2020 Back to (Home?) School Guide
Home schooling, distance learning… call it what you want but many kids - mine included- will be starting the new school year at home this year.
Am I terrified? A bit - I have two elementary aged boys and it was not easy to balance both kid’s school work, zoom calls with my own work, housework, cooking and hubby’s work and conference call filled days.
Will being prepared help? For sure.
This back to school will probably be stressful for most so, whether its at home or in the actual school, here is an easy to follow guide on what to avoid and what to look for in non-toxic school supplies, as well as my personal choices…. hopefully this takes a bit of the stress away from you!
AVOID: Shiny, malleable and smelly plastic
• Found in:
lunchboxes, backpacks, binders, folders, pencil cases, counting games, school calendars and more
• The problem?
This shiny plastic is made of PVC ( vinyl). PVC is considered to be one of the most toxic plastics for children and the environment since it constantly releases a cocktail of chemicals including phthalates (endocrine disrupting chemical linked to birth defects, decreased sperm count and damaged sperm, increased risk of developing behavioral problems, premature birth and asthma) dioxins ( carcinogens), PCBs ( long-term exposure to PCBs is associated with everything from cancer to endocrine disorders, and reproductive troubles. The compounds have also been linked to cognitive and behavioral problems in children) and even lead ( a proven potent neurotoxin ), among other harmful chemicals
• Alternative:
- try to avoid plastic when possible.
- Fabric, canvas, stainless steel, recycled cardboard and sometimes wood are all great alternatives. Polyester or recycled polyester are also better alternatives (although, polyester is pretty bad for the environment, so if possible choose recycled polyester. I have some great backpacks in my SHOP section made of recycled water bottles and recycled polyester).
- If your child's school list specifies plastic folder/ binder look for those specifically labelled ' pvc free' . Polypropylene ( #5 in the recycling triangle) ones from brands like Avery are a good option.
- The most popular alternative to PVC is PEVA, up until recently considered not as toxic as PVC, but recent research has show it also gives off VOCs
. IT is 'better' than PVC but still not non-toxic.
2. AVOID: fruity smelling art/ school supplies
• Found in: Crayons, erasers, pencils and other art supplies are all available in fruit scents
• The problem? Although kids tend to love them, these items probably contain phthalates (chemicals that allow the fragrance to 'stick' to the product). Phthalates have been linked to birth defects, decreased sperm count and damaged sperm, increased risk of developing behavioral problems, premature birth and asthma
• Alternative:
Water based markers are your safest bet, ‘normal’ erasers. Always avoid anything that smells artificial
3. AVOID: Antibacterial supplies mostly labelled as 'microban'
• Found in: Folders, binders, backpacks, antibacterial gels
• The problem?
Microban is a mix of chemicals meant to protect the product (not the user!) from bacteria, and mold and that may contain Triclosan. We don't really know if it contains Triclosan, since the company that produces Microban does not disclose its ingredients but this is a common antimicrobial chemical linked to skin irritation, allergy susceptibility, growth of drug-resistant bacteria or “superbugs.” dioxin contamination and even hormone disruption
Alternative: Avoid "antibacterial” or “antimicrobial” or "microban" labels - even in items labelled as non-toxic. *If you are going back to school and want to send your kids with hand sanitizer consider @handzies and EO hand sanitizer
4. Avoid: solvents in Markers
Found in : Most markers are either water based or contain solvents. Solvents can be very toxic - like xylene and benzene- or less so- like alcohol. While it is rare for kids markers to contain xylene or benzene some ‘adult markers, ’ like some Sharpies and dry Erase markers used by kids, do.
The Problem?
Solvents in some markers can be quite harmful . Solvents evaporate as the product is used. Both the user and near-by co-workers/ kids may breathe in solvent vapors. Most markers marketed to kids today are water based or use alcohol as a solvent but professional markers (sometimes labelled as “permanent or water-proof inks”) can still contain xylene or other solvents.
Labels like “Low-Odor, Low-VOC, or No-Odor” often means that the product is either water-based or made with alcohol rather than aromatic solvents such as xylene or toluene… however these might still contain strong smells (compliments of the petroleum derived ethanol alcohol) and cause headaches in chemically sensitive people and children.
