Plastic Free July for Schools: Small Changes, Big Environmental Impact

Plastic Free July is a global movement that encourages individuals, organisations, and communities to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics. For schools, it offers a valuable opportunity to review everyday practices and identify simple changes that can have a lasting environmental impact. While discussions often focus on reusable bottles and lunch containers, printing and educational resources can also play an important role in supporting a school's sustainability goals.

As an eco-friendly printer, we're passionate about helping schools reduce waste, make more responsible purchasing decisions, and create learning environments that reflect their commitment to sustainability. Here are practical sustainable printing ideas schools can implement during Plastic Free July and beyond.

Making Plastic Free July Count at Your School

Choose Sustainably Printed Educational Materials

One of the most effective ways schools can reduce their environmental impact is by selecting educational resources produced using sustainable materials and processes.

This can include:

• FSC®certified paper from responsibly managed forests
• Recycled paper options
• Vegetable-based inks
• Environmentally responsible production methods

Choosing sustainably printed books, prospectuses, and learning materials helps support greener supply chains while maintaining the quality educators and students expect.

Replace Plastic-Covered Resources

Many educational materials are traditionally supplied with plastic covers or packaging. During Plastic Free July, schools can explore alternatives such as:

• Durable recycled card covers
• Paper-based protective packaging
• Biodegradable materials where appropriate
• Lamination-free learning resources

Reducing plastic within printed materials helps minimise waste while maintaining functionality and durability.

FSC-Certified Paper for School Exercise Books

FSC-certified paper comes from responsibly managed forests that protect biodiversity, wildlife habitats, and local communities, helping schools make environmentally responsible purchasing decisions.

• Demonstrates a Commitment to Sustainability: Choosing FSC-certified exercise books shows students, parents, and staff that the school is actively supporting sustainable practices and reducing its environmental impact.
• High-Quality and Durable: FSC-certified paper offers the same excellent quality and durability as non-certified alternatives, ensuring exercise books can withstand everyday classroom use.
• Supports Environmental Education: Using FSC-certified resources provides a practical example of sustainability in action, helping schools reinforce lessons about conservation, responsible sourcing, and environmental stewardship.
• Helps Meet Sustainability Goals: For schools working towards eco-friendly initiatives or environmental accreditations, FSC-certified exercise books can contribute to broader sustainability objectives and procurement policies.
• Provides Full Supply Chain Traceability: FSC certification ensures materials can be traced back through the supply chain, giving schools confidence that their paper products come from verified responsible sources.

By choosing FSC exercise books, schools can make a significant contribution to their sustainability objectives without affecting classroom performance.

Review School Prospectuses and Marketing Materials

School prospectuses, event brochures, newsletters, and promotional materials can use large quantities of paper and packaging.

For Plastic Free July, consider:

• Printing only the quantities required
• Using recycled or FSC-certified paper stocks
• Removing unnecessary plastic wrapping
• Choosing environmentally friendly finishes

Small changes to school communications can substantially reduce waste while demonstrating environmental leadership to prospective parents and the wider community.

Classroom Waste with Print-on-Demand

Over-ordering printed materials can lead to unnecessary waste when curricula change or resources become outdated.

Print-on-demand services help schools:

• Order exactly what they need
• Reduce storage requirements
• Minimise outdated stock
• Prevent unnecessary paper waste

This approach supports both sustainability goals and budget management.

Create Plastic-Free School Events

Many schools participate in environmental awareness activities throughout July. Printed materials can help support these initiatives without generating additional plastic waste.

Ideas include:

• Plastic Free July activity booklets
• Awareness posters printed on recycled or FSC paper
• Sustainability pledge cards
• Classroom challenges and educational worksheets
• Eco-themed event programmes

Using responsibly produced printed materials helps reinforce the environmental messages being taught throughout the event.

Educate Students Through Everyday Choices

One of the most powerful aspects of sustainability is leading by example. When students see eco-friendly printing practices in action, they gain a clearer understanding of how small decisions contribute to broader environmental outcomes.

Schools can use their printed materials as teaching tools by highlighting:

• Recycled paper content
• FSC certification
• Responsible resource management
• Waste reduction initiatives

These real-world examples complement classroom learning and encourage environmentally responsible habits.

Partner with an Eco-Friendly Printer

Working with a sustainability-focused print provider can help schools make informed decisions about their printed resources.

A responsible printing partner can offer:

• Sustainable paper options
• Environmentally friendly inks
• Efficient production processes
• Waste reduction strategies
• Advice on reducing the environmental impact of print projects

By choosing suppliers that share their environmental values, schools can further strengthen their sustainability efforts.

Making Plastic Free July Count

Plastic Free July is the perfect opportunity for schools to review their printed materials and explore more sustainable alternatives. At The School Printer, we can help you reduce single-use plastics by offering environmentally responsible print solutions, from recyclable school books and prospectuses to plastic-free packaging and sustainably sourced paper stocks. Small changes can make a big difference, helping your school demonstrate its commitment to sustainability while setting a positive example for students and the wider community.