With over 80 million students heading back to the classroom in a few weeks, it’s a good idea to stop for a moment and consider the environmental impact of the school supplies you’ll be purchasing.

Who doesn’t remember the feeling of anticipation as you filled a pristine new binder with lined paper, labeled the dividers with your new classes, and sharpened a new box of #2 pencils? Unfortunately for all of us whose pulse still quickens at the very thought of that “new binder” smell, the earth-friendly approach is reduce, reuse and recycle. Wherever you can, use something you already have. If you need to buy new, there are more and more eco-friendly school supplies on the market by the minute, it seems. Here are some tips:

Notebook paper: look for recycled, chlorine-free paper and notebooks. Major retailers such as Staples, Target, Walmart and Office Depot have recycled office and school products. Ask for them! An energy-star rated computer is a greener alternative to notebooks.

Binders: can you reuse last year’s model? Or have a binder swap between friends? Reusing is really the best way to go for binders, but if you must buy new, avoid those made with vinyl. Look for recyclable and recycled products made from recycled paperboard, recycled poly, hemp and aluminum. All very cool.

Pencils: pencils are now available in a variety of eco-friendly materials—recycled wood, newspaper or even blue jeans!

Pens and markers: look for refillable products with water-based inks.

Crayons: soy-based colors are preferable to petroleum-based crayolas of yore.

Backpacks: the ultimate status symbol for many kids. Before you buy new, look carefully at last year’s backpack. Can it be spruced up with sewn on patches or tape designs? If not, there are many alternatives to oil-based nylon and plastic backpacks. Recycled rubber, hemp and recycled denim are all being made into daypacks and messenger bags.  There are even models that incorporate solar panels to charge battery packs for MP3 payers and cell phones.

Lunch box: anything that’s not disposable is good. There are some very cool bento boxes and reusable canvas bags and boxes made of recycled plastics. Tupperware, cloth napkins and reusable cutlery are good items to consider.

Do your research! Here are some sources:
www.lowimpactliving.com
www.associatedcontent.com
www.planetgreen.com
www.treehugger.com