Sustainable Stickers: 5 Ways to Get Your Guilt-Free Sticker Fix
If you’re a sticker lover, you might be surprised to learn just how much plastic you’re welcoming into your collection. Whether you use stickers for fun, work, school, or to give them to others, their environmental impact can certainly add up. Fortunately, there are lots of sustainable stickers you can opt for instead that are non-toxic, recyclable, reusable, or just plain better than the competition. Let’s take a closer look.
What Are Sustainable Stickers?
The term “sustainable sticker” is pretty vague. In general, sustainability is all about minimizing consumption and utilizing what you have – in many cases, that also means considering what’s best for the planet. So, it’s safe to say that any sticker that prioritizes durability, quality, and environmental-friendliness can fall into this category.
But what’s the big deal with regular stickers, anyway?
Most traditional stickers are made from vinyl. However, vinyl is actually just another name for polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a plastic you may be familiar with as a toxin. In fact, it’s sometimes considered to be one of the most environmentally damaging and toxic plastics out there.
When manufactured, burned, or landfilled, PVC releases chemicals known as dioxins, which can lead to a host of health and environmental problems. Its entire lifecycle results in the release of toxic chlorine-based chemicals that can enter the air, water, and local food chains.
All that is to say that the vinyl used in many mass-produced stickers is bad news. But never fear, sticker fans – there is a way to collect and use stickers to your heart’s content without contributing to environmental degradation. Whether you opt for alternatives like paper or reusable stickers or decide to invest only in top-notch sticker products, your shopping choices can make a real impact.
Are Stickers Recyclable?
Vinyl-based stickers are typically not recyclable since their main material, plastic, can be toxic to the planet. But some others can indeed be recyclable, particularly when their main ingredient is paper, a biodegradable material. Even if you can’t recycle your stickers, you can prolong their lifespan by reusing them.
Eco-Friendly Sticker Shopping
As concerns about the impact of plastics like PVC rise, so do the number of alternatives you can choose from. We’re happy to report that there are lots of brands and creators producing eco-conscious stickers for fans of all ages! Here’s a quick look at some of our favorite finds for some of the most popular types of stickers.
Eco-Friendly Custom Stickers
Crafting custom stickers for your business, organization, school, club, etc., doesn’t mean you have to settle for cheap or lackluster vinyl stickers. There are dozens of companies that offer eco-friendly alternatives!
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. Sticker App Custom Kraft Paper Stickers
While lots of custom stickers are made from vinyl, these sustainable stickers instead use 100% recycled paper. They instantly give any design a rustic feel and are a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality and eco-conscious option. Plus, as a bonus, you can easily write on them!
Water Bottle Stickers
Finding a sustainable sticker fit for a water bottle can be tricky; it needs to look nice, but it also needs to be able to withstand moisture. Ideally, it will be flexible enough to curve and contour to fit the shape of your bottle.
2. Keep Nature Wild Sustainable Waterproof Stickers
Keep Nature Wild has ticked the box for sustainability and style with these eco-friendly water bottle stickers. They’re part of the brand’s waterproof sustainable sticker collection, which features pieces in a variety of cute and nature-themed designs.
Plant Stickers
If you’re going to pick up a plant-themed sticker, choose a sustainably designed product.
3. “It’s Just a Phase” Sticker Bundle by bobo design studio
On the hunt for some adorable plant stickers that are also great for the planet? Try this sticker bundle from bobo design studio, which features plenty of fun designs. Pick up the brand’s reusable sticker book, so you have an easy place to store and reuse your favorites.
Heart Stickers
Hearts, stars, animals, flowers, and other fun sticker designs can be hard to find in paper or other materials. Vinyl options may be your best bet, but you can reduce their environmental impact by using them for as long as possible and disposing of them properly.
4. Turtle’s Soup Kawaii Sweet Treats Glitter Vinyl Sticker Sheet
Turtle’s Soup proves that traditional vinyl-based stickers can still be a sustainable option – as long as they’re made to last, of course! If you’re looking to get your hands on some heart stickers, this sheet (and many of the brand’s other collections) is a good place to start. It’s waterproof and weather-resistant so that each sticker can last you up to seven years.
Thank You Stickers
Even if you need stickers for your business, events, labels, or any other context you can imagine, there’s probably a sustainable option out there for you.
5. Kraft Paper Lemons Thank You Stickers
Pick up these eco-friendly thank you stickers at Pro Supply Global in quantities of 50, 500, or 2500. Not only do they add some flair to your packages or items, but they’re also high-quality kraft paper – although you likely wouldn’t guess it just from looking at them!
Our Take on Sustainable Stickers
Let’s be honest – stickers aren’t the reason that our environment is facing so many challenges, and they’re certainly not one of the worst offenders in terms of sustainability.
However, though they may be small, stickers stand as an example of how subtle behaviors can lead to big results.
The more people who choose sustainable, eco-conscious, or reusable stickers, the less unnecessary PVC we create and put into landfills. And that’s a win in our book.
Featured image via Keep Nature Wild
