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Essential Eco-Friendly College Packing Guide: Sustainable Choices for Students

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The University Network

Heading off to college is an exciting and transformative time, and being well-prepared can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth transition. Our comprehensive back-to-school guide is designed to help you pack smartly with a focus on sustainability. From eco-friendly bedding and bath essentials to tech accessories and study supplies, we’ve curated a list of must-have items that will keep you comfortable, organized, and aligned with your environmental values. Embrace a sustainable lifestyle as you embark on this new journey and make conscious choices that positively impact both your college experience and the planet.

Here’s what you need to ensure a comfortable, organized, and eco-friendly college experience.

Bed

  • Bedding, Twin XL: Ensure you get a good night’s sleep with comfortable and sustainable bedding. Look for organic cotton options, like the ones offered by Avocado. Their bedding is made of certified organic linen, hemp, or cotton. Their climate-negative collection includes Twin XL fitted and flat sheets, pillowcases, pillow protectors, duvet covers, and inserts. Enjoy 100-night trials with a money-back guarantee. Avocado is also MADE SAFE and Fair Trade Certified.
  • Comforter Set, Twin XL: Opt for a comforter made from recycled materials or sustainable fibers. For example, Under the Canopy offers a wide selection of organic cotton comforter sets at accessible prices. Their certified organic bedding is free from dangerous chemicals and toxins, making it perfect for your dorm. They also offer free shipping and simple returns.
  • Mattress Pad, Twin XL: A mattress pad adds an extra layer of comfort and protection to dorm room beds. We like the PlushBeds topper because it is filled with 100% ethically sourced wool. Wool regulates temperature, keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer. Made in California with sustainably sourced wool and organic cotton, this luxurious topper features quality stitching, a sateen cover, and a springy loft. PlushBeds also avoids using PFAS in its production.
  • Pillows: Choose pillows made from eco-friendly materials like bamboo or recycled polyester. We like these rayon pillows derived from bamboo for their exceptional comfort and versatility. These pillows feature cooling shredded memory foam, which can be adjusted to your preferred level of firmness, ensuring a perfect night’s sleep. The hypoallergenic properties make them ideal for those with allergies, and the removable, washable cover ensures easy maintenance and hygiene. These pillows combine luxury, practicality, and eco-friendliness, making them a fantastic addition to any dorm.
  • Bedside Shelf: A sustainable bedside shelf is the perfect space-saving solution for your phone, charger, mug, and other essentials. The Whitmor Bamboo Bedside Shelf is made of sustainable bamboo and attaches tool-free to your bed frame. Another solid choice is the BedShelfie Bedside Shelf, which comes in bamboo and can hold up to 35 pounds of essentials.
  • Sleep Mask: A sleep eye mask can help you get quality sleep. Try SECZIPE’s 100% Mulberry Silk Sleep Mask Eye Mask, which has an adjustable band. Made of natural silk, the eye mask is soft and breathable. Its light-blocking feature enhances sleep.
  • Earplugs: For restful sleep or concentrated study time, earplugs can be helpful. Go with sustainable and ultra-soft ear plugs like Curvd Everyday Earplugs, which are made from eco-friendly and recyclable materials and are EPA-certified 15 NRR. Designed to fit the natural curves of your ears, they ensure a perfect fit while delivering “unparalleled comfort and noise isolation.” To top it all, Curvd offers a student discount.

