supplies are designed to be safe for kids to use, and regulations are in place to help protect children. For example, the Labeling of Hazardous Art Materials Act requires warning labels on art materials with certain hazardous chronic effects, and the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act strengthened safety requirements for children’s products.

However, these regulations don’t guarantee that every potentially concerning chemical is eliminated from every product. Testing by organizations such as U.S. PIRG has found examples of concerning substances in some common school supplies, including:

• Asbestos (a known carcinogen) found in some crayons
• Phthalates (linked to hormone and developmental concerns) found in some 3-ring binders
• Benzene (a probable carcinogen) found in some dry-erase markers
• Lead (a neurotoxin) found in some children’s water bottles

Beyond personal health concerns, school supplies also have a significant environmental impact. Every year, schools use enormous amounts of paper, plastic, and disposable products. Choosing durable, reusable, and thoughtfully made supplies can help reduce waste while creating a healthier learning environment for our kids.

The goal isn’t perfection—it’s making smarter choices where we can, especially for the products our children use every day.

Non-Toxic School Supplies Checklist

Let’s take a fresh look at that school supply list and find safer, more sustainable alternatives for the products our children use every day. You’ll find non-toxic and zero waste school supplies for everyone – ranging from preschoolers to highschoolers and even gear for your college student too.

Non-Toxic Notebooks & Paper Products

Buy paper products, notebooks and binders made with recycled paper (from post-consumer waste) or paper from sustainable sources like FSC-certified forests. Look for 3-ring binders without a plastic cover (or clearly labeled PVC-free).

Check out these sustainable paper products:

• Recycled Filler Paper
• Recycled Paper Notebooks
• Decomposition Notebooks
• Bamboo Paper Index Cards
• Recycled Paper Pocket Folders
• Recycled Paperboard Binder
• Greenroom 1″ Binder
• Recycled Printer/Copy Paper
• Recycled Paper Sticky Notes

Non-Toxic Pencils, Pens & Markers

Choose pencils made from recycled materials or wood from sustainably managed forests, and look for pens made from recycled plastic to reduce waste. When it comes to markers, water-based formulas are generally a better choice because they typically contain fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs). If you need permanent markers, choose brands that are free from xylene, toluene, and other harsh solvents.

• Recycled Newspaper Pencils
• Ticonderoga Recycled #2 Pencils
• Colorful Recycled Newspaper Pencils
• Recycled Plastic Gel Pen
• Non-Toxic Colored Pencils
• Eco Friendly Highlighter Pencils
• Refillable Mechanical Pencil Set
• Water Based Washable Markers
• Fine Tip Washable Markers

Eco-Friendly Backpacks & Pencil Cases

Invest in a high-quality, non-toxic backpack vs. one that will fall apart after one year of use. In terms of materials, avoid PVC plastic whenever possible. Instead, opt for sustainable backpacks made from natural materials like cotton or hemp. Durable nylon and polyester (especially if made from recycled water bottles) are good options as well.

Check out these backpacks for kids, teens and adults:

• Terra Thread Organic Cotton Backpack – Made from 100% GOTS certified heavy-weight organic cotton and comes in many color choices.
• Cotopaxi Dimi 12L Kids’ Backpack – Perfectly sized for children with multiple accessory pockets, and ergonomic shoulder straps.
• Ten Little – Recycled kids backpacks made with non-toxic, Oeko-Tex certified recycled materials and available in 12″ and 15″ sizes.
• Wildkin Backpacks – Colorful prints constructed from rPET fabric made from recycled water bottles.
• Fluf Organic Cotton Laptop Backpack – A mid-sized school backpack with a 15″ laptop sleeve made from GOTS certified organic cotton.
• United by Blue Recycled Poly Backpack – Each bag keeps 10 plastic water bottles out of landfills. Includes a 17” padded interior laptop sleeve, side water bottle pockets and adjustable padded shoulder straps.
• Handmade Hemp Backpack – Handmade in Nepal with a boho/hippie vibe and lots of pockets.
• Organic Cotton Pencil Case

Reusable Lunch Boxes, Bags & Snack Containers

Set your family up for a safer, more sustainable lunch routine by minimizing single-use disposables. Choose durable, PVC-free lunch bags and zero waste lunch boxes designed to last more than one school year. Replace plastic baggies and plastic wrap with reusable stainless steel containers, silicone snack bags, or other food-safe reusable options. A stainless steel water bottle is another everyday essential that helps reduce waste while avoiding unnecessary plastic exposure.

