There has been a growing interest in sustainability and eco-friendliness in recent years, and this trend has also extended to the classroom.
As a teacher, you can significantly impact the environment by choosing sustainable and eco-friendly teacher supplies for your classroom. This blog post will explore the best sustainable and eco-friendly supplies for the modern classroom.
Table of Contents
Recycled Paper
Using recycled paper is a great way to reduce waste in the classroom. Not only does it help to save trees, but it also reduces the amount of energy needed to make new paper. Many recycled paper products, including notebooks, paper pads, and printer paper. When shopping for recycled paper products, look for ones made from 100% post-consumer waste.
Reusable Water Bottles
Plastic water bottles are a significant source of waste in the modern world. Using reusable water bottles in the classroom can help reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills. Encourage your students to bring their reusable water bottles to class and provide them with refill stations to keep them hydrated throughout the day.
Non-Toxic Markers
Traditional markers contain chemicals that can harm both humans and the environment. Switching to non-toxic markers is a simple way to make your classroom more eco-friendly. Non-toxic markers are made with natural pigments and dyes, and they don’t contain any harmful chemicals. Look for features that are labelled as non-toxic or eco-friendly.
Recycled Plastic Supplies
Recycled plastic supplies are a great alternative to traditional plastic supplies. These products are made from recycled plastic, which helps to reduce waste and conserve natural resources. You can find a variety of recycled plastic supplies, including pencil cases, rulers, and scissors.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Supplies
Cleaning supplies are a necessary part of maintaining a clean and healthy classroom. However, many traditional cleaning supplies contain harsh chemicals that can harm humans and the environment.
Switching to eco-friendly cleaning supplies is a great way to reduce your environmental impact. Look for eco-friendly cleaning supplies labelled as eco-friendly or made with natural ingredients.
Refillable Whiteboard Markers
Whiteboard markers are a staple in most classrooms, but they can be a significant source of waste. By using refillable whiteboard markers, you can reduce the amount of plastic waste in landfills. Refillable whiteboard markers are designed to be refilled with ink, which reduces the need to buy new markers.
Recyclable Binders
Binders are an essential classroom supply, but traditional binders can be challenging to recycle. Switching to recyclable binders is a simple way to make your classroom more eco-friendly. Recyclable binders are made from materials that can be easily recycled, such as cardboard or plastic.
Sustainable Classroom Furniture
The furniture in your classroom can also have an impact on the environment. When choosing classroom furniture, look for products made from sustainable materials such as bamboo or reclaimed wood. These materials are renewable and can be sourced without damaging the environment.
Recyclable Art Supplies
Art supplies can be a significant source of waste in the classroom. You can reduce your environmental impact by choosing art supplies that are recyclable or made from sustainable materials. Look for products such as recycled paper or soy-based crayons that are biodegradable and can be easily recycled.
Digital Resources
In today’s digital age, many online resources are available that can help reduce the need for physical materials in the classroom. Consider using digital textbooks or online lesson plans to reduce the amount of paper and other physical resources you use. This can help the environment and save money and make it easier to share resources with your students.
Energy-Efficient Lighting
Lighting can have a significant impact on the environment and your energy bills. Switching to energy-efficient light bulbs can help reduce your energy consumption and lower carbon footprint. Additionally, consider using natural light as much as possible to minimise the need for artificial lighting during the day.
Green Cleaning Products
Cleaning supplies can contain harsh chemicals that harm humans and the environment. Switching to green cleaning products can help reduce your environmental impact and improve the air quality in your classroom. Look for products free of harmful chemicals and made with natural ingredients.
Composting
Composting is an excellent way to reduce waste in the classroom and teach your students about sustainability. You can compost food waste, paper, and other organic materials to create nutrient-rich soil in the classroom or school garden. This can be a fun and educational activity for your students and can help reduce your environmental impact.
Sustainable School Supplies
Encourage your students to use sustainable school supplies such as pencils made from recycled materials or notebooks made from sustainable paper. Consider implementing a recycling program in your classroom or school to reduce waste and encourage sustainable habits.
Conclusion
There are many sustainable and eco-friendly teacher supplies and practices that you can implement in your classroom to reduce your environmental impact. By making small changes, such as using recycled paper or energy-efficient lighting, you can make a significant difference in your carbon footprint and help create a more sustainable future. By teaching your students about sustainability, you can inspire them to adopt eco-friendly habits that can benefit the environment for years.
