11 Unique Sustainable Office Supplies for a Greener Workspace
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To be honest, sustainable office supplies were the last thing I thought of when going zero waste and trying to choose more eco friendly products!
I didn’t even know that half of these products existed. I am so glad I do now because making these sustainable swaps from traditional products is such an easy way to leave a lighter footprint on the earth.
A lot of the products on this list include items made from recycled materials or they can be composted when you’re done using them.
This post will include links to unique sustainable office supplies and tips on how to source eco friendly office supplies.
By the end of this list, you will be fully equipped to revamp your workspace to be a bit more eco friendly!
*Many of these products double as great sustainable school supplies as well!
This post is about the best sustainable office supplies and sustainable practices to implement in your office.
The Best Sustainable Office Supplies
1. Thrifted or second hand office organization and supplies
The most sustainable option is to use what you already have rather than buying all new eco-friendly products. The next best option is to source secondhand items! Maybe a coworker or friend is rearranging their office space and is getting rid of some stuff-snag it and make it work for your space! The more we divert waste from the landfill, the better.
Of course, there is the option of buying second hand from a thrift store too. I always see desks, office chairs, desk organizers etc. I have even seen office supplies at thrift stores too! Generally, the supplies end up there because larger stores weren’t able to sell them.
Before purchasing new items for your office space, consider using items that have already been produced and disposed of.
{Related Post: 7 Sustainable Home Decor Ideas Guaranteed to Make Your Home the Coziest Oasis }
2. Bamboo computer mouse
Try opting for a mostly plastic free computer mouse made from bamboo! This computer mouse is handmade and comes in minimal packaging with soy based ink. It is wireless and works with most computers!
3. Plastic free pens
Aren’t these too cool?! These pens are made from Kraft paper and are 100% recyclable and compostable. Each box of pens come in eco friendly packaging too.
Since they come in a pack of 24 pens you will be set for a while!
4. Planner
I am seriously so in love with these planners and if I hadn’t already thrifted a planner for the year I would definitely snag one of these! These planners come in four different natural materials: denim, hemp, wheat, and straw. They are filled with paper that is 70% post-consumer recycled material. Best of all, the planners can be recycled! You can find them here.
5. Plantable pencils
Yes, you can actually plant these pencils when you are done using them! Not only are you paying for adorable pencils with tree quotes but you are also receiving spruce tree seeds in the pencils.
The pencils are made with sustainably harvested wood that is also non GMO. Once you are done using the pencil there are instructions on the recyclable packaging on how to plant it!
6. Used tech stuff
Instead of purchasing brand new technology for your office space, check out some of the refurbished items at the shops listed below. Refurbished items can include laptops, desktops, phones, tablets and more!
Basically, when someone is done using the tech item it can be fixed up and cleaned in order to be sold to someone new!
7. Recycled printer paper & copy paper
This printer paper is made from 100% post consumer material. It is also made in the USA! The best part is that the paper is also fully recyclable so when you are done using it it can be reused!
{Related Post: 7 Incredibly Helpful Zero Waste Apps to Support Your Sustainable Lifestyle Goals}
8. Reusable coffee cup
No matter if you are a tea or coffee person, you really can’t go wrong with a Hydro flask mug! They are extremely durable and have a special Tempshield that maintains the temperature of your drink. Their minimalistic look also goes great with any office decor!
Opting to refill your cup instead of buying hundreds of disposable coffee cups can make a big impact and possibly inspire your coworkers to do the same!
9. Scissors made from corn plastic
These scissors are made from corn plastic and stainless steel! Because the handles are made from corn plastic, they are biodegradable versus normal plastic which is not. They are also shipped in packaging that can be recycled!
10. Eco friendly paper sticky notes
Sticky notes keep me super organized and are a must have at my desk!
These sticky notes are made from 70% post consumer product and are compostable when you are done using them! They come in four fun colors to further the organization of your space and are a little better than regular paper products.
11. Staplers & staples
Ditch the clunky plastic staplers for this mini bamboo one! It is made from bamboo and comes with 1,000 standard sized staples. Don’t let it’s size fool you, it can staple up to 10 pieces of paper at once.
Why is it important to use sustainable office products?
By using office supplies made with more sustainable materials we can lessen our carbon footprint in the long run. If you think of the end of life for standard office products, it means they tend to end up in the landfill while harmful chemicals from them spread into the earth.
By being more mindful of the products we use we can ensure that they are durable and will last a long time before they end up being disposed of. Ideally, your office supplies are made of biodegradable materials and they can be composted or recycled in some way. Small sustainable swaps like using renewable materials adds up and can make a positive impact on our planet.
Other than sustainable products, what are some other sustainable options for your office space?
- choose energy-efficient lighting to minimize energy use
- thrift your office desk, chair and decor instead of buying new office furniture
- stock your office kitchen with vegan options
- for office parties use regular silverware/plates or find compostable paper cups/plates etc.
- prioritize online stores that ship carbon-neutral
- use rechargeable batteries for appliances
Have you used any of these eco-friendly office supplies? Are there things you do to make working in an office more eco friendly? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
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Stay well,
Maggie
This post was about the best sustainable office supplies and eco-friendly practices for a healthier planet.
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