Bath

  • Shower Caddy: Keep your bathroom essentials organized. Look for caddies made from recycled plastic. We love this recycled over-the-shoulder shower caddy from Pottery Barn and its super-functional design with six pockets and eco-friendly construction from water-resistant, recycled material. The durable mesh bottom ensures quick drainage and drying, making it a convenient and sustainable choice for the dorm.
  • Towels: Invest in high-quality, organic cotton towels that are gentle on your skin and the environment. We love the bath towels from Under the Canopy because they are crafted with vibrant, non-toxic dyes and made from absorbent GOTS-certified organic cotton that becomes softer and more beautiful with every wash.
  • Blow Dryer/Hair Straightener: For your hair dryer and/or hair straightener needs, look for products that release negative ions to stem damage to your hair. For example, the Aras blow dryer releases 400 million negative ions to lock in moisture, nourish your hair, and enhance its natural shine. With its high-speed brushless motor and wind speed of 32m/s, it dries your hair 5x faster than traditional dryers. The TYMO Ring Plus Ionic Hair Straightener Brush – Straightening Comb with Negative Ions is a professional styling tool with nine temperature settings, making it ideal for different hair types. Its built-in double ionic generators allow for the release of 50 million of negative ions to lock in moisture, bring out your hair’s natural shine, and minimize the breakage.
  • Shower Flip Flops: For eco-friendly flip flops, look no further than Green Flip Flops’ offerings. Made from a combination of plant-based materials, including soy and sugar cane, their flip flops are 100% recyclable and contain no phthalates.

Laundry/Cleaning

  • Iron/ironing Board/Steamer: Select compact designs that won’t take up too much room in your dorm room. Consider this 2-in-1 Steamer Iron instead. Its compact design makes it perfect as a dorm room essential. It functions as both a normal iron and steamer iron, so it can meet your different ironing needs effortlessly. For an ironing board, choose small, foldable ones like this metal one, which comes with an iron rest and a heat-resistant cotton cover. 
  • Hamper & Laundry Bags: Choose collapsible hampers and reusable laundry bags. You can get, for example, a Dofasayi Laundry Hamper from Amazon. Made of cotton rope with leather handles, this hamper is eco-friendly and functional yet attractive. For your laundry bag, the Mayatra’s Organic Cotton Laundry Bag is a sound choice. It is eco-friendly and comes in a pack of two. 
  • Detergent: Use eco-friendly laundry detergents that are biodegradable and free from harsh chemicals. We love laundry detergent sheets from Grove because they are gentle on the environment and tough on stains. With no harmful chemicals, dyes, or synthetic fragrances, and sustainable packaging that reduces plastic waste, they offer an eco-friendly and effective laundry solution. Grove is also offering a 20% back-to-school discount, which makes their eco-friendly laundry products even more attractive.
  • Stain Remover: Opt for natural stain removers. We found Grove’s stain remover spray, which uses natural cleaning enzymes to remove grease and other everyday stains from laundry, to be effective. Not only is the product free of harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and parabens, but it comes in infinitely recyclable aluminum packaging with a reusable nozzle. Students can order refills in aluminum packaging to reduce their plastic waste
  • Hand Soap: Pick hand soaps with natural ingredients, plastic free and minimal packaging like the soaps from Grove. They also have refill systems (see this starter set) that come with a reusable dispenser infinitely recyclable aluminum.
  • Cleaning Wipes & Sanitizing Sprays: Use biodegradable wipes or reusable cloths with eco-friendly cleaning sprays. Method and Seventh Generation are two of the brands that carry eco-friendly cleaning products. Try Method All-Purpose Cleaning Wipes, which can be used on multi-surfaces and are compostable. For eco-friendly cleaning sprays, we love Seventh Generation All Purpose Cleaning Spray Surface Cleaner, which is certified as U.S. EPA Safer Choice and uses plant-based ingredients and recyclable packing from recycled materials.
  • Paper Towel: Consider using recycled paper towels or reusable cloths to reduce waste. For eco-friendly paper towels, try Seventh Generation’s or Eco-First’s recycled paper towels, which are also chlorine-free. Amazon also carries a wide variety of reusable and washable cleaning cloths. 
  • Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Eco-friendly toilet bowl cleaners can keep your bathroom clean without harmful chemicals. Amazon carries several brands – Seventh Generation, Method, and Mrs. Meyer’s, for example – that use plant-based ingredients and are eco-friendly. 
  • Glass Cleaner: Choose plant-based glass cleaners from Grove, Method, or Seventh Generation. They get the job done without harmful chemicals.
  • Vacuum: A compact, energy-efficient vacuum is perfect for dorm rooms. We love the Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum, which weighs just 2.5 pounds and comes with a crevice tool.

