Seven tips for creating 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 a FSC ® Certified paper option, like Winc Ultra White Carbon Neutral Copy Paper you’re not only supporting responsible forestry but also reducing your carbon footprint, as this paper is carbon neutral. The ream wrapper also happens to be recyclable and home compostable.

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

2. Choose coloured pencils made with recycled newsprint. 

Unlike conventional pencils, the Winc Earth Coloured Pencils Recycled Pack 12 offers a better choice for the planet as they are manufactured using recycled newsprint.

“These pencils are made without the use of wood materials. Encourage your students to embrace colour and creativity in the classroom with these 12 vibrant and vivid coloured pencils, which are also pre-sharpened for use from the get-go!” says Kirsten.

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

Glue sticks are perfect for bonding paper, cardboard and other lightweight materials. Now they are available in a more sustainable option, such as the Bostik Green Stik Glue 35g. This glue stick combines quality with sustainability. It’s made with 77% natural ingredients and packaged in a container made from 70% recycled plastic.

“This glue stick is non-toxic and acid-free, which makes it ideal for children’s use. And for added fun – it goes on green and dries clear for a flawless, invisible finish. It’s the ideal option for arts, crafts, and everyday projects,” says Kirsten.

4. Elevate your laptop in the classroom.  

Ensure your laptop remains cool with the Kensington® SmartFit® Easy Riser™ laptop cooling stand. Lifting it up on a stand promotes airflow, which reduces the strain on the laptop 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 staffrooms, spills and dirt are a daily occurrence. MicroLife Recycled Microfibre Cleaning Cloths by Oates® are a great option. These are the first microfibre cloths made from 100% recycled polyester. Each cloth is repurposed from two PET bottles. They’re 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 Archive Box is a perfect solution for classroom storage. Holding up to 15KG, these boxes are a great option to help organise reports, art and craft 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 colours available, and they’re stackable up to 4-5 boxes high, making them easy to organise and access.

7. Dispose of e-waste thoughtfully. 

As classroom learning incorporates digital learning aspects, it’s important to consider the disposal of e-waste components such as laptop batteries. Incorrect disposing 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 three times the rate of any other waste stream.

“Let’s encourage responsible e-waste disposal by working with local councils or e-waste drop off centres to minimise 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 by the planet by choosing from some of our favourite sustainable options here.