Back-to-school season is here, and with it comes fresh notebooks, new routines, and plenty of opportunities to make mindful choices. Whether it’s your little one’s first day of preschool, your teen heading into a busy high school year, or a college student setting up their dorm room, it’s the perfect time to choose products that are kind to people and the planet.

We’ve teamed up with PrettyOrganicGirl to curate a list of sustainable, eco-friendly back-to-school essentials for every stage of learning. From GOTS-certified lunch bags to plantable pencils, these picks make it easy to start the school year with clean, conscious choices — without sacrificing style or function.

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For the Littles: Preschool & Kindergarten

The early school years are full of big changes — new friends, new routines, and plenty of energy! These soft, safe, and easy-to-use essentials are made with gentle, eco-friendly materials so your little ones can learn and play in comfort:

• Makemake Organics Nap Mat & Pillow: Made with GOTS-certified organic cotton, this soft, detachable-pillow nap mat offers little ones a comfy spot to rest.
• HoneySticks Jumbo Beeswax Crayons: Handmade in New Zealand from 100% pure beeswax, these crayons are perfect for little hands and big imaginations.
• Eco-Bags Organic Cotton Lunch Bag: Made from organic, unbleached cotton with a sturdy double-stitched design, this reusable lunch bag is durable and kind to the planet.

For Elementary School Kids

Curiosity is at its peak during these years, and kids are ready to explore, create, and learn everyday. These durable, eco-friendly picks support their busy schedules while keeping waste to a minimum:

• SproutWorld Plantable Pencils: These FSC-certified, eco-friendly pencils can be planted after use to grow herbs, flowers, or vegetables — turning creativity into something that keeps growing.
• Simple Ecology Organic Cotton Insulated Lunch Bag: Made from 100% organic cotton with an insulated interior, this adjustable strap bag keeps food fresh.
• ALOHA Organic Protein Bar Minis: These protein bars aren’t only delicious, they are also USDA Organic, gluten-free, plant based, and perfect for after-school energy.

For Teens & High School Students

Between sports, studies, and social lives, high school students need reliable gear that can keep up. These sustainable favorites are built to last through packed days and after-school activities:

• Duralex Tempered Glass Food Containers: Made in France from durable glass that’s 2.5x stronger than regular glass, these versatile containers go from freezer to microwave, making plastic-free food storage simple for lunch-on-the-go.
• Pura Stainless 22oz Sport Water Bottle: The only MADE SAFE® certified bottle on the market, this stainless steel design keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours.
• EO Hand Cleansing Wipes: Made with soothing lavender essential oil, these organic, 99.9% effective wipes keep hands fresh without synthetic fragrance or harsh chemicals.

For College & Beyond

From dorm move-in to finals week, college life is all about balancing comfort, focus, and convenience. These eco-friendly upgrades create a healthier space to study, relax, and recharge:

• Naturepedic Organic Luxury Sheet Set: Made from soft, GOTS-certified organic cotton sateen, these breathable, chemical-free sheets bring comfort to any dorm.
• Lifefactory Glass Water Bottle: Designed with a durable silicone sleeve for grip and protection, this reusable glass offers pure taste, easy cleaning, an everyday hydration without plastic.
• Meli Wraps Reusable Beeswax Wraps: Handmade in Hawaii with GOTS-certified organic cotton and beeswax, these washable wraps keep food fresh and replace single-use plastic for up to 2 years.

Start the School Year Sustainably

From preschool to college, these sustainable picks help create healthier routines, reduce waste, and support brands doing good for people and the planet.

Explore all of our back-to-school favorites in the MaryRuth’s Amazon Store — and let’s make this school year our most mindful yet.

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