Room

  • Fan: An energy-efficient fan can help keep your room cool. Go with an oscillating tower fan that won’t take up too much space. Home Depot and Amazon have a wide selection of tower fans at different price points. For example, Honeywell’s QuietSet 8-Speed 10 in. x 40 in. Black Whole-Room Tower Fan comes with a remote control, adjustable thermostat, and sturdy handle. Lasko Elevation 42”-54” Adjustable Height Pedestal Tower Fan allows you to adjust fan speeds to match ambient temperatures and delivers gentle, whisper-quiet airflow.
  • Humidifier: A humidifier in a dorm room is essential, particularly if you have dry skin, allergies, and respiratory problems. If you plan on taking a humidifier to school, consider this MIKO humidifier that has an enhanced water filtration feature, which delivers cool and warm mist based on your comfort level. It even has a sleep mode feature that turns off the LED screen and lighting completely while being fully functional with quiet operation. 
  • Minifridge: Look for Energy Star-rated mini-fridges. For a dorm room, a compact fridge works well given the average dorm room space. Costco and Home Depot generally have back-to-school deals on minifridges. The Vissani 3.2 cu. ft. Mini Refrigerator and the RCA RFR335, 3.2 Cu Ft Compact Design Mini Fridge are two examples of efficient minifridges that are perfect for dorms. They both come with a small freezer section.
  • Microwave: Choose an Energy Star-rated microwave. Check stores like Costco and Home Depot for the best prices. The Black & Decker 0.7 Cu. Ft. 700-Watt Compact Countertop Digital Microwave Oven and the Magic Chef 0.7 cu. ft. 700-Watt Countertop Microwave are both good options for dorm rooms. 
  • Desk Lamp: Opt for LED desk lamps to save energy. The Dott Arts LED Desk Lamp comes with USB ports, 230° flexible arm, and 90° base axis. It has five light colors and three brightness levels so you can easily adjust the light to suit your activity. 
  • Desk Organizer: Keep your study area tidy with eco-friendly desk organizers. Check out The Container Store’s Water Hyacinth Desktop Organizer, which is handcrafted from renewable water hyacinth over a sturdy metal frame. Five tiered storage compartments keep your contents sorted for easy access. Another solid choice is the Homde Bamboo Desk Organizer, which features four file slots, two pen holders and two spacious compartments. Made of natural bamboo, this desk organizer is eco-friendly and sturdy.
  • Underbed Storage: Maximize space with underbed storage made from sustainable materials. The Onlyeasy Breathable Under Bed Storage Bag, for example, is made of breathable nonwoven fabric and cardboard and has sturdy side walls that can hold its shape without being filled up.
  • Box Storage: Keep your dorm room organized with recyclable or biodegradable box storage solutions like The Container Store’s Water Hyacinth Cube Natural, which are available in extra-small, small, and large sizes. These stylish storage cubes are handcrafted from renewable water hyacinth over a sturdy metal frame and have integrated handles that make them easily portable.
  • Moving/Storage Bag: Choose durable, reusable bags for moving and storage. The ‎iwill CREATE PRO Breathable Canvas Cotton Soft Storage Bags have two handles for easy lifting or carrying and have three-sides zip open for easy access. Made from 100% eco-friendly cotton canvas fabric, these bags are ideal for moving and storage.
  • Clothes Hangers: Closet space in a dorm room can be tight, but eco-friendly and slim hangers like Terra Terra Mia’s can keep your closet organized while helping the earth. These hangers are earth-friendly being made from 100% recycled post-consumer plastics, such as bottles, caps, cups, and labels, and 10% of sales proceeds going to clean-up of plastics in rivers and oceans.
  • Shoe Rack: 2-Tier Natural Bamboo Shoe Rack has stackable storage shelves. Made of high-quality natural bamboo material, this shoe rack is not just durable and sturdy but also eco-friendly. 
  • Air Mattress: An air mattress can come in handy when you have a friend crashing in your dorm room. For a PVC-free air mattress, which is much better for the environment, consider this Intex Raised TruAire 18″ Queen Air Mattress, which comes with an internal 120V pump and delivers “sumptuous, ultra-soft sleeping surface.” 
  • Jewelry Organizer: To keep your jewelry organized and dust-free, try the Royale Jewelry Organizer, which is not just foldable and portable but comes with a built-in mirror. It can fit 150+ earrings and 20+ necklaces/bracelets, so it’s all you need to sort out  your jewelry. 
  • Rug: A sustainable rug made from natural fibers can add comfort and style to your dorm. We like this handcrafted area rug, which is made of cotton and is reversible and washable.
  • Throws: An organic cotton or recycled material throw keeps you cozy. Under the Canopy offers a wide selection of organic throw blankets, which are GOTS and OEKO-TEX® certified. Their throws are made with low-impact dyes and are free from pesticides and harsh chemicals.

