With it almost being August, my children are already are getting excited, even though its a month away. Their favorite time of year is when we get to go school shopping for what ever supplies they will need that year.

Here is a list of things you can buy your children when heading back to school, and remain green at the same time!

Notebooks: When looking for notebooks, or filler paper for binders buy the brand that has the highest amount of post consumer waste percentage. Mead has come out with a recycled notebook, and you can also buy recycled filler paper. The stapes website has an eco-easy page that lets you find earth friendly products. However, when I was looking for paper, while they were labeled eco-easy, they did not mention if they were recycled, so if you head to Staples, you might want to check that out. 

Pens & Pencils: When looking for these, you might want to buy what is cheapest (and naturally not so eco-friendly) for the child that will lose a whole pack of pencils in one week. But if your child is old enough to really take care of their things, you might want to consider some eco-friendly alternatives. Pencils are technically eco-friendly because wood is a renewable resource, but if green pencils are still for you check out Forest Choice or Paper Mates Earth Write pencil, made from recycled newspaper. As for pens, try these Biodegradable Corn Pens or check out the Green Earth Office Supply website for many other options. 

Folders & Binders: Sustainable Group makes cardboard binders and folders.

Crayons & Markers: Crayons are typically made from paraffin was, a petroleum based product but Prang makes some out of soybeans. Crayola products are AP certified nontoxic, and 90% of their packaging is made form recycled cardboard.

Other: 3-M makes sticky notes from recycled paper. Eco Glue makes a glue that is made in a Earth friendly way, however I don't think it is good for children's use. (Let me know if you find some eco-friendly glue sticks!)

Lunch Bags/Boxes:  Any reusable lunch box or bag is a better alternative than the brown bag, but if you are looking for that extra eco-friendliness check out these brands: Laptop Lunches Ecobags.com Reusablebags.com

Backpacks: Try to look for backpacks made from organic cotton, hemp, or recycled rubber, there are many sites online that sell them.

 When you go shopping for school supplies, be sure to keep the use of the product and the age of your child in mind. Young children might be more apt to lose more expensive, but eco-friendly products, while older children might not and also think they are trendy. 

And lastly, the best solution to not buying new things, is to save them from one year to another. Encourage your children to do this and it will save you time and money! 

If you find any other products let me know!  

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