5 Tested And Approved, Eco-Friendly Notebooks & Journals For Awesome Scribbling

Last Updated On January 24 2024

Are you someone who loves jotting down thoughts, ideas, or sketches but cringes at the thought of contributing to environmental waste with traditional notebooks?

If so, we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we’ve handpicked 5 Tested and Approved Eco-Friendly Notebooks & Journals tailored for your awesome scribbling needs.

Say goodbye to eco-guilt and hello to sustainable, stylish companions that not only address your passion for writing but also alleviate any environmental concerns.

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Top Picks: 5 Eco-Friendly Notebooks & Journals

1. VALERY Unique Writing Journal – Personalized Brown Vegan Leather Bound Notebook

Best for: Those seeking a cruelty-free and sustainable writing journal that makes for a perfect gift for friends, musicians, spouses, or individuals who appreciate a touch of elegance in their daily writing.

Elevate your journaling experience with the VALERY Unique Writing Journal, crafted from premium FAUX leather for a sustainable and cruelty-free alternative.

Here’s what makes this writing journal stand out:

Cruelty-Free Luxury

The brown vegan leather cover and tie offers a perfect replica of leather, making it an ideal gift for vegetarians, poets, artists, and environmentally conscious individuals.

Refillable & Practical

The removable cover houses a 185-page lined Small B6 notebook (4.8” x 6.6”) with 1 pen holder, 3 ribbon bookmarks, and 3 guide pages. The refillable nature makes it a versatile and long-lasting companion for travel, daily notes, diaries, or as a thoughtful gift for writers, authors, and teachers.

Thoughtful Design

Features like the pen holder, space for the date at the top of the pages, and multiple ribbon bookmarks add both functionality and charm to this writing journal.

Product Details

• Customer Ratings: 4.8 out of 5 stars (638 ratings)
• Item Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5.7 x 0.82 inches
• Color: Brown

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2. Limited Edition Harry Potter Notebook – Moleskine

Best for: Fans of Harry Potter seeking a limited edition Moleskine notebook with a durable cover, quality paper, and an enchanting design.

Unleash your inner wizard with the Limited Edition Harry Potter Notebook by Moleskine.

Here’s why this notebook is a magical addition to your collection:

Limited Edition Magic

Moleskine offers a series of limited-edition notebooks that capture the essence of beloved books, movies, and games including Harry Potter.

Durable Cover & Elastic Closure

Protect your writing projects and notes with the elastic closure band and inner storage folders. The leather-like cover ensures durability, while thick, ivory paper pages provide an excellent canvas for writing with fountain pens.

Forestry Practices Certification

Made with materials from well-managed forests, recycled materials, and/or other controlled wood sources. Certified by The Forest Stewardship Council, this notebook reflects a commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices.

Product Details

• Customer Ratings: 4.7 out of 5 stars (129 ratings)
• Brand: Moleskine
• Item Weight: 12 ounces
• Product Dimensions: 5.31 x 0.71 x 8.35 inches
• Color: Various

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3. 996DEMING Lined Journal Notebook

Best for:  Those seeking a high-quality, value-for-money lined journal notebook with deluxe thick paper.

Elevate your writing experience with the 996DEMING Lined Journal Notebook.

Here’s why this notebook is a fantastic choice:

Great Value for Money

This journal offers excellent value, featuring sewn binding (not glued), ensuring markers and different pens won’t bleed through pages.

Deluxe Thick Paper

Crafted with 100 gsm acid-free paper in cream color, providing a thicker and smoother writing surface compared to other notebooks.

Water-Resistant Vegan Leather Cover

The cover has a luxurious feel and is water-resistant. The rounded corners add a touch of elegance

Classic Colors

Designed in a variety of beautiful colors, each notebook offers a selection of page styles to suit your preferences.

Expandable Inner Pocket

Includes a practical expandable inner storage pocket to keep track of appointment cards, notes, receipts, and more.

Certified by The Forest Stewardship Council

This notebook is made with materials from well-managed forests, contributing to sustainable and responsible forestry practices.

Product Details

• Customer Ratings: 4.7 out of 5 stars (1,587 ratings)
• Brand: 996DEMING
• Item Weight: 3.53 ounces
• Package Dimensions: 8.46 x 5.98 x 1.34 inches

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4. Scribbles That Matter A5 Dotted Journal Notebook + Pen

Best for: Those in search of a top-notch A5 dotted journal with smooth, zero-bleeding “ghost-proof” paper.

Experience the excellence of the Scribbles That Matter A5 Dotted Journal Notebook + Pen.

Here’s why this journal stands out:

• Smooth, Zero Bleeding “Ghost-Proof” Paper: Enjoy a flawless writing experience with acid-free paper that is smooth, ghost-proof, and resistant to bleeding for most pens and markers.
• High-Quality Construction: The cover is made of soft faux vegan leather, providing a tactile and durable exterior. The pages feel smooth, and the elastic band is perfectly sized for secure closure.
• Optimal Organization: Features like a key code page, index pages, dotted numbered pages, and two color-coded bookmarks offer efficient and organized planning and note-taking.
• Environmental Commitment: Scribbles That Matter participates in the “One Tree Planted” campaign, contributing a portion of the proceeds to planting trees globally. Your purchase helps support environmental sustainability.

