Originally Published August 19, 2013 While getting ready for the 
start of a new school year, keep in mind the enjoyment received from Mother Earth during summer vacation. While making choices for back to school supplies, carry earth saving ideas forward and search out products made from post consumer recycled materials – like paper, newsprint, and plastic; sustainable fibers – like hemp, bamboo, and modal; organic cotton; and stainless steel.
In the US about 33 million tons of plastic is discarded every year. With almost 86 percent finding way into landfills and taking a million years to decompose, new products made from recycled plastic are a better environmental choice. Having a high recycle rate, stainless steel is a long life material that is 100 percent recyclable. Production of stainless steel also leaves a low carbon footprint. Current technological and energy conservation improvements have decreased the amounts of both natural resources and energy used in its production. Organic growing methods and sustainable materials assure natural resources are not depleted or damaged. Eliminating the use of toxic chemicals for pesticides and fertilizers, organic cotton products are not only better for the environment but are also healthier for humans. Resources like hemp and bamboo do not require fertilizers or pesticides to grow. They easily replenish themselves while adding nutrients back into the soil. Better for the health of individuals and environment, ecofriendly school supplies are worth the search. Here is a list of the top 5 ecofriendly ideas for your child to carry into the new school year.
1. Make sure they’re prepared for any subject with ecofriendly stationery and supplies. Post-consumer recycled paper recycled paper newsprint used for art rolls, doodling pads, and even pencils tout ‘save the earth, recycle’. Journal books and spiral notebooks made from sustainable materials like hemp and sugar cane fibers, let teacher know they’re prepared while being considerate of the environment. Don’t forget the natural beeswax crayons and reforested wood pencils so they can earn some extra credit!
2. Some may think lunch is the most important part of the school day! And for 
thinking ‘green’ it is right up there. Packing their lunch in a reusable stainless steel lunch box set and using a stainless steel water/drink bottle says a lot for the green effort. Reusable organic cotton lunch sacks and totes from recycled materials are also good choices for packing up all those goodies. Complete the effort with reusable or disposable bamboo utensils.
3. Get ready to carry home the books. Ecofriendly backpacks, book bags, totes, coin purses, and pencils cases made from post-consumer recycled materials handle the job quite well with no extra strain on the environment.
4. Part of the back to school fun is new clothes! Have them look their best while being earth friendly with organic clothing for children. Socks, undies, tops, tees, and dresses made from organic cotton, bamboo, and hemp keep them and Mother Earth looking their best.
5. No harm in schmoozing the teacher! An “I’m happy to be back to school†
teacher gift is just the thing. Natural garden seed paper boxes or tins, organic floral sachet, natural roll on perfume, or organic lavender hand cream, are perfect to deliver the message. Wrap it up with recycled paper gift wrap and add a plant-able note card and they’re all set to meet the teacher.
Back to school is the perfect time to teach the importance of taking action to save our environment. Using ecofriendly school supplies extends awareness and displays consideration for the well-being of Mother Earth.
