There’s something about September that always feels like a reset. New planners, fresh notebooks, and maybe even a new backpack. Whether you’re stocking up for school or giving your home office a little refresh, there are so many eco-friendly products out there that can make the daily grind a bit kinder to the planet.

Here are some of my favorites for work and school, with options that are actually available in different parts of the world, wherever you may be.

Close-up of a woman writing in a notebook at a bright home office desk.

Notebooks and Planners

For classic note-taking, Decomposition Books are a great upgrade to the usual composition notebook, with 100% post-consumer recycled paper, soy-based inks, and beautiful, nature-inspired designs. One thing to note is that some customers claim that fountain pens tend to bleed through the paper, so it might be a better fit for those who use pencils or ballpoint pens. If you want something a little sleeker, Karst makes notebooks and planners from recycled stone paper (yep, actual stone). They’re super smooth to write on, and waterproof too!

For a reusable option, Bambook makes erasable notebooks you can write in, scan with their free app, and wipe clean to use again and again – a great pick if you want to cut down on paper altogether. If you’re not in Europe but like the idea of a reusable notebook, Rocketbook offers a similar concept: jot with a Frixion pen, scan to save your notes digitally, then wipe the pages clean for reuse.

🌍 Decomposition and Karst both have worldwide shipping; Bambook currently ships across Europe, while Rocketbook ships to the US, Canada, Europe, and beyond.

Pens and Highlighters

A good quality pen is essential whether you’re scribbling lecture notes or signing documents. Pilot B2P pens (“Bottle 2 Pen”) are made from recycled water bottles, and they’re refillable, so you don’t have to toss the whole thing when the ink runs out.

For highlighters, Stabilo Green Boss are made with up to 83% recycled plastic and last waaay longer than cheap disposables ones.

🌍 Both are stocked in most stationery shops worldwide and easy to find online.

Pencils

Have you heard of plantable pencils? If you’re more of a pencil person, these are such a fun option. Sprout makes pencils with little seed capsules at the end, so you can plant them once they’re too short to use and grow herbs, flowers, or veggies. Such a cool idea!

🌍 Available through their site, with global shipping.

Desk Gear

Most erasers are PVC-based, but Factis makes natural rubber erasers that work just as well.

You can also swap out plastic rulers for wooden or bamboo ones – they last longer and feel sturdier too.

🌍 Factis is easy to find in Europe and online.

Lunch Gear

For anyone packing a lunch (school kids or office workers alike), stainless steel containers are a lifesaver. Black + Blum makes sleek, practical designs with silicone lids, while ECOlunchbox has stackable bento boxes that are great for snacks and full meals.

🌍 Black + Blum ships globally from the UK; ECOlunchbox is US-based but stocked by eco shops internationally.

Backpacks and Work Bags

Whether it’s for textbooks or a laptop, a sturdy bag is an absolute necessity. Lefrik makes vegan backpacks from recycled plastic bottles, with simple and functional designs. Fjällräven’s Re-Kånken uses recycled polyester and eco-friendly dyeing methods – you’ve probably seen them around (they’re the brand with the cute fox logo), and they really do hold up for years.

🌍 Lefrik ships worldwide from Spain; Fjällräven is widely available online and in outdoor stores.

Reusable Water Bottles and Coffee Cups

Hydration (and caffeine!) are non-negotiable for most of us. Klean Kanteen bottles are durable stainless steel classics, perfect for water. For coffee or tea, KeepCup makes reusable cups in glass or stainless steel – they’re lightweight, spill-proof, and WAY nicer than single-use cups.

🌍 Both brands are available globally through their own websites or local eco shops.

Recycled Printer Paper

If you still need to print things for work, switching to recycled paper is one of the easiest eco upgrades. Brands like Hammermill, Navigator Eco-Logical, and Planet Ark all offer 100% recycled options that still look and feel great. You’ll save trees and keep perfectly usable paper fibers in circulation.

🌍 Available widely online and through most office supply stores.

Sticky Note Alternatives

We all love a good sticky note, but the waste adds up fast. Instead, try a reusable dry-erase option like Bambook’s or EcoNote’s reusable sticky notes. They stick to smooth surfaces, wipe clean with an eraser or a wet cloth, and last for years. But if you prefer paper ones, at least go for recycled sticky notes, like those from Post-it’s Recycled line.

🌍 Available online globally, and many standard sticky notes now come in recycled versions in big-box stores too.

Paperless Tools

Maybe not your typical office supplies but still worth mentioning: going digital with apps like GoodNotes or Notion can help cut down on office paper waste entirely. Pairing this with a tablet and stylus (instead of piles of notebooks) can be a long-term eco investment.

A tidy arrangement of notebooks, pens, and a ruler on a white background, ideal for office themes.
A clean and organized work desk setup featuring a laptop, headset, notebooks, and stationery essentials.
A flat lay of notebooks, pens, and stationery on a clean, minimalist desk surface.

I always find that having supplies I actually like makes work and study a bit more enjoyable. And if they happen to be eco-friendly too, that’s a win for everyone.