Product Details

• Customer Ratings: 4.8 out of 5 stars (9,578 ratings)
• Brand: Scribbles That Matter
• Item Weight: 14.9 ounces
• Product Dimensions: 5.71 x 0.71 x 8.27 inches

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5. ECOTREE Recycled Leather Notebook Journal

Best for: Those who love the leather look but still want it to be sustainable.

Unleash your creativity with the ECOTREE Recycled Leather Notebook Journal.

Here’s why this journal is a standout choice:

• Thick, Smooth Pages: The thick pages ensure a smooth and effortless writing experience, making it easy to jot down your thoughts and read your notes.
• Durable Bindings: The strong and well-stitched bindings guarantee the journal stays securely together, preventing pages from falling out.
• Recycled Leather: Crafted from soft, flexible, and stylish recycled leather, this notebook is not only comfortable to hold but also environmentally conscious.
• User-Friendly Design: The journal is easy to open and close, offering a pleasant feel in your hand.
• Gift-Worthy Packaging: Perfectly packaged, making it an excellent choice if you’re looking for a stylish and eco-friendly gift.

Product Details

• Customer Reviews: 5.0 out of 5 stars (4 ratings)
• Brand: ECOTREE
• Item Weight: 1.17 pounds
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.3 x 1.2 inches

Check this product out here.

Buyer’s Guide

What Makes An Eco-Friendly Journal

On one side, there’s the pure joy of journaling, a cherished ritual that breathes life into your thoughts and reflections. 

On the other side, there’s that subtle but persistent concern lingering in the background – the worry about the environmental impact of your cherished journaling habit.

But fear not, because in today’s increasingly eco-conscious society, there are many, many eco-friendly choices. 

The following qualities are what you can look out for:

• Sustainable Materials: Opt for journals made from responsibly sourced or recycled materials. Look for certifications like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) for a stamp of eco-responsibility.
• Recyclable or Biodegradable: Ensure that the journal and its packaging are recyclable or biodegradable, minimizing their impact on the environment.
• Ethical Manufacturing: Look for journals produced under ethical manufacturing conditions, promoting fair labor practices and worker well-being.
• Minimal Packaging: Go for journals with minimal, eco-friendly packaging. Less packaging means less waste and a smaller environmental footprint.
• Tree-Planting Initiatives: Some journals contribute to reforestation efforts. Check if the brand participates in tree-planting campaigns, adding a positive environmental touch to your purchase.
• Durability: Opt for journals with sturdy bindings and thick pages. A durable journal not only lasts longer but also reduces the need for frequent replacements.
• Certifications: Check for eco-friendly certifications or endorsements, ensuring that the journal aligns with recognized environmental standards.
• Vegetable-Based Inks: Choose journals that use vegetable-based inks, avoiding harmful chemicals and supporting a cleaner printing process.

Why Choose An Eco-Friendly Journal?

Choosing an eco-friendly journal can have several positive impacts on both individuals and the environment.

Here are some reasons why you might consider opting for an eco-friendly journal:

• Environmental Conservation: Eco-friendly journals are typically made from recycled or sustainable materials, reducing the demand for virgin resources. By choosing such a journal, you contribute to the conservation of forests and help minimize the environmental impact associated with paper production.
  
• Reduced Carbon Footprint: The production of traditional paper involves energy-intensive processes that release carbon emissions. Eco-friendly journals often use recycled paper and environmentally friendly manufacturing practices, which can result in a lower carbon footprint compared to conventional alternatives.
  
• Waste Reduction: Eco-friendly journals are often designed with recycling in mind, promoting a circular economy. When you’re done with the journal, it can be recycled, contributing to the reduction of waste in landfills.
  
• Support for Sustainable Practices: Choosing eco-friendly products sends a signal to manufacturers that there is a demand for sustainable options. This can encourage more companies to adopt environmentally friendly practices, fostering a shift towards a more sustainable market.
  
• Conscious Consumerism: Opting for an eco-friendly journal reflects a conscious choice to align your purchasing decisions with environmental values. It encourages mindful consumerism and promotes awareness about the ecological impact of everyday choices.
  
• Inspiration for Change: Using an eco-friendly journal can serve as a daily reminder to make sustainable choices in other aspects of your life. It can inspire you to adopt more environmentally friendly habits and contribute to a broader movement for positive change.

In summary, choosing an eco-friendly journal is a small but meaningful step towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious lifestyle. 

Is Moleskine Eco-Friendly?

Ah, the classic Moleskine. While not exactly an OG eco-warrior, they’ve got a cool limited edition of notebooks that align with green values and have a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification. 

So, while not entirely decked out in eco-friendly flair, Moleskine’s definitely taking steps to balance their notebook game with a touch of nature-loving charm.

Conclusion

Our journey through five eco-friendly gems has shown that style and sustainability can go hand in hand.

So, why settle for ordinary when you can make a statement with your scribbles? Choose an eco-friendly notebook—it’s not just about paper; it’s a stand for a greener, cooler world.