How Colleges & Sixth Forms Are Using Sustainable Products to Make Education Greener
Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword on campus—it’s a core value that’s woven into the everyday lives of students. At colleges and sixth forms across the UK, young people are speaking up, taking action, and expecting the institutions around them to do the same.
So, how can the education sector meet that expectation in a practical, visible way? By choosing smarter, greener products that enable hands-on learning and promote green awareness campaigns, such as Recycling Week and Earth Day.
[First published July 2018 | Updated December 2025]
From Pencils to Plants: Everyday Sustainable Giveaways
At Sow Easy, we help schools, colleges, and universities offer eco-friendly promotional products that students will actually use and remember. Think branded items that don’t just sit in a drawer but get planted, grow into wildflowers, and leave behind something more meaningful than just a logo.
Students want more than freebies—they want impact. Our range of seed-based and biodegradable products helps colleges demonstrate their commitment to sustainability while providing something fun, functional, and full of meaning. We are the perfect supplier for giveaways and branded merchandise for University open days, as well as educational resources for hands-on learning.
Top Sustainable Picks for Post-16 Education
Here are some of the top products being utilised in the post-16 education market, perfect for events, curriculum support, and campus sustainability initiatives:
Pencil Seedsticks®
This 3-in-1 item includes a biodegradable pencil, a recycled paper bookmark sleeve, and five plantable Seedsticks®. Every element is fully customisable and designed with the planet in mind. The pencil gets used, the bookmark marks the next chapter, and the seeds grow into wildflowers.
These are ideal as 3-in-1 Plantable Pencils for Hands-On Learning in science or horticulture programs. Perfect for sustainability awareness campaigns, green weeks, and everyday student use.
Biodegradable Lanyards Made from Seed Paper
Wearing a lanyard doesn’t have to mean plastic waste. Our Seed Paper Lanyards are a biodegradable alternative that can be planted after use to grow wildflowers.
Ditch plastic lanyards and make a brilliant, sustainable swap for branded ID cards (used at open days, events and by staff members) by choosing our Biodegradable Lanyards for Colleges instead!
Biodegradable Bookmarks
Beyond pencils, bookmarks are essential for every student. Our plantable options serve a dual purpose: a practical item for studying that can be simply planted in soil after use.
Use Sustainable Seed Paper Bookmarks for Literacy Lessons or as a component in student welcome packs.
Adding Greenery to Desks: The Desktop Tube Garden
Add a touch of greenery to desks, dorms, or study spaces with this modern, compact grow kit. Students love the low-maintenance format and the sense of care and calm it brings—plus, it looks great on a windowsill. Ideal for student wellbeing campaigns, enrichment packs, and eco-society giveaways.
Making a Real Impact
By choosing sustainable promo products for schools, colleges and sixth forms, you aren’t just giving out promotional items—you’re investing in a greener future and aligning with the values of the next generation. From plantable stationery to unique event giveaways, these products ensure the message of sustainability continues to grow long after the classroom bell rings.
Visit our Education Page to see all eco-friendly products that educators can use for hands-on learning, events and green awareness.
Working Directly with Educators & Trade Distributors
Schools, colleges and universities can get in touch with us directly to get a quote. You can also request product samples via our Sample Shop.
We also work directly with trade suppliers – register as a distributor to see trade prices.
If you have any questions at all, please do get in touch! Use our contact form or call us on +44 (0) 1753 644 588.