Eight tips to create a more sustainable classroom


1. Upgrade your copy paper to one with a recyclable wrapper.

From workbooks to printed educational materials, copy paper is used daily in most classroom activities. By choosing an FSC ® certified paper option, such as Winc Ultra White Carbon Neutral Copy Paper, you are not only supporting responsible forestry, but also reducing your carbon footprint as this paper is carbon neutral. The ream wrapper is also recyclable and compostable at home.

“This versatile paper is perfect for both single-sided and double-sided printing of classroom materials. The quality look and feel is exceptional. Each branch is packaged in a non-plastic recyclable compostable wrapper, helping to promote waste reduction,” says Kirsten.

2. Choose crayons made from recycled newsprint.

Unlike conventional pencils, the Winc Earth Colored Pencils Recycled Pack 12 offer a better option for the planet as they are made from recycled newspaper.

“These pencils are made without using wood materials. Encourage your students to embrace color and creativity in the classroom with these 12 vibrant and vivid colored pencils, which are also pre-sharpened for use right away! Kirsten says.

3. Select recycled and natural products for everyday school projects.

Glue sticks are perfect for gluing paper, cardboard and other lightweight materials. They are now available in a more sustainable option, such as Bostik Green Stik Glue 35g. This glue bar combines quality with sustainability. It is made with 77% natural ingredients and packaged in a container made with 70% recycled plastic.

“This adhesive is non-toxic and acid-free, making it ideal for children to use. And for added fun, it turns green and dries clear for a flawless, invisible finish. It’s the choice great for arts, crafts and everyday projects,” says Kirsten.

4. Bring your laptop to the classroom.

Make sure your laptop stays cool with the Kensington® SmartFit® Easy Riser™ Laptop Cooling Stand. Elevating it on a stand promotes airflow, which reduces strain on the laptop’s battery and circuitry.

“This laptop stand uses 50% post-consumer recycled plastic (ABS) and comes in plastic-free packaging. It can also help with energy efficiency by making your laptop battery last longer,” says Kirsten.

5. Make sustainable cleaning choices.

In busy classrooms and staff lounges, spills and dirt are a daily occurrence. Oates® MicroLife Recycled Microfiber Cleaning Cloths are a great choice. These are the first microfiber cloths made from 100% recycled polyester. Each cloth is reused from two PET bottles. They are designed to make cleaning easier and more sustainable, easily tackling fingerprints, grease and tough stains. All without the need for harsh chemicals.

6. Archive your files and equipment sustainably.

The Marbig Enviro We Mean Green Sto-Away File Box is a perfect solution for classroom storage. With a capacity of up to 15kg, these boxes are a great choice to help organize reports, arts and crafts supplies, stationery and other materials. Made from FSC® certified recycled cardboard, these boxes offer a more sustainable way to keep your classroom tidy. There are four colors available and they can be stacked up to 4-5 boxes high, making them easy to organize and access.

7. Dispose of electronic waste carefully.

As classroom learning incorporates aspects of digital learning, it is important to consider the disposal of e-waste components such as laptop batteries. Improper disposal of e-waste can have devastating environmental effects, such as polluting our soil and water. In Australia alone, e-waste is responsible for 70% of toxic chemicals. And electronic waste1 is growing at a rate three times higher than any other waste stream.

“We will encourage responsible disposal of e-waste by working with councils or e-waste collection centers to minimize the risk of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries or causing unnecessary environmental damage,” says Kirsten.

Don’t just encourage sustainability, lead by example in the classroom. Do the right thing for the planet by choosing some of our favorite sustainable options here.



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