Guide to non-toxic & eco-friendly school supplies including crayons, markers, glue, lunch gear, backpacks, hand sanitizers and more.
Boxes of #2 pencils. A lifetime supply of hand sanitizer. A new backpack filled with crayons, markers, glue, notebooks…..The dreaded school supply list. Do you have yours yet?
Why Should We Worry About School Supplies?
First of all, I want to be clear that most school supplies are reasonably safe for our kids to use. We do have regulations in place such as The Labeling of Hazardous Art Materials Act that mandates all art supplies with hazardous chronic effects have a warning label, and the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act that tightened regulations on children’s art materials.
However, these regulations can not ensure complete protection. School supplies that contain some very toxic chemicals have been slipping through the cracks. A recent study by U.S. Pirg that included lab testing of products, found toxic chemicals in quite a few common school supplies:
- asbestos (a known carcinogen) in crayons
- phthalates (linked to hormone and developmental problems) in 3-ring binders
- benzene (a probable carcinogen) in dry-erase markers
- lead (a neurotoxin) in children’s water bottles
Plus we have to consider the environmental impact of school supplies – so much paper, plastic and disposables! Clearly we should be paying closer attention to the school supplies we are buying each year.
Resources for Non-Toxic & Eco-Friendly School Supplies
I may receive commissions from purchases made through links in this article. Full Disclosure
The good news is that eco-friendly and non-toxic school supplies can be found in many stores these days! However, if I were to recommend one type of store to avoid, it would be dollar stores or other bargain basement type stores. Why? In the study referenced above, many of the products containing harmful chemicals came from these types of stores. I think the pressure to create extremely cheap products leads to dangerous material choices – like the lead and asbestos that’s been found in some school supplies. It’s maddening!
Here are some online stores that I trust for good quality eco-friendly school supplies:
Amazon (Here’s my back-to-school shopping list)
RELATED: Non-Toxic Art Supplies for Worry Free Creativity
Favorite Non-Toxic & Eco-Friendly School Supplies
Let’s take a fresh look at that school supply list and find ways to make it safer for our kids and better for the planet.
Backpacks
Avoid PVC plastic at all costs. Opt for natural materials like cotton or hemp if possible but durable nylon and polyester (especially if recycled) are very good options. Invest in a high-quality backpack vs. one that will fall apart after one year of use.
Terra Thread Organic Cotton Backpack
Sidekick Backpack made from recycled polyester and nylon
Fluf Organic Cotton Laptop Backpack
United by Blue Recycled Poly Backpack
Lunch Boxes
Look for durable, PVC-free lunch bags and lunch boxes that will last more than one season.
RELATED: Good Reasons to Buy Non-Toxic Products for Home & Life
Zero Waste Lunch Gear
Stock up on reusable lunch containers and snack bags as a replacement for plastic baggies and plastic wrap. Invest in a stainless steel water bottle. Try to minimize waste in your lunch as much as possible!
Jaq Jaq Bird Reusable Snack Pouch
Lunchbots Stainless Steel Food Container
UKonserve Stainless Steel Snack Containers
Safe Sporter Stainless Steel Water Bottle
BONUS: find lots more reusable lunch containers and reusable snack bags here!
Notebooks, Paper & Binders
Buy paper, notebooks and binders make with recycled paper or paper from sustainable sources. Look for 3-ring binders without a plastic cover (or clearly labeled PVC-free).
Sugarcane Paper 3-Subject Notebook
Pencils & Pens
Pencils made from recycled materials or wood from sustainably managed forests, and pens made from recycled plastic are better for the environment.
Sustainable Wood Sprout Pencils
Ticonderoga Recycled #2 Pencils
Colorful Recycled Newspaper Pencils
Eco Friendly Highlighter Pencils
Markers, Crayons & Chalk
Definitely avoid cheap crayons which may be laced with asbestos (as mentioned above). Beeswax and soy crayons are nice alternatives. Water based markers are best, but if you must buy permanent markers, make sure they are free from xylene, toluene, and other VOCs.
Miscellaneous School Supplies
Most school glue is pretty safe but a plant-based version is better for the planet. Look for recycled versions of common school supplies like paper clips, erasers and scissors. If you must buy hand sanitizer, get a non-toxic brand.
Non-Toxic Hand Sanitizer Spray
Non-Toxic Hand Sanitizer Wipes
What are your favorite eco-friendly school supply sources? Please share in the comments!
Laurel Tincher says
What a great eco-friendly gift guide! Essentially avoid PVC supplies– those items will last way longer anyway! I found some cute reusable snack containers on Amazon, so not only can we be sustainable, but look cute doing it :). Love your blog and this article was so helpful! Thanks
Micaela says
So glad you found it helpful Lauren!