BABY GOT BACKPACK

It’s that time of year again. Summer is coming to an end, and school will be back in session before we know it. We've gathered together a list of eco-friendly school supplies to get your pre-schoolers to high-schoolers back to school in style, all the while being kind to our planet.

Backpacks: Avoid backpacks made of nylon or new plastics, especially PVC (vinyl), and look instead for bags made from recycled materials or natural materials, such as hemp (pictured here). EcoBodyWear has great hemp options, while Simple Shoes offers bags with eco-friendly features such as recycled PET straps and coconut buttons.

Notebooks: One free way to be kind to the earth and your wallet is to dig out those old notebooks from last year, and carry over any unused paper to this year’s folders and notebooks. When new paper is needed, choose recycled paper made from post-consumer waste, the market for which prevents used paper from going into landfills. Staples and Office Max both offer recycled paper and notebooks, or try EcoJot’s stylin' notebooks, made from 100 percent post-consumer waste and vegetable-based dyes.

Pens and Pencils: Mechanical pencils are a good choice, since they can be reused, but tree-free pencils are the eco-friendly option. Look for disposables made from recycled materials, such as old denim or newsprint. For pens, refillable ones are a better choice since they produce less waste, but many options exist for disposable pens, as well. Look for pens that have been made from recycled materials. Big brand Pilot has gotten in on the act with their BeGreen line of pens, made from recycled materials.

Lunch Boxes: Hold the brown bag. If possible, pack your school lunches in reusable bags with reusable containers. Try Kids Konserve for all-in-one options.

Back to school can be fun, fashionable and friendly-for-Earth! Let us know your favorite school supplies or any other tips that you and your kids are using this year. And stayed tuned this week for more reusable lunch/snack options and a fabulous back to school give-a-way!

xx S+S