Here’s some of my favorite zero waste lunch gear:

• Wildkin Lunch Bag – Super durable lunch bags made with 100% recycled polyester (RPET) fabric and a food-safe PEVA interior lining.
• Bentology Lunch Box – Insulated lunch boxes and bags that come in a variety of fun prints for boys and girls.
• Organic Cotton Lunch Sack – A classic lunch sack made from thick organic canvas fabric, with rope handles and metal button snap closures.
• Lunchbots Duplex Bag – This roomy dual-section bag is perfect for hungry teenagers.
• Cloth snack & sandwich bags
• Silicone Stasher Bags
• Bee’s Wrap Beeswax Food Wrap
• Lunchbots Stainless Steel Food Containers
• UKonserve Stainless Steel Snack Containers
• Thermos Insulated Funtainer
• Hydroflask Reusable Bottles
• Kid-Sized Stainless Steel Water Bottle

BONUS: find lots more reusable lunch containers and reusable snack bags here!

Safer Art & Craft Supplies

Little kids love to put things in their mouths, so it’s especially important to choose safer art supplies for younger children. Avoid cheap crayons, which may contain concerning contaminants, and look for alternatives made with ingredients like beeswax or soy. For chalk and other creative supplies, look for brands that prioritize safer materials and transparent manufacturing practices.

Here are some great resources for safe coloring supplies:

• Faber Castell Beeswax Crayons
• Honeysticks Chubby Beeswax Crayons
• Soy Crayons
• Zero Dust Chalk
• Honeysticks Finger Paint
• Non-Toxic Watercolor Paint

RELATED: Non-Toxic Art Supplies for Worry-Free Creativity.

More Non-Toxic School Essentials

Most school glue is pretty safe but a plant-based version is better for the planet. Look for recycled versions of common school supplies like paper clips, scissors and rulers. If you must buy hand sanitizer, get a non-toxic brand. 

• UHU Solvent-Free Liquid Glue
• UHU Solvent-Free Glue Stick
• Recycled Steel Paper Clips
• Recycled Plastic Scissors
• Wooden Ruler
• Non-Toxic Hand Sanitizer Spray
• Non-Toxic Hand Sanitizer Wipes

Where to Buy Non-Toxic & Eco-Friendly School Supplies

Finding safer school supplies is easier than ever, with more retailers offering non-toxic, eco-friendly, and sustainable school supplies made with better materials. While convenience and price are important, I recommend looking beyond the cheapest options when shopping for back-to-school essentials.

Extremely inexpensive school supplies may not always offer the same level of material transparency, durability, or quality as better-made alternatives. Instead, look for products made with safer materials, choose reusable options when possible, and prioritize supplies that are designed to last more than one school year.

Here are some trusted places to shop for safer school supplies and sustainable back-to-school essentials:

• EarthHero – My go-to source for sustainable and eco-friendly products, including school supplies made with better materials and responsible manufacturing practices.
• Amazon – A convenient option for finding specific brands and products. Check out my curated back-to-school shopping list for safer school supply picks.
• Stubby Pencil Studio – A great small business for eco-friendly art supplies, recycled paper products, and creative supplies for kids.
• Target – Some Target school supplies are more sustainable or lower-toxicity options, including select products from brands like Greenroom, Mondo Llama, and Ticonderoga.

What are your favorite places to buy eco-friendly school supplies? Please share in the comments!