Tech

  • Laptop & Tablet: Whatever your major, you will need essential tech like laptops and tablets to stay connected and productive. For Mac lovers, Apple offers education pricing for Macs and iPads to students. During back-to-school season, Apple also often throws in a generous gift card plus a discount on AppleCare+, which will protect your new Mac or iPad from accidental damage protection, as an additional incentive. Microsoft also offers an education discount of up to 10% off on select products, including select Surface devices, but you cannot combine the education discount with other offers. Compare products to find the one that best meets your needs and budget. When shopping for tech, keep in mind that stores like Costco and Best Buy also often have great deals. 
  • Laptop Sleeve: You need a laptop sleeve to protect your chosen laptop. Choose one that is eco-friendly like Urth’s Naos Laptop Sleeve, which are durable, weatherproof, and available in sizes 13/14” or 15/16”. These laptop sleeves are sustainable because they are made from 70% recycled materials and use YKK zippers for durability. An added incentive, if you need another one, is that Urth plants five trees for every product sold so their products are carbon positive. You can also get Urth’s sustainable laptop sleeves from Amazon.
  • Tablet Case: Protect your iPad or other tablet with eco-friendly cases like Solo New York’s Hoyt Universal Recycled Case, which are made from recycled PET bottles. The case is designed to fit virtually all brands of 8.5″ up to 11″ tablets and includes a magnetic pen space. Its antimicrobial coating prevents the growth of bacteria and its sanitizable surface can be wiped down with cleaning wipes. The case has a water repellent coated fabric, magnetic border snaps to keep it closed and your device clean, and scratch-resistant anti-slip lining.
  • Laptop Desk: A laptop desk comes in handy when you feel like working or reading in your bed, on the couch, or even on the floor. Choose one made from sustainable materials like SONGMICS Laptop Desk, which are made with 100% natural bamboo. This desk features adjustable angles (five) and height (8.3-11.4 inches), providing you with a comfortable viewing experience. It is foldable so you can tuck it away when you’re not using it. It even comes with a small side drawer for USB drives, pens, and sticky notes, which has a built-in magnet to keep the drawer from sliding out while you’re moving it around.
  • Power Strip Surge Protector: A power strip surge protector is essential for managing and protecting your electronics. Consider this compact power strip surge protector tower that comes with a 6.5 ft extension cord, 12 AC outlets, three smart USB-A outlets, and one USB-C outlet. It comes with a built-in smart technology that detects charging devices and delivers optimal charging speed automatically. In the event of a power surge, it will automatically cut power to protect your expensive devices.
  • Book Light: Opt for a rechargeable amber book light, which is more conducive to sleep. We like the Somnilight Amber Book Light, which produces a warm color-temperature light, similar to candlelight, and doesn’t emit blue wavelengths that negatively impact sleep. Simply clip it to your books, notepads, or e-readers for a relaxing experience.

