Environmentally conscious consumers increasingly want to reduce their carbon footprint. One way to do that is by purchasing eco-friendly office supplies. But where do you find such office supplies, and how do you ensure they are budget-friendly as well? There are several widely available eco-friendly office supplies under $20 that qualify. These include recycled paper products, biodegradable pens, energy-efficient desk lamps, and non-toxic highlighters, among others. Let’s dig deeper into each of these and more.
One of the most consumable items in any office, paper, can also become the prime contributor to the office’s carbon footprint. However, readily available recycled paper options make an effortless switch while contributing to the green cause. For example, the Printworks 100% Recycled Multipurpose Paper is available for around $15. This product is FSC certified, showing it is sourced in an environmentally-friendly, socially responsible, and economically viable manner.
In the same vein, post-it notes are commonly used office supplies with eco-friendly alternatives. The 3M Recycled Post-It Notes cost just over $10 for 12 pads and are made entirely from recycled paper. Similarly, Ampad Envirotech Recycled Business Envelopes, priced under $15 for 500 envelopes, are another great substitution with the bonus of being 100% recycled.
Office pens, usually made with harmful plastic materials, are also being replaced with eco-friendly alternatives. For instance, the Pilot B2P – Bottle to Pen – Retractable Ball Point Pens are crafted from recycled bottles and are available for just under $10 for a pack of five. Similarly, the Sprout World plantable graphite pencils, priced under $20 for a pack of five, are uniquely designed to be biodegradable. When they’re too short to use, you can plant them to grow into herbs or flowers.
USB flash drives make up a significant portion of the office supplies used today. The recycled paper USB flash drives are built using 100% recycled paper and eco-friendly glue. A 16GB version can be purchased for less than $15. This USB is not only innovative and friendly to the environment but also comes in a unique and attractive design that stands out from typical flash drives.
Along the lines of energy efficiency, the TaoTronics LED Desk Lamp stands as a solid choice. Priced under $20, this lamp consumes 75% less power compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. Additionally, it emits zero harmful radiation, which assures little impact on the environment.
Next up, the OHTO Beetle Tip 3-Way Highlighter Pens – made without toxic materials – are available in a set of five for under $10. They are eco-friendly while delivering high-quality highlighting, which is something a lot of competitor eco-friendly highlighters can’t rival.
Essential file folders provide an opportunity to adopt greener alternatives without compromising functionality. The Pendaflex Earthwise 100% Recycled Paper Hanging Folders, priced below $20 for a pack of 25, offer an excellent example of this. They are made entirely from recycled fiber and post-consumer fiber, resulting in an environmentally friendly yet durable file folder.
One cannot forget about the ubiquitous stapler when discussing office supplies. EcoElectronix EX-25 Automatic Stapler, while being high-quality and jam-free, is operated using batteries or AC power, making it energy efficient. It’s also built with sustainably sourced materials and offers an auto standby mode to save energy, all for less than $20.
Drafting tape is another office essential that also has affordable and eco-friendly options. 3M Scotch Greener Masking Tape for Basic Painting, at just under $10 for a 60-yard roll, uses paper from sustainably managed forests and is made with a greater than 20% post-consumer recycled material adhesive.
All these high-grade, affordable products take us one step closer to greener and more sustainable lifestyles. It’s now easier than ever to turn your office into a more eco-friendly environment without breaking the bank. Each of these eco-friendly products offers at least one sustainable attribute while being cost-effective, allowing you to do your part for the environment in a budget-friendly way. So next time you’re shopping for your office supplies, consider switching to an eco-friendly alternative and make your office a green office, one supply at a time.
