Plastic-Free School Supplies

Many families are choosing to live a less plastic life. As more information comes to light on the environmental impact of plastic with its inability to biodegrade and the health risks of leaching chemicals and hormone disruptors into our foods, many are just saying "no" to buying more plastic.

When it comes to your children's school supplies, however, saying "no" to plastic becomes more difficult. Everything from lunch containers to protractors to pencil cases are predominantly plastic. As many school supplies are purchased new every year, using plastic keeps the cost down. However, good "old school" alternatives are available and, with a little care, they will last for many years and can even be passed down from sibling to sibling. Here are some great ideas for reducing the amount of plastic you have to buy this school year:

1. Metal lunch containers

Kids' lunchboxes come in a myriad of styles and sizes. Many non-plastic options are available. Insulated stacked tiffin tins are a great way to keep hot food hot and cold food cold. Choose one with a wooden rather than plastic handle. The traditional square lunchbox can also be found in metal rather than plastic in many department stores. Even the small containers that go into the lunchbox are available in stainless steel. They are more durable than plastic and will last your child throughout his or her school career.

2. Metal protractors and rulers

Rulers and protractors are often found in plastic as they are cheap to make. You can find metal alternatives that are also inexpensive. An office supply store is your best bet to find a wide selection of non-plastic school supplies. If you want an even less expensive option, there are websites online where you can print out rulers and protractors. Simply cut them out and glue them to rigid cardboard.

3. Denim or canvas backpacks and pencil cases

Many school backpacks have some type of plastic in their material to resist dirt and to provide protection from the rain. Denim and canvas backpacks have an advantage over plastic; they are often more durable with fewer tears or separating straps and they are more comfortable for children to wear. They are also washable so they ultimately stay cleaner than their plastic counterparts.

4. Number 2 pencils

Most mechanical pencils marketed to the back-to-school crowd have a plastic barrel. To make it worse, these mechanical pencils are meant to be disposable- you cannot refill the lead. That makes for a lot of plastic waste when the lead runs out. To avoid adding to the world's plastic dump, choose old-fashioned wood and graphite pencils and invest in a small metal pencil sharpener.