Eco-Friendly School Supplies

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Looking for safer, non-toxic, and eco-friendly school supplies? There are a lot of great options now that are available in stores or online.

Toxic chemicals have been found in school supplies, including asbestos in crayons. That’s not what you want to send back to school with your kids.

There are better options both for your kids and the planet. Many office supply stores are starting to carry these safer options or you can get the options below online.

Paper and Notebooks

Look for notebooks and paper made of recycled paper or tree-free options like sugarcane. There are many great options so you are sure to find something that your kids like.

Make sure to also choose recycled and unbleached tissues and paper towels.

Pencils and Pens

Look for pencils and pens made from recycled materials. These have become popular and easier to find. Look for plain wooden pencils without paint and coatings. If your kids want less plain pencils seek out eco-friendly options that use recycled materials in place of paint for the designs.

Binders

Binders are normally made of toxic PVC, skip those and opt for cardboard instead. Not only are they safer for you and the planet, but they can also be recycled when you are done with them. If you want a plastic option, be sure it’s PVC-free.

Art Supplies

Look for school glue which is water based and safer than super glue and other glues. Also look for crayons made from soy wax, natural clay (most clay is made of PVC), water based paints, and other more natural options. If nothing else look for water based products and stay away from scented products.

Markers

Stay away from dry-erase and permanent markers, which can contain harsh solvents. Also, stay away from scented markers as they often contain phthalates and also encourage children to sniff them. For highlighters look for a pencil highlighter.

Hand Sanitizer

This is not an item that was on a supply list for most of us as kids but is common place now. Most hand sanitizers contain toxins like triclosan, triclocarban and/or synthetic fragrance. Opt for ones free of these things.

If nothing else remember to stay away from scented products, avoid extra plastic, look for water-based products, and go as basic as you can. Fewer frills can often mean less waste and fewer toxins (this is not always true but often is).

Another place you will find toxins at school is in lunch boxes, some even have lead. Check out this list of non-toxic eco-friendly lunch boxes for safer options.