Alternatives: always purchase water based markers for kids
5. Avoid: extremely low cost crayons
The Problem? In the past very low cost crayons were found multiple times to contain asbestos. Asbestos, which is known to cause mesothelioma and lung cancer, and is suspected to contribute to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and kidney cancer. It is actually legal in crayons under 1%
Alternatives: Crayons made of natural waxes and mineral pigments will not contain asbestos
6. Avoid: Water proof PFAS chemicals
Found in: Durable Water Repellents used in lunchbags and sometimes backpacks. Planet Box carry bags, up until this month have been “ made from 100% recycled polyester fiber finished with DWR (durable water repellent) inside for an easy-wipe main compartment.” They have recently told me that as of August 2020their bags will no longer contain these chemicals!!
The Problem? PFAS chemicals are linked to testicular and kidney cancer, thyroid disease, obesity, weakened immunity and other health problems- they stay in our bodies and environment for a very very long time.
If your lunchbox or backpack is water proof, if water beads up on the surface and is not absorbed, make sure to read the description and/or ask the manufacturer specifically if any “PAFAS BASED DWR are used”
Non-Toxic Munchkin Approved School Supplies
MARKERS
OMY water based
Kid Made Modern- water based
Crayola water based
OOLY
HOneysticks
Eco Crayons
Eco Kids
Made in the USA from bees wax / carnauba wax / soy wax / mineral pigments.
100% pure New Zealand beeswax with non-toxic pigments
Made in the US from 100% Pure beeswax and 100% natural soywax
More natural Art Supplies
play dough
Made in the US
Exploratory molding dough made with non GMO flour, salt, cream of tartar, soy oil, organic rosemary oil, vitamin e oil, water, citric acid, potassium sorbate, FDA approved soy based organic and inorganic pigments.
PLASTIC FREE BINDERS
Kraft Paper 6-Holds Round Ring Binder Binding Hard Cover Protector for Journal Note Book
PRE AND FIRST STAGES OF LITERACY/ Math ESSENTIALS
Papoose rainbow ball bowl set
Wee Gallery Bamboo Numbers
Moon Picnic My Weather Station
Papoose RAINBOW BALL BOWL SET: made of wool these are such a better alternative to normal plastic versions found in preschools and kindergartens
FOOD AND SNACK CONTAINERS (FOR SCHOOL LUNCHES OR HOME SNACKS!)
3 years and going strong. We have used these daily for 3 years and they still look like new!
LunchBots Thermal 12 oz. All Stainless Steel Interior - Insulated Food Container Stays Warm for 6 Hours or Cold for 12 Hours - Leak Proof Soup Jar for Portable Convenience - Royal Blue A little more pricey but the key here is that the cover has stainless steel; absolutely no plastic comes into contact with the food
Lunchskins 2 Pack Zip Bag Set (1 Navy Stripe Sandwich + 1 Navy Dot Snack)
Wean Green these extremely sturdy glass containers come is all sizes - the smaller ones are actually quite resistant to breakage (but still be careful with very young children)
Lunchboxes and Backpacks
Fluff lunch sac: 100% certified organic cotton with tested, food-safe lining (phthalate, BPA and lead free). Printed with low-impact, AZO-free dyes
Planet Box: stainless steel bento like lunchboxes are pricey but will last years (our has lasted 5 years!). Their carry bags have contained PFAS chemicals in the past (as of August 2020 they no longer will) so I recommend not using their old ones. Source the new models or a FLuf wide bags fit well
STATE BACK PACKS For every STATE bag sold, one is donated to a child in need. Made of polyester inside and out
Fjallraven Kanken Mini Daypack, Warm Yellow: Minimalistic and very European these come in both smaller (for little kids) and larger adult sizes.
SoYoung Lunchboxes Come in two sizes: smaller size and the cooler bags (also available in small and large) lunchboxes.
These lunchboxes, which both my kids have had, are made of raw linen and are machine washable
Sugarbooger lunch sac are made of a laminated cotton canvas exterior
NAP MATS
Organic Designs Nap MAts: GOTS certified and cute!