Kids are usually less than thrilled about back-to-school shopping, but this year mine were excited when they saw the many new environmentally friendly products to fill their backpacks with.
Is it the appeal of saving trees and using recyclable newspapers? Somewhat. Most kids today know how important it is to be good to the environment, but let’s face it, kids are kids, and they like things on an aesthetic level as well.
“Smell this!” yelled seven-year-old Nicholas, as he thrust out one of 10 “Gourmet Scented Pencils” (or “smencils”). Made from 100 per cent recycled newspaper, this is just one of the products found at Indigo. Their Pistachio line-up includes notebooks made with 100 per cent post-consumer recycled products, and even staple-free staplers. The bright colours and designs on the books instantly appealed to 17-year-old Victoria, who nabbed a couple.
“Little changes can make a big difference for the environment, and it’s important for consumers to know their options and understand the environmental impact of the products they’re selecting during the busy back to school shopping season,” said Michelle White, director of sustainability at Indigo.
Hilroy offers notebooks as well as Recycled Ruled Sheets, in their Enviro-Plus line.
“Hilroy’s eco-friendly products give students the chance to start making a difference with small changes,” says Samantha Hindmarch, director of marketing, Hilroy. “Instead of buying regular refill paper, this back to school season students can easily pick up the recycled refill paper.
Hilroy also has a fun website to help teach kids about the importance of going green. Visit hilroy.ca/spreadtheword.
At Staples, there are bio-degradable folders, bamboo USB keys, pencils made from recycled cedar, and scissors with handles made with 70 per cent recycled plastic. And because what the school supplies are being put into is just as important as what’s being put into the school supplies, Staples has a terrific selection of totes, bags, and backpacks.
“The big problem with back-to-school stuff is PVC,” says Leslie Garrett, author of The Virtuous Consumer. “PVC is an environmental blight from manufacture right through to disposal. (It can’t be recycled and continues to leech contaminants into landfill for years.)
“Try and go for more ‘natural’ fabrics — you can find lots of options for lunchbags and backpacks,” Garrett suggests.
With so many options available, the only decision the kids will have to make is where to shop first — and who gets the window seat on the school bus.
