Eco Friendly Essentials for Back to School
At Pela we believe in children putting their hands up and asking a lot of questions. In fact, one of the main reasons we developed the Pela Case is because we asked ourselves why would anyone make an iPhone case from oil based plastic, when you could make one from plants-based bioplastic?
So, in the spirit of back to school, asking questions and educating the next generation of planet protectors, we put together a list of other companies who are also questioning the status quo and developing eco-friendly alternatives for school supplies and school lunches.
Kudos to them for putting their hands up.
1. New Leaf 100% Recycled Composition Book
This composition notebook by New Leaf is even better than the original, it is 100% recycled with 95% post consumer recycled content.
2. PlanetBox Lunch Box
The PlanetBox provides a variety of compartments for different lunch items, keeping foods separate but not wasting plastic with plastic bags or containers. Colourful carrying bags are also available, with space for the PlanetBox plus exterior pockets for a water bottle and separate snack.
3. Klean Kanteen
You probably know Klean Kanteen already, but did you know they have water bottles for kids in a variety of colours? These BPA free, stainless steal water bottles are perfect for little hands, and are easy to clean with a large-mouth design that can even fit ice cubes. Klean Kanteen has been a member of 1% for the Planet since 2008, donating at least 1% of gross annual sales to environmental non-profit organizations.
4. Snack Happens Reusable Snack + Everything Bag
These Snack Happens Bags by Itzy Ritzy are a fabulous alternative to the traditional plastic zipper bags. The bags are reusable, machine washable and they come in tons of patterns – seriously there must be 40 different designs.
5. Tree Smart Color Pencils
Turning your daily news into art supplies for your kids – Tree Smart makes pencils, rulers and coloured pencils out of recycled newspapers, instead of wood or other materials. The newspaper is rolled tightly around the graphite, making a durable pencil that easily sharpens. No toxic chemicals are used to bind the newspaper together. This set of 12 coloured pencils is packaged in a travel-friendly cardboard tube.
6. Naked Binder
Made with 97% post consumer waste, the Naked Binder is 100% recyclable, leaving no excuse to purchase typical PVC or vinyl binders. These binders are designed to last ten years, and have been tested to last up to 34 years, so you can be sure they will stand up to being tossed into a backpack. Naked Binder is also a member of 1% for the Planet, plus they donate to local schools.
7. ‘Think Bio’ Pencil Case
This pencil case is made with 100% organic cotton canvas and is printed with AZO-free dyes. Check out Shak-Shuka for eco options for children up to 10 years old.
8. Eco Dry Highlighters
Stubby Pencil Studio creates natural options for school and art supplies. These neon colour dry highlighters are eco friendly unlike standard highlighter markers. They are jumbo sized to make it easy to highlight in one stroke, plus they won’t bleed through the page like standard highlighters.
