Back to School Series (Green Backpacks for Kids)-

Completely out of character, I have been prowling around some kid's stores. I don't particularly like shopping, but I don't have regular access to the web, and I am sending my oldest daughter off to preschool this year. I need to get the requisite backpack and lunch box.

I can't believe she is starting her school career forever. She is beginning her journey, gulp, farther away from us and into the big world. This is a bittersweet time for me, made more so by trying to find PVC free, lead free, as green as possible products for her to start the school year.

So I was happy to get an email from the Center for Health, Environment and Justice about where to find PVC (aka: poison plastic) products for back to school time. They have created an extensive guide of products, companies and websites that are better choices for children and the world. Many of these can be found in children's stores as well. In fact, I held a few in my hand today, but wanted to do more research before I made a purchase.

In the guide, they list all sorts of back to school gear, including backpacks, lunch boxes, shoes, rain jackets, sneakers, and school supplies. Also listed are other plastics to avoid. This is a great guide to print out and take with you to the store. I'll be checking out the backpacks and other products, and will write more about them here.