What You Can Do Goes Back To School

It’s starting to get darker outside earlier, leaves are starting to turn and kids are back in school (or heading back soon) in towns all around the country.  

August is almost over and fall is coming. Back to school time always means new pencils, books and other gear for the start of a new school year. While a shopping trip is a fun tradition, reusing supplies from past years can save money and keep trash out of the landfill. Sprucing up an old backpack or adding new erasers to old pencils can give life to items that you already own.

However sometimes repurposing old items is not possible and we have to buy new for back to school. Fortunately there are some great eco-friendly options to consider when shopping - check out the ideas below:

Eco-friendly backpacks

These adorable kids backpacks come in a variety of styles and are PVC-free, made from natural cotton canvas and rope materials. "The buttons and buckles on this bag are made from recycled plastic parts and sustainable wood parts. All colored materials used in the construction of this bag are treated with toxic-free dyes.” Check them out here for your little ones:

https://www.theultimategreenstore.com/p-1939-ecozoo-cotton-kids-backpacks-36.aspx

Reusable Lunch Boxes

School lunches are a BIG part of the daily school life routine. Consider getting one of these cool bento box reusable lunch boxes. These little guys keep food warm or cold and by reusing everyday, you are not throwing away bags and packaging.   Check them out here: http://www.omielife.com

Pencils

Pencils are a way of life when it comes to back to school.  Everyone needs pencils. This school year consider finding a pencil that is eco-friendly like these recycled newspaper pencils from Treesmart. Not only are they useful for homework but they are also super cute!  Check them out for you kids here:

http://www.treesmart.com/TSPStore/product-category/newspaper-pencils-qty-discounts/

Paper

Everyone needs paper and binders for school. So why not choose from a variety of recycled binder paper or recycled loose leaf paper. The ultimate green store has a variety of options that you should check out!  

http://www.theultimategreenstore.com/s-225-recycled-notebooks-paper.aspx

Reusable Water Bottles

Staying hydrated during the school week is so important! Check out Mama Missy's absolute favorite kids' water bottle made by CamelBak. Small, portable, virtually unbreakable, BPA free and with an easy hook on the top for little fingers to hold. This reusable water bottle is a must! Check out all the design options here:  http://shop.camelbak.com/kids-water-bottles/l/209   

Erasers

Everyone makes mistakes. Why not erase them away with these recycled rubber erasers. Check out these cute and easy to hold erasers made from other recycled rubber products.  Check them out here:

http://www.greenbackpack.com/products/pencils-pens/recycled-rubber-erasers-2-pack/  

Back to school time is an exciting adventure.  

Make sure to keep things green and eco-friendly with some of these great options.  

And comment below and tell us how you go green for back to school.

Cheers!  Mama Missy