Water that tastes like plastic or metal? Not so awesome. Bottles from LIFEFACTORY eliminate the funk in your beverage--and your share of the massive waste bottled- water companies produce. These sturdy glass containers, wrapped in a colorful silicone sleeve, are BPA-free, comfortable to hold, and available in a range of sizes with two lid options: a sport-style top or a classic wide mouth. $20 to $25, lifefactory.com

Prefer to use a battery-free notebook? The stylish cardboard journals from MIQUELRIUS are made from 100 percent postconsumer waste. Featuring 140 or 240 pages separated into four sections, with three-hole punches and perforations for tidy page removal, the whole notebook--including the spiral--is recyclable, so you can keep the virtuous cycle going even after you've aced your class. $9 to $10, shopmiquelrius.com

Calculators were pioneers in the solar-powered-product sector. And now, taking things up a fraction is CANON's F-719SG Scientific Calculator, made from 100 percent recycled plastic. With 302 functions and 38 built-in formulas (plus a protective case), you'll be able to deduce your eco-footprint with celerity. $16, usa.canon.com

You won't feel like a crash test dummy with KEEN's Harvest III Backpack, which is made from never-deployed airbags "harvested" from used cars. A bit of upcycling magic turns them into durable, water-resistant, U.S.-made daypacks perfect for toting textbooks and tablets. Internal pockets and 1,400 cubic inches of space keep your key bits in order. $120, keenfootwear.com

Cut down on single-use bags and packaging with stainless-steel Three-in-One containers by ECOLUNCHBOX. The compact bento box has a lower compartment that can hold a small sandwich; the upper tray is perfect for carrying things like cut fruit or salad. This is reusability at its shiny, plastic-free, dishwasher-safe best. $25, ecolunchboxes.com