Green Supplies for the New School Year
Whether it’s rushing to eat their breakfast, hurrying to cram for that quiz, or asking for help with their math homework…it is officially that time again! With school almost in session and supply shopping in full swing, it can be tempting to turn a blind eye towards environmentally friendly and health conscious supplies in order to save a couple of pennies– so we at the Purple Fig are here to provide easy and convenient alternatives in order to keep your kiddo (and the earth) safe and toxin-free!
What Are Popular Products Made Of?
Large chain stores and popular market brands know that their appeal lies in their affordability, placing tantalizing “low price” signs and sale bins mid-aisle in order to lure in customers. Their affordability, however, is just about the only positive thing about these products!
Your child comes into contact with countless objects during an average school day- most of which are manufactured with artificial, non-natural materials such as vinyl and plastic -and seemingly harmless items like their backpacks and binders aren’t exceptions to the toxins. According to a 2012 study by the Center for Health, Environment, & Justice:
75% of children’s school supplies tested in a laboratory had elevated levels of toxic phthalates, including popular Disney, Spiderman, and Dora branded school supplies such as vinyl lunchboxes, backpacks, 3-ring binders, raincoats, and rainboots.
Phthalates, which are used to make plastics more soft and flexible, are chemicals that were banned from children’s toy manufacturing due to their connection with health issues (asthma, obesity, and ADHD for example) and developmental disorders. Because the phthalates do not form a strong bond to plastic, the chemicals have the likely potential of rubbing off or getting ingested by the user– in this case, a child. Concerns about the chemicals’ presence in lunch boxes, in particular, are rising.
Bottom line: the higher your awareness of the nature of product manufacturing, the more you’ll be able to prevent your kiddo from coming into contact with harmful chemicals!
Eco-Friendly Supplies
Looking for a safe and earth friendly alternative to that binder or set of pencils? Look no further! There is an array of eco-friendly school supplies, from elementary to college, awaiting your discovery!
- Notebooks from Recycled, Upcycled, and Sustainable Materials
Banana Paper Recycled Notebooks
Rock Paper Notebooks (made with limestone)
This journal is recycled from Panda poo!
Recycled & Odorless Poo Poo Paper
100% Recycled and Post-Consumer Recycled Notebook
2. Recycled Writing & Coloring Utensils
3. Crafts and Supplies
4. For the Cafeteria
BPA-Free Stainless Steel Bento Box
Upcycled Capri Sun Lunch Pouch
Biodegradable Non-Toxic Ice Packs
5. Bag Swagger
Kids EcoGear Backpacks (made without PVC & recyclable)
Engage Green Recycled PET Penguin Messenger Bags
EcoGear Bags for the Upperclassman or Collegiate
Engage Green Recycled PET Backpacks
GreenSmart Laptop Carrying Bag
Engage Green Slim Fit Laptop Bags
Even More Eco-Friendly Goodies!
Browse these other selections and/or consider these suggestions for your growing list of green school supplies:
- Bamboo rulers instead of unsustainable plastic
- Tried and true No.2 pencils instead of a wasteful 100-pack of mechanical pencils (we all know they wind up in the trash after one use!)
- Eco Staple-Free Stapler
- Reusable eating utensils instead of disposable, harmful, one-use plastic utensils
- Reusable snack bags instead of one-use plastic bags
- MORE Lunchbox possibilities: Stainless Steel Bento with Silicone Lid, EcoZoo Lunchboxes, Mighty Nest Lunch Totes, Insulated Lunch Tote…