We know back-to-school season can be hectic, but it’s also the chance to set up for a mindful, eco-conscious, and successful year ahead.
Whether you’re preparing your preschooler for their very first day or sending a college student off with everything they need to succeed, the right school backpack is an essential part of the journey.
At EarthHero, we believe every choice matters, especially when it comes to the next generation. That’s why we’ve handpicked the best school backpacks that are as sustainable and resilient as the young minds carrying them. These bags are crafted from planet-friendly materials like recycled plastic, organic cotton, and renewable cork, made to support growing bodies, busy schedules, and a better future.
Below, you’ll find our top recommendations for eco-friendly backpacks for school that meet a variety of needs, styles, and ages. They’re designed to last for more than just a season, and to help families raise changemakers one thoughtful swap at a time.
1. Terra Thread Zem Mini Organic Cotton Backpack
Perfect for: Kindergarten & Elementary School
Looking for a backpack that’s just the right size for younger students? The Zem Mini Backpack from Terra Thread is made from GOTS-certified organic cotton, comes in a rainbow of fun colors, and is ethically made in Fair Trade Certified factories. It's small enough for little shoulders, but roomy enough for snacks, supplies, and a favorite toy or two.
Bonus: Terra Thread supports Feeding America with every purchase, so you're giving back with every backpack.
2. Terra Thread Organic Cotton Everyday Backpack
Perfect for: Middle School & High School
Terra Thread’s bestselling bag is ideal for older students who need extra room for books, tablets, and sports gear. Crafted from the heavy-duty organic cotton canvas, it features padded straps for all-day comfort, plus a laptop sleeve and multiple compartments to stay organized.
Terra Thread’s commitment to sustainable materials and ethical labor practices makes this one of the best school backpacks for conscious families.
3. GOT BAG Recycled Backpack
Perfect for: High School, College, and Beyond
This sleek and minimalist daypack is made from 100% recycled PET bottles, keeping plastic waste out of landfills and waterways. It offers a classic silhouette with modern updates like internal organization, a padded laptop sleeve, and water-resistant fabric.
Did you know? Globally we produce around 400 million tons of plastic waste annually, and only about 9% of that gets recycled. Each Daypack helps recover 5.5 lbs of ocean plastic – a small way to help shift that number!
4. Recycled Wool 9L Sidekick
Perfect for: Preschool, Playdates, or Light Packing
The Sidekick is as cute as it is practical. Made in Italy from recycled wool that would otherwise be discarded, this small but mighty bag is great for preschoolers, daily errands, or minimalist high schoolers who travel light. It’s soft, stylish, and totally plastic-free.
This is one of the most long-lasting school backpacks that combines craftsmanship with conscious design.
5. Out and About Cork Backpack
Perfect for: Teens & College Students
Made from sustainably harvested cork, this backpack is naturally water-resistant, ultra-durable, and totally unique in texture and appearance. Cork is an eco-friendly powerhouse: renewable, biodegradable, and doesn’t harm the tree when harvested.
Cork also helps offset carbon emissions: cork oak trees absorb 5 times more CO₂ when harvested regularly. So your school backpack can literally help clear the air!
6. Allpa Del Día Travel Pack Mini 20L
Perfect for: High Schoolers Who Travel or Commute
Every Del Día backpack is one-of-a-kind, made with repurposed fabric scraps from larger production runs, reducing waste while offering a totally unique colorway. The Allpa Mini is perfect for students who need a compact, stylish, and versatile bag with top-tier organization.
This is one of the most durable school backpacks out there, with a rugged design that holds up to field trips, study abroad, and everyday life.
7. Contemporary Commuter Cork Backpack
Perfect for: High School Seniors & College Students
Professional enough for internships and polished enough for class, this commuter backpack blends style and sustainability. Made from vegan cork leather, it features a slim profile, padded laptop sleeve, and thoughtfully designed compartments. A great choice for students transitioning to the working world.
8. United By Blue Convertible Carryall Backpack
Perfect for: College, Grad School, or Eco Professionals
If versatility is your priority, look no further. This convertible backpack Majors as a tote, and Minors as a backpack, ideal for campus life, the gym, or weekend trips. It’s made from recycled plastic bottles, and with every purchase, United By Blue removes one pound of trash from waterways.
It’s the definition of a sustainable backpack that’s built to multitask (just like you!)
Why Choose Eco-Friendly School Backpacks?
Most conventional school backpacks are made with virgin polyester, nylon, and synthetic dyes, materials that require petroleum, pollute the environment, and often end up in landfills after a short life span.
In contrast, EarthHero’s picks are made from organic, recycled, and renewable materials, with longevity and low impact in mind.
When you choose a durable school backpack that lasts for years, you’re reducing demand for fast fashion and helping conserve natural resources. Plus, many of our featured brands give back through charitable programs, ethical labor, and zero-waste commitments.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re shopping for a tiny kindergartener or a senior headed off to college, the right school backpack should be built to last and made with care. By choosing eco-friendly backpacks for school, you're investing in quality, supporting sustainable practices, and helping students carry their values with them.
Ready to gear up? Shop our full collection of sustainable backpacks here.
More Back-to-School & Eco Parent Inspo:
Looking for more sustainable swaps for the school year? Check out these guides:
From lunch gear to school supplies, we’ve got everything you need to make back-to-school season easier on the planet.
