Originally Published August 15, 2012   Today eco-friendly means 
much more than just recycling a few newspapers and plastic bottles. It employs considerations that not only do not harm our environment but also maintain the natural order of things. For example, notecards and invitations made from hemp – a sustainable material that regenerates itself, has a quick growth pattern and needs zero pesticides or fertilizers to grow; or soy-based inks and natural dyes for printing and coloring – these are resources from nature that do not add to the carbon footprint. Also greatly reducing the carbon footprint is the use of post-consumer materials like recycled paper being used for ‘new’ product production.
With protection of natural resources an ever increasing concern we all need to do our part to lower our carbon footprint and put less of a strain on the environment. With over 50 million US children heading back to school this fall it’s overwhelming to think of the amount of school supplies needed along with environmental thoughts of how many trees it will take for all the paper and pencil supplies. Green practices need to be a part of the product choice when doing back to school shopping. For those who are earth aware there are school supplies offered that fit the bill for green thinking and kid attractive. Following are suggestions for several eco supplies to look for while doing back to school shopping;
- Pencils made from FSC-certified re-forested wood. This warranty insures the wood used is obtained from renewable and sustainable sources, contributing to the preservation of the environment.
- Crayons made from natural beeswax eliminating the use of any petroleum-based substances.
- Notebooks and Notebook Paper made from natural hemp- a sustainable quick growing material needing no pesticides to grow.
- Paper Pads and Paper Rolls made from post-consumer recycled materials including newsprint.
- Book Bags made from organic cotton produced without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.
- Pencil Cases made from post-consumer recycled materials.
- Lunch Kits including carry all and sandwich bags made from reusable organic cotton, and containers and water bottles made from reusable stainless steel.
- Kids Fashions including shirts pants and dresses made from organic fibers such as organic cotton and bamboo.
- Kids Personal Care Products including shampoos, soaps and skin lotions from organic and all natural ingredients.
With the availability of a large selection of eco products currently on the market it’s easy to keep green while arming your child with supplies needed for the start of school. The life of a parent can be extremely hectic especially during back to school preparations. By shopping on-line for that one place that provides a large selection of needed items, the earth savvy parent can readily track down environmentally friendly back to school supplies while shopping in the convenience and comfort of their own home.
