10 Super Cool, Kids Eco-Friendly Backpacks For Back To School
Some kids are going back to school. Some kids (like my kids) are going upstairs to the loft. Wherever school begins this year for your little ones, there are eco-friendly backpacks to help them stay organized and stand out.
Above: Our new classroom for at least the next two months, replete with Simbly desks and coffee table.
It is without a doubt the strangest back-to-school season of all-time. At our house, we spend our mornings tromping up and down the stairs to our converted classroom. Laptops disappear. Logins perplexingly change without explanation. Though all the kids are in the same elementary school, their live video class schedules are wildly different. Two are frequently on break while the other passes the time complaining about the unfairness of it all.
All of this “learning” is, in a word, sub-optimal.
One silver living that brings some delight is the growing array of well-designed, reasonably priced sustainable products that lower the stress level on back-to-school shopping.
Here are ten super cool, kids backpacks, all of which are made from sustainable materials.
In instances where a backpack is part of a larger eco-friendly collection, I link to the collection too so you can quickly scan all available options (here’s a roundup of 21 stylish sustainable backpacks for commuting that kids may like too).
eco-friendly backpacks for kids
1 / 10
ORIGINALS NATIONAL SST RECYCLED BACKPACK BY ADIDAS
The iconic three stripes meets 100% recycled polyester fabric in this sporty everyday backpack from Adidas. Inside the water-resistant pack is a roomy interior plus lined laptop and tablet sleeves. Two front zip pockets provide for more storage and organization. Also available in black, light blue, and two variations of grey.
PRICE: $50
2 / 10
kids eco-friendly backpack by engel
Made from recycled juice bottles, Engel backpacks are designed with a cool retro vibe. The kids backpack features soft, well-placed straps, a roomy interior compartment, and that cool diagonal zipper for access to the exterior pocket. Based in Germany, Engel sells widely across Europe, but only through a few retailers States-side. You’ll pretty much guarantee that your child will be the only kid rocking this backpack (not that it matters, of course).
PRICE: $51 (Large) and $42 (Small)
EXPLORE: KIDS BACKPACK
3 / 10
recycled superbreak backpack by jansport
Made using high-performance recycled polyester and nylon materials, the Recycled Superbreak from Jansport is roomy and versatile. Yet, when the time comes, this travel-ready backpack packs down into itself (the whole pack fits in the front pocket) for easy storage. It’s adventure gear that meets the demands of kids on the go. And it’s made in factories powered entirely by solar energy. Also available in black, red, and beige.
PRICE: $37.50
EXPLORE: RECYCLED SUPERBREAK BACKPACK
4 / 10
ECO SIGNATURE BACKPACK BY GARNET HILL
Garnet Hill’s Eco Signature Backpack line is composed of fresh, exclusive prints. The ergonomic design features adjustable shoulder and sternum straps and well-placed padding for a more comfortable fit. It’s made primarily of recycled polyester created from post-consumer plastic water bottles.
PRICE: $49.95 (50% Before 9/2 plus free matching lunch pack)
EXPLORE: ECO SIGNATURE BACKPACK
5 / 10
kids eco backpack by jem & Bea
A delightfully whimsical and functional backpack made of ECONYL, a durable recycled nylon fabric sourced from discarded fishing nets, end-of-life rugs, and other nylon consumer products that would otherwise end up in the landfill. The interior non-toxic lining is water-resistant for easy cleaning. Thoughtful touches include chunky, easy-to-grip zippers. Shown in orange and khaki.
PRICE: $60
EXPLORE: KIDS ECO BACKPACK
6 / 10
Gear-Up Sunset Recycled Backpack by PB Teen
Durable, water-resistant, and feature-rich, the eco-friendly Gear-Up Collection of backpacks from PB Teen is an excellent back-to-school choice. Kids can take their laptop, books, water bottle, and music (with the built-in port for wires) wherever the school day leads. The Sunset pack (shown here) is made from the equivalent of 14 recycled plastic bottles. Personalization options include 24 different fonts and colors.
PRICE: $47 (Add $12 for personalized monogram)
EXPLORE: GEAR-UP SUNSET RECYCLED BACKPACK
7 / 10
th kids dome recycled backpack
It’s exciting to see mainstream brands like Tommy Hilfiger stepping into the proverbial sustainable waters and stepping up for the back-to-school season. The dome backpack marries clean design and recycled polyester. It’s also available in pink and an all-over print.
PRICE: $69.50
EXPLORE: TH KIDS RECYCLED DOME BACKPACK
8 / 10
LEGO CLassic HERITAGE BACKPACK
Sustainable living meets full-on fun with the Lego recycled backpacks collection. The brand that constantly reinvents itself to appeal to new generations recognizes that our youth are increasingly focused on environmental issues. And these backpacks deliver. They feature an interior laptop compartment, reflective taping, padded and adjustable straps, a mesh water bottle pocket, and a spacious compartment for books and other essentials. Made from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles fabricated into high-quality, durable polyester. There’s a vast array of designs and characters to choose from.
PRICE: $55
9 / 10
EARTH BACKPACK BY TERRA THREAD
Terra Thread takes a high-value approach to its simple, well-designed eco-friendly backpacks. Each backpack is made from heavy-duty, 14 oz. organic cotton canvas capable of withstanding protracted wear. The Fair Trade Certified backpack features a laptop compartment and interior and exterior pockets. For each one sold, Terra Thread contributes 20 meals to families and seniors in need through Feeding America. Available in blue, brown, black, red (shown), teal, green, mustard, and beige.
PRICE: $59.99
EXPLORE: EARTH BACKPACK
10 / 10
the academy backpack by parkland
Parkland makes the widest array of eco-friendly backpacks of any brand on this list (view here). From camouflage to rainbows (my daughter’s favorite), Parkland backpacks suit many tastes. Here, we’re featuring the Academy backpack in a classic, clean design with a two-tone colorway that lends it an updated modern look. The backpack is made of recycled polyester and includes a fleece-lined latptop compartment, two main zip compartments, and two front zip compartments for excellent organization and functionality.
PRICE: $59.99
EXPLORE: THE ACADEMY
A Heads Up: Our posts may contain affiliate links. We frequently write about products and services to help you shop more sustainably. It won’t cost you a penny, but we receive a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links. It helps keeps the LED lights on.