Purchasing office supplies only when needed, and choosing sustainable products, can help improve your office's environmental impact and bottom line.
When purchasing office supplies, choose items that are refillable and recyclable and contain a high percentage of recycled content materials. Consider whether or not a product is really necessary, or if a system can be set up to facilitate the reuse of office supplies and avoid over-ordering products.
Choose
Pens, Pencils, Highlighters
- Refillable, recyclable products
- Items made with a high percentage of post-consumer recycled content (plastic, paper, metal)
- Biodegradable and non-toxic products
- High quality, durable items
- Non-toxic, unscented, low-emission pens and markers
File Folders, Binders, Document Holders
- Products with a high percentage of post-consumer recycled content (plastic, paper, metal)
Envelopes, Notebooks, Sticky Notes
- Envelopes with 30% or higher post-consumer recycled content
- Refillable notebooks with a high percentage of post-consumer recycled content paper
- Sticky notes with a high percentage of post-consumer recycled content
Avoid
- Single-use, non-refillable products
- Non-recyclable products
- Vinyl binders (look for PVC-free)
- Virgin paper products
- Products without third party environmental certification
- Virgin paper envelopes, or envelopes with less than 30% post-consumer recycled content
