Schools aren’t just places to learn, they’re at the forefront of influencing the next generation and adopting sustainable practices. As part of this commitment, schools have always been making an effort in teaching children from a younger age to be more committed to the planet and engaging them annually during Earth Day celebrations for example. But beyond making it a one day significance, how can schools go beyond that?

The Influence of Earth Day in Schools

Take a look at how GLORY Singapore International School celebrates their Green day for 2024 by encouraging their students to plant seeds, this creates a more down-to-earth (no pun intended) attitude in kids to be in tune with environmental activism as they grow up.

Recycling Bins in your campus

Students from Forest Hall School in Stanstead have introduced bins provided by Wastepack for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), recognizing that children often end up with broken or discarded electrical toys. Instead of these items ending up in landfills, they can be better segregated in schools with young children. This approach makes it easier to separate single-use plastics from other waste types like wet waste and paper waste in recycling bins. Two schools have already partnered with Wastepack to join this moment in Essex, UK. 

From Food Waste to Composting for Worm Friends

Wet waste in most schools is transferred back to the government, but some schools, like Mackellar Primary School, have taken on the responsibility of handling their own food waste from canteens by turning it into compost for their gardens and flower beds around the campus. This compost serves as a natural fertilizer, reducing the need for harmful pesticides and chemicals, and utilizing worms to decompose the waste naturally.

Collaborate Farm experiences for Students 

Celebrating Earth Day for just one day isn't enough; schools have initiated week-long camps for students over seven. Activities include farm work, community support through harvest, trekking, groundwater management by creating flower beds, and cooking together. These camps teach sustainable agriculture and foster independence.

Riverdale Country School in New York has integrated these lessons into their curriculum for years, seeing significant student improvement. Students especially enjoy hands-on sessions with domestic animals, such as feeding, milking cows, and harvesting eggs.

Eco-Friendly Swag: A smart step towards sustainable schools

As schools continue to embrace sustainable practices, they're also extending this commitment to the products they offer. Eco-friendly school merchandise is becoming a powerful tool in reinforcing these values among students and the community. Let’s be real—swag doesn’t have to be cheap junk that ends up in the trash.

Imagine walking through a campus buzzing with eco-conscious energy, where every piece of swag tells a story of sustainability. 

• University of Wales making changes with metallic straws

The University of Wales took a stand against plastic pollution by choosing branded metal straws instead of single-use plastic ones. These branded metal straws not only help reduce plastic waste but also keep the university’s green mission front and center. By using these straws, they’re setting an example of how institutions can combine eco-conscious choices with effective branding.

Reusable coffee cups for University of Cambridge

In 2021, Cambridge University made a smart switch from single-use cups to reusable coffee mugs. This move showcases their dedication to climate action, turning every coffee break into a testament to their commitment to the environment. Imagine sipping your morning coffee knowing you're part of a bigger mission to reduce waste—now that’s a caffeine boost!

A green onboarding kit for students at University of Sussex

In 2023, the University of Sussex made waves with their eco-friendly swag! They choose the Ecomate Cotton Drawstring Bag, boasting a big branding area and prints on both sides to catch everyone’s eye. Ideal for higher education events, these bags make the university’s stand pop as students sport them around the event hall. Inside, the pack is a treasure trove of sustainable goodies: a sprout pencil that grows into a plant, a bamboo power bank, an Honest bottle, and an Ecobind notepad & pen.

How to bring the same mindset to your school swag? 

Imagine eco-friendly promo products that not only look cool but also make a positive impact on the planet. From recycled materials to gifts that plant trees with every order, we’ve got swag that’s both stylish and sustainable. 

Discover our top eco-friendly products and see how you can make a difference with every purchase! Join the green revolution and let your school spirit shine sustainably.

1. Breathable organic custom t-shirts 

Organic cotton tees are like a hug from Mother Nature herself! Made without harmful pesticides or chemicals, these tees use cotton grown in a way that’s kinder to the environment. They’re super soft, comfy, and sustainable—perfect for boosting school spirit while hugging the planet. Customize these t-shirts with your school logo or a message and make sustainability the new school cool.

Arbor School is leading the way in sustainability with their latest initiative: a 100% organic and fair-trade uniform line, created in partnership with Kapes, the UAE’s sole provider of sustainable schoolwear.

But Arbor School’s commitment doesn’t stop at just being eco-friendly. For every uniform purchased, a free uniform is given to a child in need in a developing country. This means that each uniform bought not only supports Arbor’s students but also helps children who might otherwise go without.

By using school uniforms as a tool for positive change, Arbor School is showing how a simple choice can make a big difference. It’s a powerful example of how schools can combine sustainability with social responsibility, turning everyday items into instruments for global good.

2. Make tech swag more sustainable using eco-friendly charging ports

A survey conducted by the Department for Education found that over 70% of primary school students use tablets as part of their learning in the UK. With this sort of increase post-pandemic of technology being used in education. There is more than ever use for charging adapters now, why not make it more sustainable with increasing demand for electronic devices in classrooms with your logo on them? 

Eco-friendly charging ports, made from bamboo or recycled plastic, are perfect for tech-savvy students and staff. These ports reduce electronic waste and promote your school’s green values, keeping devices charged while showing off your commitment to sustainability. It charges devices efficiently, designed to save energy while promoting your school logo on the go. 

