Where has the summer gone? It seems like yesterday when our kids were out of school. Now it is the end of July and we all are starting to think about back to school supplies. Mike Schade of Center for Health, Environment & Justice (CHEJ) joined Karen and I for Green Sisterhood’s Tuesday Talk to discuss school supplies. He gave us the lowdown on how conventional school supplies could be harmful to your child’s health since they are laden with toxic chemicals.
Watch the interview HERE.
Last year, CHEJ tested certain school supplies and found many contained high levels of phathalates since they were made of PVC.
So, every time our children touch their backpacks, lunch boxes, notebooks, or molding clay, they may be exposed to these chemicals, which can cause ADD, neurological disorders, endocrine disruptions, and more illnesses.
Be sure to watch the video interview as Mike explained:
- why you should be worried about your children’s school supplies.
- handy fool proof tips as to how to identify PVC laden products
- alternative school supplies that are easy on the wallet and easily obtainable.
2013 CHEJ’s PVC Back to School Guide
This year, CHEJ released its 25 page 2013 PVC free school supply list with a plethora of different school supplies from backpacks to rain boots. In addition, you can print a handy wallet size list to take with you to the store. Many of the items on the list can be purchased at local stores such as Staples, Walmart, and Target.
How Can You Help?
Mike suggested providing your school with CHEJ’s green purchasing tools and resources for school. The guide provides green building and clean products resources that will help to make schools healthier.
In addition, CHEJ needs your help with their Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign so they can test more products. Even $5 donation can help.
For more greening your back to school tips, check out Retro Housewife Goes Green.
What are some of your favorite non-toxic school supplies?
Next Week’s Talk Tuesday
We will be joined by David Andrew, senior scientist of Environmental Working Group, which just release their bug repellent study and list. Summer isn’t over yet. Ask the bugs.
See you next week!