Eco Friendly Office Supplies Shopping List
Creating a sustainable workspace isn’t just about what your organization does—it’s about how you operate every day. From the pens on your desk to the coffee in your mug, every small choice can align your workplace with your mission and values.
Whether you’re a nonprofit, social enterprise, or small business trying to reduce waste, this eco-friendly office supplies checklist will help you swap out everyday essentials for better alternatives—without sacrificing style or function.
1. Recycled Notebooks & Sustainable Paper Goods
Even in a digital world, we still rely on paper for notes, brainstorming, and creative planning. Look for notebooks made from recycled or FSC-certified paper.
Decomposition Book – 100% post-consumer recycled paper with soy-based inks.
Wisdom Supply Co. Zero Waste Planner – Refillable and plastic-free.
Papier – Customizable journals printed on FSC-certified paper.
Pro tip: Go digital when you can. Tools like Notion or Asana can replace physical note-taking and help you track sustainable goals.
2. Reusable Drinkware & Sustainable Coffee Supplies
Break the single-use cycle. Instead of disposable cups or pods, invest in reusable brewers and mugs that last.
Miir Tumbler – Insulated, minimal, and made by a certified B Corp.
Fellow Carter Move Mug – Sleek, leak-proof, and designed for daily use.
Counter Culture Coffee or Equal Exchange – Both source ethically and prioritize fair trade partnerships.
Pro tip: Encourage your team to bring their own mugs and reward participation with small sustainability perks.
3. Energy-Efficient Office Electronics
The easiest way to reduce your carbon footprint at work? Cut your energy use. Choose Energy Star-rated electronics, switch to LED lighting, and unplug devices when not in use.
Philips Hue LED Bulbs – Energy-saving and programmable.
Belkin Smart Power Strip – Automatically cuts off phantom power.
Dell EcoLoop Laptop Backpack – Made with 100% recycled materials for your commute.
Pro tip: Measure your office’s monthly energy usage—it’s a great KPI for your sustainability report or donor updates.
4. Non-Toxic Cleaning & Refill Stations
An eco-friendly office isn’t just clutter-free—it’s chemical-free. Swap harsh cleaners for plant-based or refillable products that keep your space fresh without harming the planet.
Blueland Clean Kit – Refillable glass bottles + dissolvable tablets.
Public Goods All-Purpose Cleaner – Non-toxic and minimalist.
The Good Fill or Sustain LA – Local refill stations for bulk supplies.
Pro tip: Keep a refill station in the office kitchen—it's a visual reminder of your values.
5. Plastic-Free Pens, Pencils & Desk Supplies
Most office pens are made of plastic and designed to be tossed. Opt for refillable or compostable writing tools instead.
Onyx + Green Bamboo Pens – Made with biodegradable materials.
Pilot B2P Recycled Pen – Crafted from recycled water bottles.
Blackwing Pencils – Iconic, refillable, and crafted for creatives.
Pro tip: Stock a “supply swap” drawer where team members can trade unused items—reducing waste and clutter.
6. Sustainable Shipping & Packaging
For organizations that ship products or donor mailers, packaging is a huge opportunity for impact.
EcoEnclose – 100% recycled mailers and boxes.
Noissue Tissue & Stickers – Compostable packaging with beautiful branding.
Better Packaging Co. – Compostable mailers made from plants.
Pro tip: Include a note in each package sharing your sustainability commitment—it reinforces your values and builds trust.
7. Indoor Plants & Air-Purifying Decor
Bring nature indoors. Plants improve air quality, reduce stress, and make your workspace feel more alive.
The Sill or Bloomscape – Ethically grown, low-maintenance plants delivered to your door.
Plantable Office Name Tags – Embedded with wildflower seeds for a fun, sustainable touch.
Pro tip: Choose low-light species like pothos, snake plants, or ZZ plants if your office doesn’t get direct sunlight.
8. Waste Sorting & Recycling System
Even the greenest office generates waste—but what matters is how you manage it.
Simplehuman Recycling Bin – Dual compartments for easy sorting.
TerraCycle Zero Waste Box – For hard-to-recycle items like pens or batteries.
Rubbermaid Commercial Recycling Station – Great for shared office spaces.
Pro tip: Label bins clearly with what goes where—visual cues make participation effortless.
9. Mindful Break Corners
Sustainability isn’t just environmental—it’s also personal. Designate a small corner for meditation, journaling, or quiet time to help your team recharge.
Numi Organic Tea – For mindful tea breaks.
Denik Journals – Women-owned and gives back to education projects.
Pro tip: To learn more tips to build more mindful practices at work and build a balanced work culture to avoid burnout, read Wellness for Changemakers: Avoiding Burnout as a Nonprofit Leader
10. Conscious Tech Accessories
Eco-friendly tech helps reduce waste while keeping your workspace functional.
Nimble Power Banks Made with recycled aluminum and plastic-free packaging.
Grovemade Desk Collection – Wood and cork accessories crafted by hand in the U.S.
Native Union Cables – Durable, repairable, and designed to last.
Pro tip: Buy once, buy well—quality gear reduces waste and cost over time.
Building Your Sustainable Workspace
Building an eco-friendly office doesn’t happen overnight—it’s a collection of small, thoughtful decisions that add up to meaningful change. Each sustainable choice tells a story: one of care, integrity, and purpose.
Whether you’re a nonprofit team, conscious business, or a eco-minded freelancer, these swaps are more than just products—they’re proof that your mission starts right where you work.