BECOME joined the sustainability movement by engingeering an eco-friendly charger that is made with 35% biodegradable materials. It charges devices like smartphones and tablets safely without straining the environment.

3. Take note-taking and journaling another step for your students with kraft paper notebooks

Introduce a whole new array of eco-friendly changes starting with stationary supplies. One of them is replacing regular notebooks for kraft paper notebooks that are better for recycling. Choose from a variety of page styles including blank, ruled, grid, and dot formats. You can also add calendars, journal layouts, to-do lists, and note-keeping pages tailored to your school needs. These stylish notebooks are perfect for everything from class notes to creative projects, available in sizes and designs that suit every student.

If not kraft paper notebook, you can follow the footsteps of University of Warwick selling an FSC certified notebook that comes from brands that responsibly uses the sources of wood without damaging the ecosystem, read up on our sustainable jargon blog to learn more about what these terms mean.

5. An eco-friendly take on stationary with plastic free pens 

If you’re giving out kraft paper notebooks, why not toss in a couple of plastic-free pens too? These pens cut down on plastic waste and are stylish and functional made from natural biopolymers (PHA). Perfect for students and teachers, they’re a small but mighty way to push towards a greener future with your school's name or logo. Make every word count for your school.

Prodir’s highly sustainable pens add a green touch to your classroom essentials. Customize them with your school logo to showcase your commitment to eco-friendly practices.

Meet Unity's latest creation—a pen that merges comfort with eco-consciousness in every stroke.

Crafted from 80% cork and 20% paper, this pen features a soft grip and accents made from 30% recycled wheat husk — an agricultural byproduct—add a touch of innovation. This choice turns what was once waste into a sleek, minimalist design that's perfect for any eco-conscious promotion.

Made in collaboration with Eco Promotional Product, every purchase contributes to Unity Environmental University’s partnership with Trees for the Future. For each pen sold, a tree seedling is planted in Senegal, helping to create a food forest. This initiative not only supports reforestation but also teaches valuable life skills while providing food to an underserved community.

5. Replace disposable cups at your canteen with reusable cups

Reusable coffee mugs made from recycled coffee grounds help cut down on single-use waste. These mugs are a perfect way for students and staff to enjoy their coffee while supporting a greener campus. Turn every coffee break into a moment of eco-championing for your students and staff alike with your school logo on them.

Likewise, in a bid to cut down on single-use plastic takeaway cups, YUSU (University of York Students' Union) has introduced a price adjustment. To avoid the “latte levy,” bring your own cup, use our crockery, or get a YORCUP. The funds from this levy are exclusively used to support sustainable initiatives by YUSU and the University.

Here’s what they’ve achieved with the levy money:

• Purchased aluminum cups for Roses 2023 to reduce plastic waste

• Provided reusable water bottles to all new first-year students on campus in 2022

• Installed single-use cup recycling bins across campus

• Placed YORCUP bins around campus for easy returns

• Set up a recycling station outside the YUSU reception for various materials, including cables, oral care products, pens, clothing, drinks cans, crisp packets, plastic bottles, and sweet wrappers

Bored with the usual water bottles at school events? Switch things up with Kaffeefrom’s Waducer Cups, made from recycled coffee grounds and fully biodegradable. These cups add a unique touch to coffee breaks.

6. Place these eco-friendly cups in a recycled cork coaster 

Recycled cork coasters are a practical and eco-friendly way to showcase your school emblem or tagline. These coasters promote responsible production and add a stylish touch to any space. Ideal for school events, staff rooms, and student lounges, they serve as a daily reminder of both school pride and sustainability.  

Just like Brandon Carmichael joined Green Industries with minimal experience but now crafts cool wooden boxes from reclaimed Detroit houses. Inside these boxes are coasters made from recycled glass.

This minibusiness, born from a University of Michigan course, unites students from business, engineering, and art to help Cass Community Social Services. The project transforms a divisive wall’s image into a symbol of unity, serving those in need and proving that even walls can build bridges. 

Make your promotional items stand out with our fully recyclable coasters. 

7. Customize a tote bag as a staple school swag

Ditch the paper and plastic bags for tote bags. An ultimate school swag item: versatile, eco-friendly, and loved by everyone.They're tough, stylish, and reusable—a smart choice for students, teachers, and staff alike. Students can take them anywhere or even during trade shows or at booths that can be passed onto friends and family alike. These help keep you relevant well beyond your school peers with this classic school swag.

Take a look at TROY’s Environmental Club hosted its first DIY tote bag night, sparking eco-friendly creativity among students. The event promoted ditching plastic bags for reusable totes, with each bag personalized using paint, markers, and stickers.

Conclusion

By choosing eco-friendly swag in 2024, schools can lead by example and inspire the next generation to prioritize sustainability. High-quality, meaningful items can strengthen your school's image and foster a tradition of responsibility and pride. 

"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."  - Maya Angelou

Let’s embrace these eco-friendly swag ideas and be the change you wish to see in the world. Connect with us to create custom items that honor your school's legacy and make a positive impact on the world.

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