7 Zero Waste Notebooks For Journaling, Work + School

Since we live in a time where we have technology readily available at our fingertips, our phones and computers are great sustainable note-taking options. However, there’s many people who still prefer the classic pen and paper- myself included. The production of conventional notebooks often include a lot of deforestation, energy, water and carbon dioxide emissions. Not to mention, notebooks are usually made with plastic and non-recycled paper. But thankfully, there’s lots of sustainable notebook options out there to choose from! If you’re in the market for a new notebook, check out these 7 zero waste notebooks that will leave you feeling guilt-free.

FYI, this is a guest post written by Sydney Montagna, a zero waste advocate and aspiring writer. This post contains affiliate links. This means if you choose to purchase one of these items I will make a very small commission at no extra charge to you. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

7 Zero Waste Notebooks

Why switch to zero waste notebooks?

Since paper is recyclable, you might think that notebooks aren’t harmful to the environment. But in reality, if you use three 100 page conventional notebooks, that’s 3.6 pounds of paper that would represent 10 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions.

The process of paper making requires not only trees, but also large amounts of energy, water, and toxic chemicals such as mercury, chlorine and absorbable organic halides. Chemicals like these seep into our waterways, ecosystems and even our own bodies.

One tree can produce about 8,333 sheets of paper, and about 626,000 tons of paper are used to produce books ever year in the United States. Deforestation is a major environmental problem, so by reducing the number of trees cut down for notebooks each year, you help fight global warming. In other words, this means there will be more trees to help absorb carbon dioxide and create more oxygen.

1. Stone Paper Notebook

If you love taking notes, but hate how flimsy classic notebooks are, maybe a stone paper notebook is the best option for you. It’s made from sustainable stone paper, produced out of reused stones from construction and factories. This notebook is water-resistant and incredibly durable.

Every stone paper notebook is tear-resistant, lays flat on surfaces, and prevents ink from bleeding through the pages. Also, each page is printed with non-toxic soy ink and they are completely free of wood pulp, chemicals and water.

Another cool feature is that for every purchase, A Good Company plants tress in Africa to mitigate carbon emissions from productions. Plus, each notebook is Cradle to Cradle certified and shipped in completely recycled and recyclable packaging.

2. Prickly Pear Notebook

How cute is this eco-friendly prickly pear notebook? The cover is bound with a 95% recycled soft cover and cotton thread bindings to help it lay flat. On the inside, it’s made from 100% tree free banana paper. It’s created from banana plantation agricultural-waste and recycled fibers. No trees were hurt or cut down to create this paper!

Each notebook is 100% biodegradable, zero waste, and plastic-free. They’re also lightweight, travel friendly, and ink won’t bleed through. The lined pages are perfect for writing, planning and list-making, all while staying eco-friendly.

3. Sugarcane Paper Notebook

This sugarcane paper notebook requires less water, less energy and absolutely no bleach to create. Onyx and Green create all their notebooks using recycled, plant-based, renewable, and sustainably harvested materials. Unlike conventional notebooks, the paper is made from sugarcane pulp and the cover is made from recycled paper. Also, the side coil is made from metal, so there is zero plastic to be found.

Each notebook is 3 subject and features 120 college ruled sheets. All boxes and envelopes are made with recycled content and they’re recyclable, as well.

4. Classic Bamboo Journal

If you’re searching for a zero waste journal that will look pretty on your desk, this classic bamboo journal couldn’t be a better choice. Every journal is made from 100% FSC certified bamboo wood- which means every cover will look different and have a “one of a kind” feel to it, especially since they’re all handmade. The binding has a robust double-stitch that holds the pages firmly in place. It’s also vegan and cruelty-free.

Other than being beautiful and sturdy, each journal comes with 200 pages of FSC certified, acid-free paper that won’t bleed through. Plus, through their plant-a-tree program, Tree & Journal pledge to plant a tree for every journal sold in an attempt to combat deforestation in the tropics. As usual, everything is shipped in recyclable packaging.

5. Hardcover Cork Notebook

This thick and sturdy cork notebook is a necessity if you’re looking for a zero waste notebook option. Its cork fabric feels like leather even though it comes from a cork tree rather than an animal. Cork wood is an excellent fabric option since it’s recyclable, biodegradable and a highly renewable resource. For example, cork trees can live up to 300 years, so one tree can supply cork for many years and generations. There’s very little processing involved in the extraction of corkwood. Because of this, every notebook is vegan and cruelty-free, as well.

Also, each notebook comes with a sewn elastic pen holder and a ribbon bookmark to save your page. They’re also acid-free, pollution-free and have no florescence- which can effectively protect your eyesight.

6. Recycled Spiral Notebook

If you’re looking for something a bit less fancy, this recycled spiral notebook is affordable and eco-friendly. It’s paper is made from 70% post-consumer recycled waste and 30% sugarcane fiber. Because of this, this college ruled notebook is certified bio-preferred. It comes in a variety of different colors, sizes, and page numbers. All notebooks are made in the USA and there’s bulk varieties as well.

7. Grass Paper Notebook

Did you know that grass paper notebooks were a thing? Because I didn’t until recently, and boy I’m glad I know now. The cover of these notebooks are 100% recycled grass paper and have 100% recycled high quality heavy covers. They’re bound by metal staples and handcrafted in Norway. The grass paper is made in Europe with recycled paper and grass/dried hay mix. This characterizes each page by small lines and dots from the grass, giving each notebook a nice texture and natural color.

All pages are blank, which makes them perfect for list-making, sketches or notes. These are rather small, so there’s only 40 pages, but it’s incredibly travel friendly.

Which of these zero waste notebooks is your favorite?

Looking for more sustainable and zero waste stationary? Check out this article about 10 Zero Waste Planners for Staying Organized.

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