Sustainable Notebook Finds We Can’t Stop Writing In
Many of us enjoy writing, bullet journaling, making lists, and more in our favorite notebooks. However, you may eventually find yourself questioning whether or not there is a more sustainable alternative to your everyday notebook. The answer is yes! We’ve curated a list of the top sustainable notebook options for your needs.
What is a Sustainable Notebook, Exactly?
There are a lot of elements that go into the construction of a notebook that one may not initially realize. Of course, a notebook has to have pages, which in turn requires cutting trees. Also, notebook covers can be made from various materials, ranging from cardboard to leather to arguably the least sustainable plastic.
A sustainable notebook may include features such as recycled paper, recycled plastic, biodegradable elements, reusable elements, and more to mitigate the environmental effects of the resources used for the various elements of the notebook’s construction.
By opting for the eco-friendly features of these sustainable notebooks, you can enjoy the relaxation of journaling while knowing that your choice of supplies is causing minimal harm to the environment.
Top 5 Sustainable Notebooks: How We Chose
Based on key elements we know are important to you, we’ve curated a list of five sustainable notebooks that you can choose for your daily journaling, writing, and organization. To build this list, we looked at key details such as:
- Materials: The materials used for our chosen notebooks help lessen waste. This may be through the use of recycled materials, biodegradable materials, or a lack of disposable materials altogether.
- Size: While different notebooks suit different purposes, we looked for options that have a decent page count so that they can work for just about any use case.
- Prices: Eco-conscious products tend to be a little pricier than things made from cheaper materials, but we looked for notebooks that struck a balance between value and sustainability.
Our Picks
All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author and DGHQ editors. However, Do Good HQ may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.
1. The Decomposition Book
| Best for | Everyday use |
| Sheet Count | 80 sheets, 160 pages |
| Materials | 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper, soy ink |
| Price at Publishing | $11.00 |
The first of our eco-friendly notebooks is the Decomposition Book, which comes in various designs and sizes. Its design is all about breaking down our expectations and showcasing that sustainable products can look just as great and function just as well as traditional options.
Highlights
These spiral-bound notebooks are not only great for the planet but also beautifully designed and crafted. Best of all, they include 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper and gorgeous soy ink details.
Things to Consider
While you likely can’t get your money back if you’ve already cracked open your notebook and used it, some regularly marked items can be returned through Decomposition’s returns center.
2. reMarkable 2 Digital Tablet
| Best for | School and work |
| Sheet Count | N/A |
| Materials | N/A |
| Price at Publishing | $279.00 |
While this electronic notebook somewhat diverges from what one may initially picture, it can serve all of the same functions of a regular notebook, if not more. With this tablet, you can take neat, organized, “hand-written” notes from wherever without ever having to worry about a pen and paper.
Highlights
This lightweight notebook features the ability to hand-write on a screen and allows you to keep all of your notes, books, and documents on one device. It goes a step further than using recycled or eco-friendly paper and eliminates the need for disposable notebooks entirely!
Things to Consider
Remarkable offers a 100-day satisfaction guarantee when buyers purchase the tablet directly from their shop. That means if you don’t love your digital notebook, you can send it back for a full refund or exchange. The pen needed is sold separately.
3. PML Studios Seed Notebook
| Best for | EJournaling and personal use |
| Sheet Count | 30 sheets, 60 pages |
| Materials | 100% post-consumer material, recycled paper pages |
| Price at Publishing | $14.95 |
PML Studios’ recycled notebook offers a unique solution for sustainability. Made from 100% post-consumer material with recycled paper pages, the pages of these notebooks actually contain seeds so that when they are no longer in use, they can be used to plant wildflowers to help the bees.
Highlights
We love that these notebooks are functional in more ways than one – and they’re gorgeous! Their simple but classic designs and rich colors make them a standout.
Things to Consider
Because these notebooks are made from recycled materials, there is potential for minor flaws or variants in the products. But we’d argue those little differences and quirks are part of what makes these notebooks so special!
4. PAPERAGE Recycled Lined or Dotted Notebooks
| Best for | Journaling and everyday use |
| Sheet Count | 160 pages |
| Materials | Recycled materials, recycled paper |
| Price at Publishing | $11.95 |
This hardcover, recycled, eco-friendly notebook includes 160 pages and is made with premium recycled paper.
Highlights
This notebook has a great range of color options, so there’s something out there for everyone! It also includes a lay-flat design for ease of writing, an inner pocket, and sticker labels. These notebooks can also be purchased with the choice of dotted or lined paper, perfect for bullet journaling or note-taking.
Things to Consider
While these notebooks do contain recycled materials, they aren’t 100% sustainable like some of our other picks. Only part of the notebook’s composition is made of repurposed source materials.
5. Budget Find: Northbooks 3-Pack Grid Notebooks
| Best for | Graphing, school, and work |
| Sheet Count | 96 pages each |
| Materials | 50% post-consumer recycled, natural jute fiber paper |
| Price at Publishing | $24.99 |
These earthy, sustainable notebooks are made from 50% post-consumer recycled and natural jute fiber, giving them a minimalist, nature-type look. They can be purchased as a set of three and are made in the USA.
Highlights
These notebooks have a simple, minimalist chic look and can be stored and carried easily thanks to their slim, flat design. The best part? The paper used is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) Certified.
Things to Consider
If you’re not a fan of the simple brown paper look, these notebooks might not be for you. They’re not quite as cute or stylish as some of our other picks.
How to Buy a Sustainable Notebook
Now that you have an idea of some of your options for sustainable notebooks, it’s time to start shopping! Keep these important factors in mind as you hunt for your new favorite notebook:
- How will you use the notebook? Will you be decorating your notebook, writing quick lists, writing stories, or journaling your thoughts? What you plan to use your notebook for can affect what notebook you need.
- How large of a notebook do you need? Do you need something slim and portable or something large and spacious? How many pages will you need to meet your needs?
- Do you need other sustainable accessories? Once you have your sustainable notebook, you may want to pick up some additional tools, like sustainable writing utensils, sustainable stickers, or decorations for your notebook. Some notebooks come with bonuses like these to make it even easier to get what you need.
Writing in a notebook offers a tangible, relaxing experience. With a sustainable notebook, you can rest easy knowing your choice of materials is eco-friendly.
Featured image via PML Studios
