How Green Is It… To Buy Back-To-School Supplies?

by The Green Living Detective 2,039 views0

How Green Is It to buy back-to-school supplies

Lists of back-to-school supplies are usually very specific, often even listing brands and colors.

Unfortunately, you can’t really opt-out of school supplies. Making sure your kid is prepared is important and can take a bit of the burden off our already over-burdened teachers.

But with such specific instructions, what’s a green-minded parent to do?

Take your simple pen.

Since 1950, Bic has sold over 100 billion disposable pens, which could circle the globe 350 times. Or, take a sack lunch. One kid in one lunchroom can generate 67 pounds of waste a year. Add up schoolkids across America and that’s a lot of extra trash.

But the worst offender to the environment from back-to-school supplies is lurking inside, of course.

A recent study found phthalates (which have been linked to early onset puberty, diabetes, obesity, infertility, ADHD and asthma) in school supplies like lunchboxes, backpacks, binders and rain coats. In fact, 75% of school supplies contain phthalate levels that would be illegal if they were toys.

Green options are out there, if a little limited.

First, shop the nooks and cranny’s of your house, where you’re sure to find crayons, scissors, rulers, notebooks and pencils. Binders labeled in marker with last year’s subjects can be erased with a swipe of alcohol or a cute label.

Second-hand stores frequently have sections devoted to office and school supplies. When possible, buy good-quality supplies that will last.

An easy green solution is zero-waste lunches with reusable lunchboxes, water bottles, and reusable snack bags.

At the end of the year, hold on to those supplies you didn’t use. Reuse them next year, donate them, or give them to a family with younger kids.

So… How Green Is It To Buy Back-To-School Supplies?

Not-So-Green

Best Green Solution: Avoid any products made with PVC or vinyl, which likely will only be labeled with the classic recycling symbol with the number 3 inside it.

Don’t Be Tempted: Don’t give into your kids’ pleas to buy supplies plastered with trendy characters. They’re sure to outgrow their infatuation before the supplies are ready to be recycled.


Try one of these greener solutions…


 

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The Green Living Detective

One day, I just couldn't wash out the squishy peanut butter jar one more time. But I didn't know what was the most responsible way to get rid of it. So, I became the Green Living Detective. I spend the time doing rigorous research on green living questions so you don't have to. When I'm not the Green Living Detective, I am an environmental copywriter and mom of one kiddo who holds me to higher green living standards than I might do on my own. Progress Over Perfection, I keep telling her.

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