Independent stationery reviews · 100 products on the shelf · Updated October 2026

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Notebooks & Notepads

Decomposition Books Notebook

by Decomposition Books

8.5

Quill Pier score

  • Paper7.9
  • Binding8.2
  • Build8.8
  • Value8.1

The Decomposition Books notebook is a solid pick for anyone wanting a reliable, eco-conscious notebook that doesn't skimp on binding quality.

  • 100% recycled pages
  • Durable sewn binding
  • Eco-friendly design

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

what you get

Key features

  1. 01100% recycled pages (text block made from 100% post-consumer waste paper)
  2. 02Soy-based ink printing on cover and pages
  3. 03College-ruled or grid-ruled page options
  4. 04Sewn binding (not glued) for durability
  5. 05Made in the USA
  6. 06Variety of nature-inspired cover designs

the honest bit

Pros & cons

What we liked

  • Eco-friendly, recycled materials throughout
  • Sturdy sewn binding lies flat and holds up to daily use
  • Thick enough pages to minimize ink bleed-through for most pens
  • Charming, artistic covers that stand out from generic notebooks
  • Good size for backpacks, bags, or desks

What could be better

  • Paper has a slightly toothy texture that isn't ideal for fountain pens
  • Limited page count compared to some premium notebooks
  • No elastic closure or built-in bookmark
  • Cover material can show wear/creasing over heavy use

from our desk

Our Decomposition Books Notebook review

Decomposition Books have earned a devoted following among writers, students, and list-makers who want a notebook with a little more personality and conscience behind it. Made in the USA, these notebooks are crafted from 100% recycled paper, including a significant percentage of post-consumer waste, and printed with soy-based inks. The covers often feature whimsical, nature-inspired illustrations paired with punny titles that play on the idea of decomposition itself, turning something as mundane as a notebook into a small, cheeky piece of art. The tagline "Eco-friendly notebooks for tree-huggers and bookworms alike" captures the spirit of the brand perfectly, blending environmental responsibility with a sense of humor that makes the notebooks feel distinct from more clinical, corporate stationery options.

Functionally, the Decomposition Book is a workhorse. It typically comes in a large format, around 7.5 by 10 inches, with 160 pages of either ruled or graph paper, giving plenty of room for journaling, note-taking, sketching, or brainstorming without feeling cramped. The paper has a slightly toothy, matte texture that works well with pencil, gel pen, fountain pen, and most everyday writing tools, resisting excessive bleed-through while still having a tactile, natural feel that distinguishes it from glossy, bright-white commercial paper. The binding is a sturdy perfect-bound construction that lies reasonably flat when opened, and the soft, flexible cover makes the notebook easy to toss into a backpack, tote, or desk drawer without worrying about dents or cracked spines.

Beyond its practical qualities, the Decomposition Book has become something of a cult favorite in the stationery and planning world because it manages to feel both unpretentious and thoughtfully designed. It's popular with students who want an affordable, reliable notebook for class notes, with creative professionals who appreciate the large page size for sketching or outlining projects, and with anyone who simply enjoys browsing the ever-expanding library of cover designs, from forest animals to vegetables to constellations. Because each notebook is produced with an eye toward sustainability without sacrificing durability or usability, it appeals to people who want their everyday tools to reflect their values. As a staple in the Notebooks category of stationery and planners, the Decomposition Book offers a dependable, good-humored alternative to more generic notebooks, proving that eco-conscious design and everyday practicality can comfortably share the same page.

how it stacks up

Compared with top notebooks

ProductBest atPaperBindingBuildQP scoreOpen
Decomposition Books NotebookThis review100% recycled pages7.98.28.88.5
Moleskine Classic NotebookMoleskineElastic closure band9.09.19.59.4
Leuchtturm1917 NotebookLeuchtturm1917Numbered pages with index9.38.89.19.3
Rhodia WebnotebookRhodiaSmooth fountain-pen-friendly paper9.19.38.69.1

The verdict

Our verdict

The Decomposition Books notebook is a solid pick for anyone wanting a reliable, eco-conscious notebook that doesn't skimp on binding quality. Its recycled paper and sewn construction make it a durable, guilt-free daily companion, though pen enthusiasts using wet nibs may want to test the paper first.

8.5
Decomposition Books NotebookQuill Pier score 8.5 / 10
Check price