Our Zero-Waste Binder is the last binder you’ll ever need. If you need to refresh the cover, remove and recycle the original, and replace with a new cover. We sell this product as a kit because if the end-user doesn't assemble it themselves, the concept of removing and replacing the cover will be overlooked and the binder will eventually be thrown away like every other binder since forever.
Assembly takes about 5 minutes and a Phillips-head screwdriver.
VIDEO: How to build a binder
Binder covers are: 100% Recycled Cover 100% Recyclable Cover Made in the U.S. in a wind-powered factory.
Binder Spine: 1 3/4"
Metal D-Ring: 1"
Length x Width: 11 1/2" x 10 1/2" Cardboard Thickness: 1/8"
*Kraft box is an optional add on The box explains the kit, and why our company is named after an albatross.
The act of assembling our binder is intended to imprint the repairability of the product, as well as to spur thought about waste and product design.
2021 increased costs: Recycled Pulp / Raw Materials, Manufacturing, Transportation, Packaging, Labor
Zero-Waste Binder Kit Includes: Pre-Drilled Cover 1" Binder Mechanism 2 Posts + 2 Screws 1 Set of Binder 5-Tab Dividers 1 Slash Pocket Folder How-To Instructions
If Wisdom Binders were pre-assembled, the replaceable, recyclable cover feature would be overlooked, and the binders would continue to be landfilled once they were worn out.
"A vinyl binder is cheaper and more durable." That is so true.
Also true: Cheaper and "more durable" are catching up to us with a vengeance.
Vinyl is more durable, as in forever. Once vinyl binders are produced, they're here for the longest of hauls. For what, storing papers?!
Vinyl binders are made of permanently affixed mixed-materials and therefore are not recycled in any meaningful capacity and never will be.
Binder recycling schemes exist to encourage the continued guilt-free purchase of more vinyl binders, meanwhile, tens of thousands of tons of these binders end up as landfillS every year.
*Every vinyl binder ever made still exists in some form. Vinyl binder take-back programs do little more than encourage continued purchasing of more plastic and vinyl waste (that's the point).
**Cardboard binders without replaceable covers are considered “mixed materials waste” and are destined for landfill.
***Nothing “composts” in a landfill - whatever goes in permanently increases to the larger toxic mass.
Waste is a design flaw.
How-to-Binder in reverse:
+ Lay binder open/flat
+ Un-screw 3-ring mechanisms
+ Flip cover over (logo facing up)
+ Push down to pop posts out from binder cover
+ Place binder cover in paper/cardboard recycling
+ Keep all binder hardware for new replacement cover
RETURNS
Free within 30 days of receipt.
If there is an issue with your purchase, please reach out so we can make it right.
SHIPPING
Orders typically packed within 24-48 hours Monday - Friday.
Orders ship via USPS or UPS. Shipping prices are the actual rates we pay (the true cost of shipping from Northern CA. - Sorry Maine!). As we grow, we will negotiate more favorable shipping rates, but for now, we pack every order (plastic-free), load up our cars, and deliver to a post office in a nearby town because our local Post Office refuses to accept or pick up the “large” number of packages we have outgoing on a normal basis.
Thanks for your patience while we navigate how to scale what we’re doing!
My 7-year-old assembled his own binder following the included directions. He loves it and it holds up to the kind of love offered by a child!
I bought the 3-pack with tab inserts and I love the clean and simple esthetic of them. Feels so good to know I am supporting a small business that cares for the planet.
Beautiful simple design and easy to use. The instructions were clear and I was able to put it together with no problem.
The binders are beautifully sturdy and super easy to put together. I would definitely recommend!!
Great quality and really loved the intention of packaging. We will be purchasing more in the near future.
Introducing the newest edition to our favorite set of zero-waste writing essentials -
Climate Beneficial Alpaca Husher: Shorn from alpaca raised and farmed as part of intentional soil and ecological restoration programs. Undyed / 100% Compostable.
*Produced in small bacthes - limited quantities avaialble
New features based on teacher survey feedback:
+ Monthly At-A-Glance Expanded to two page spread accompanied with a full notes page
+ Months visually tabbed to easily flip to current month
+ 6 columns per weekday - 3 columns per weekend day
+ Optional header line for subjects
+ Perforated corners
Highly requested additional note pages.
We received a number of requests for additional notes pages in the Weekly Planner, but this year the page count was increased a full 16 pages due to the inclusion of monthly spreads throughout the book. Adding 4 more notes pages (requires increments of 4) pushed it beyond our wallet zone with paper availability scarce, and costs at record highs.