Can you believe it's already that time of year again, to make back-to-school preparations? If you haven't already stocked up on school supplies, take a look at the list of eco-friendly products below for some shopping inspiration that will not only support a brighter future for your kids but a brighter future for the planet, too.

Stainless Steel Water Bottles

Plastic water bottles can take anywhere from 400 to 1,000 years to decompose and with only one in every five plastic bottles being recycled, it's about time this dirty habit was kicked to the curb once and for all.

Since school is often where good habits are formed, why not invest in a stainless steel water bottle that can be used over and over again and will last for years to come? They come in all shapes and sizes and trendy patterns, too.

Reusable Bags

From reusable cotton tote bags to reusable backpacks, there are several stylish and sustainable options to consider for carrying your kid's books, gadgets, and school supplies. The same goes for lunch boxes, too. Instead of packing your child's food in single-use containers and wrapping them in a plastic or paper bag, why not send them to school with a reusable lunch box that's packed with locally grown food stored in reusable containers? It will keep your child's food fresher and the landfills clearer.

Eco-Friendly School Supplies

When shopping for school supplies like pencils, markers, and notepads – keep an eye out for eco-friendly products made from recycled materials. From non-toxic glue to pencils made from recycled newspaper, you'll be surprised by the amount of eco-friendly alternatives that are available to you.

Sustainable Clothing 

Parents and their kids who are concerned about the environment are opting for eco-friendly clothing this year. And retailers like H&M, Target, Nike, and J.C. Penney are responding by supplying shoppers with sustainable back-to-school options such as recycled denim or clothing made from plastic bottles. When shopping, look out for signs and tags that indicate where and how the clothing was made and if any sustainable materials were used in the process.