The number of BIC® pens that I pitched into the trash in college was regrettable, but it’s never too late to learn. What better lesson can be taught in school than how to practice living sustainably?  If you are a student yourself, or have kids starting off their school year, check out some of these eco-friendly supplies. There’s some really great stuff out there, beyond just recycled pens, pencils and paper. Did you know they made highlighters with over 70% real post-consumer plastic from old CDs and cell phones?

The National Retail Federation estimates that parents will spend more than $18 billion in school gear this year. With numbers like that, it seems most of the big companies try to put forth some kind of environmental products. Large companies and national chain stores may market a small line of recycled products, but the vast majority of their business is selling chlorine-bleached paper made from freshly clear-cut forests, or other products that will surely end up in a landfill. They’re not exactly dedicated to a greener future, but recognize us “tree-huggers” as a viable market. That being said, their products might be more affordable and easier to find than others.  However, if you have the time to order offline, try and choose a company that sells green products exclusively, such as GreenLine Paper Company.

Most pens are not recyclable or refillable. The Pentel line of Recycology™ products offers some alternatives. Their containers are made from a minimum of 50%, and up to 100%, recycled content or post-consumer recycled content, excluding some refills. This environmentally responsible line of products also includes markers, pencils, lead, and tape, Recycology. BIC® has even calculated that the fuel consumed by a low-powered car over 100 km requires as much oil as needed to produce the plastic for 3,200 BIC® pens. Click here to read about the Lifecycle of a Pen.

Who needs wood for pencils? There are other pencils out there that are made from rolled up pieces of recycled newspapers (you can even see the newspapers when you sharpen them). According to the Smencils website, it takes an entire cedar tree to make 172,000 pencils, while it takes only 430 newspapers to make Smencils. Plus they smell nice: root beer, bubble gum, grape-- for two years. Recycled pencils are here.

Another alternative: denim blue jean pencils that are made from minimum 20% reclaimed denim from the manufacture of jeans. I also found some crayons that are made from soybean oil and contain no petroleum wax or animal products. A box of 8 only costs 50 cents! Check out Green Earth Office Supply. If you are more of a traditionalist, 100% recycled wood pencils are easy to find at places like Office Depot. Notebooks containing at least 30 % post-consumer content are a good start, but try for 100%.

These supplies extend past school supplies, and are great for making your office a little greener too:
•    Safe Correction Fluid
•    Hemp Backpacks
•    Eco Highlighters

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