January is over, and so is the free trial period for the new year. By now, some people have fallen off the wagon when it comes to their resolutions, some are consistently meeting their goals, and others fall somewhere in between. Its not an easy journey, especially as we go further into the year, but one tried and tested strategy has always been to write things down somewhere, whether theyre to-dos, meeting notes, or sparks of inspiration.Despite the prevalence of computers, smartphones, and the apps that run on them, there is still a very strong desire to write things by hand. Theres an undeniable allure to the tactile experience of writing with a pen or some similar implement, and there are plenty of studies on its benefits to the mind and soul. But as much as we may love pen and paper in their various forms, there will always be some nagging voice in our heads that points to the potential harm this activity could do to the planet in the long run.Although biodegradable and sustainable, paper isnt quickly replenished, especially if more trees are cut down than are replanted. Fortunately, there are now options that deliver that same handwriting experience but with less waste. Here are five of the best notebook alternatives to accompany the environment-conscious scribbler and doodler in their lifes adventures this 2025.Rocketbook EverlastHave you ever dreamed of a notebook that never runs out of paper? Short of actual magic or a Star Trek replicator, the closest well possibly get is a notebook that you can reuse over and over again ad infinitum. Thats the idea behind the Rocketbook Everlast series of notebooks, allowing you to easily erase writings on a page by simply wiping them off.Designer: RocketbookThe Everlast follows the often-ridiculed Rocketbook Wave that required you to microwave the whole notebook to erase everything inside, almost like a scene from some spy flick or crime procedural. Rocketbook now lets you erase individual pages or even just a portion of a page, just as you would do with pencil marks on paper. Be sure to sync your notes to the cloud before you do so, however, which is part of the appeal of this analog-digital hybrid notebook.The secret to the Rocketbooks magical ability is a special kind of paper-like surface that works in tandem with Pilots FriXion line of erasable pens, though you only need a damp cloth to wipe off the ink. The other half of Rocketbooks secret sauce, however, is a mobile app that not only takes a picture of a page but also automatically uploads it to your cloud storage of choice. It promises the best of both worlds if youre fine with writing on something thats too smooth to feel like real paper.What We LikeHaving practically an infinite number of pages to use.Available in different sizes with different printed templates.Rocketbook app adds digital features and cloud storage integrationWhat We DislikeSmooth surface doesnt feel like paper.Relies on specialized pens that may be discontinued.Optionally relies on an app and service that may be discontinued.Personal WhiteboardIf Rocketbook feels too much like a whiteboard, then why not just use a whiteboard directly? This simple yet effective solution lets you do exactly that, offering a notebook-sized whiteboard you can take with you anywhere. Plus, it looks just as stylish as those premium paper notebooks, so you dont have to feel awkward about carrying a whiteboard around under your arms.This personal whiteboard presents a straightforward writing space that removes any and all friction in writing down your thoughts. Simply flip open the cover, uncap your marker, and start writing. It doesnt get easier than that. And when youre done or need more space, simply wipe it off with that same cover and youre ready to go to the next page. And yes, do remember to take a picture first, in case you want to save those scribbles for later.Admittedly, you only ever get one page, but its a page that never ends, theoretically speaking. As a proper whiteboard, you can also use this notebook to explain and illustrate, or just set up reminders to yourself to glance at on your desk. Its an ultra-minimalist approach to writing down notes, one that embraces simplicity yet still sparks joy in every stroke.Click Here to Buy Now: $49.00What We LikeWorks with any dry-erase or whiteboard marker.Cover acts as an eraser and built-in stand.Can be easily propped up to read notes or share information.What We DislikeYou can only write on one page at a time.Cover might accidentally erase the whiteboard while closed.Paper SaverPaper Saver is less of a notebook and more of a mindset that encourages the reuse of paper to minimize waste. But yes, its also a proper notebook with beautiful minimalist covers to house your thoughts and ideas. Even better, it is pushing the use of paper that feels like paper but isnt the paper youre quite used to.Paper Saver is basically a cover that lets you insert used sheets of paper and use their backsides as clean new pages to write on. Rather than throwing them away, simply use the clean side of those sheets until theyre also filled and ready to be thrown out or composted if possible. Its a system that makes sure that no sheet of paper is truly wasted, reducing the need for new paper every time.Designer: Paper SaverIf you do like to use fresh new sheets on both sides, however, Paper Savers Stone Paper refills are the way to go. Instead of cutting down trees to make new paper, this revolutionary material is made from 80% recycled limestone or marble sourced from industry cutoffs. It saves trees, saves water, and is safer to throw away because of its acid-free and bleach-free composition.What We LikeEncourages a mentality of paper reuse.Promotes stone paper as a replacement for tree-sourced paper.Scratch-resistant premium vegan leather covers both outside and inside.What We DislikePaper might get loose from binding.Not much size varietyDingbatsIf you really prefer to go down the traditional bound notebook route, you might as well grab one thats designed with sustainability in mind from day one. Whether its the paper inside or the covers, Dingbats is offering a product that isnt just safe for the environment but also respects the health and welfare of animals as well.Those fancy leather notebook covers you admire on other products? They might be made using harmful chemicals in the process. Dingbats faux leather variety, however, is non-toxic and fully degrade after 10 years. The notebooks also dont use animal-based adhesives, probably making it the only 100% vegan notebook in town.Designer: DingbatsAs for the paper, they are indeed sourced from trees, but these trees are either replaced or allowed to regrow. Dingbats does its best to promote a culture of using renewable and recyclable materials, down to the pens that it sells.What We LikeTraditional bound notebook experience with a sustainability focus.FSC-certified and 100% vegan friendly.What We DislikeYoull probably end up buying more notebooks in the long run.Pens still use a bit of plasticreMarkable Paper ProOK, technically this isnt a notebook in the traditional sense, but the reMarkable Paper Pro is one that comes the closest to delivering that experience on an electronic device. Although its technically an E Ink tablet similar to the Amazon Kindle Scribe or Onyx BOOX devices, its simpler and more streamlined feature set is oriented more towards taking notes and replicating the experience of writing with pen and paper as much as possible.Although you can definitely load eBooks on it, reMarkables software is less open compared to that of Onyx BOOX but is also more accommodating than any Kindle. Its focus is on the note-taking experience, with a stylus that feels like a real pen and a writing surface that tries its best to mimic the texture of paper. Its still glass, of course, but it has that scratchiness that stylophiles swoon over.Designer: RemarkableWhat the reMarkable Paper Pro brings to the table is a writing experience that isnt limited by physical pages and physical media. You can exercise more freedom in what you can add to your notes, from images to hyperlinks, and have an infinite number of pages available. It does come with all the downsides of electronic devices, particularly the need to charge it once in a while, but it also carries the advantages of easy searchability, backups, and mixed media flexibility.What We LikeThe closest youll get to a digital paper experience.Focused on note-taking and handwriting experiences.Strong sustainability initiative.What We DislikeLike any electronic device, it needs to be recharged eventually.Overall carbon footprint is not negligible.Only one size is available.The post Top 5 Eco-Friendly Notebooks to Boost Your Productivity in 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design.