School Supplies

  • Backpack: Choose a durable, eco-friendly backpack. We love this handmade cotton and hemp backpack for its exceptional craftsmanship by Nepalese women artisans, use of sustainable materials, and positive impact on their communities. It’s durable and practical with features like a laptop pocket and side pockets, and it aligns with fair trade principles, making it perfect for college and travel.
  • Books: Rent or buy used textbooks when possible. Abe Books,  Barnes & Noble, Campus Books,  eCampus offer great solutions for used books, rentals, and digital editions. You should try each of these solutions to find the cheapest prices and best fit for your needs. Often, it is cheaper to buy a used book, rather than renting it.
  • Notebooks: Look for recycled paper products. Decomposition Notebooks are perfect for daily note-taking, sketching, drawing, journaling, and more. Compact yet spacious, they’re ideal for students. The sturdy spiral binding allows the notebook to lie flat and has easily removable, college-ruled pages for neat handwriting. Printed with eco-friendly soy ink on recycled paper, they offer vibrant, non-toxic prints. Made in the USA, these notebooks support local manufacturing jobs and have a minimal carbon footprint. For a more affordable yet sustainable option, consider Mintra 100% recycled notebooks, which are offered in sets of three. Available in letter size (8.5”  x 11”) and composition size (7.5” x 9.75”), Mintra notebooks are made from sugarcane stock and use vegetable oil ink. The sturdy covers are made from recycled Kraft paper.
  • Planner: An academic calendar can help you keep focused on your academic goals. For a sustainable choice, consider this Poprun academic calendar planner, which uses FSC-Certified 100 GSM Paper sourced from sustainable and carbon-neutral forests. It features a weekly layout with ample space to write, a monthly layout with an overview of the month, and tear-off corners and bookmark ribbons to help you mark important pages. It comes with an elastic closure to keep your planner securely closed. It even has a foldable pocket where you can store notes, receipts, and more.
  • Index Cards: Instead of paper index cards, try Rocketbook Cloud Cards – Eco-Friendly Reusable Index Note Cards, which come in a 40- or 80-pack. Each pack comes with a Pilot FriXion ColorStick Pen and a microfiber cloth. To use, simply handwrite your notes on the index cards, scan the notes, and the free Rocketbook App for iOS and Android  will transcribe your handwriting into titles for your files and even make your notes searchable. You can even use “Study Mode” in the app to quiz yourself and flip between questions and answers. To erase your notes from an index card, simply wipe with a damp cloth and it is ready to be reused again and again.
  • Pens, Pencils: Choose refillable pens and pencils made from recycled materials. For pens, we like the PILOT B2P Retractable Ballpoint Pens, which are made from recycled bottles. They are refillable – compatible with Dr. Grip ink refills – and have a comfortable grip. Available in blue, black, red, green and purple smear-resistant ball point inks, these pens make it easy to be eco-friendly every day. For pencils, you can help make maximum environmental impact with plantable pencils from Sprout. These pencils are sustainable in how they are made using only sustainably sourced materials and non-toxic, biodegradable components. They are also climate-friendly in that each pencil comes with a small seed capsule at the tip, which you can plant to grow your choice of a herb, a plant, or a tree. Simply select from the wide range of eco-friendly pencils Sprout offers. 
  • Scissors: Choose products with minimal packaging and recyclable materials. The Maped Advanced Eco-Friendly Scissors is a sound choice. Made of 60% recycled plastic material and stainless steel, these scissors are durable and have ambidextrous handles that are suitable for both left- and right-handed users. And its 3D ergonomic handles are great for all grip types and hand sizes.

Take Advantage of Student Discounts

As you shop for your dorm room (and other) essentials, keep in mind that many brands offer a student discount. For further information, visit TUN’s student discount page.

Conclusion

This back-to-school guide aims to provide everything you need for a successful college year while emphasizing sustainability and eco-friendliness. Make conscious choices to reduce your environmental footprint and enjoy a well-organized, comfortable college life.