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Buy smarter this school year

Student It seems like the advertising starts earlier every year, pushing new versions of the same old products that promise to make your kids stand out as the most intelligent or most popular in the class. Before you lay out a ton of cash, remember the first tenet of a Conscious Consumer: you may not need to buy at all. Use the notebooks, pencils, and other supplies you already have, and consider searching your local thriftstore or other source for recycled items before you hit the mall.

Below is a list of products you should cross off your list before you start...along with greener alternatives.

Back to school quiz:

Question:	Green answer:	Avoid:
What color is 'petroleum'?	All of them, if you're using crayons made from paraffin wax. Try crayons made from soybean oil. They make less of a mess, are made of renewable ingredients, and are smoother compared to ordinary wax crayons.	Throwing out the crayons you have. Recycle them.
When is glue a sticky proposition?	Always, but especially when trying to avoid adhesives with harsh chemicals. Popular glue brands often contain cyanoacrylate, an eye and respiratory system irritant. Instead look into water based glue and adhesives which are made from natural substances such as corn. Cocoina has almond scented glue sticks which are non toxic and acid free.	Glue that contains cyanoacrylate.
How do you pencil in more time on your calendar?	By switching to a reverse/erase calendar. You can make changes by erasing the calendar with a damp cloth. Horizontal and vertical format on reverse sides to save space and paper.	Calendars made from virgin/nonrecyclable paper.
How can you fix your errors without making a mistake?	Use correction tape instead of fluid. Liquid correction fluid is highly toxic, flammable, and can be “fatal if inhaled.”	Liquid correction fluid
How can you leave your mark while lightening your carbon footprint?	Use pencils made from sustainably harvested wood, or choose pens and pencils made from recycled materials. Pencils can be made from many materials, including blue jeans, newspaper, and even money, so why put our forests at risk?	Pencils made from virgin wood
When does it pay to know your percentages?	When you're taking note of the percentage of PCW or chlorine content in your paper. The closer it is to 100%, the more paper has been re-routed from the landfill and into your notebook (or filler paper, or sticky pads...)	Paper made from virgin wood and bleached with chlorine
What's just as important as your school books?	The backpack you carry your books in. You may not realize it, but the bag over your shoulder may carry more than your books...many backpacks contain polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Go for PVC-free content such as recycled rubber, organic cotton, wool or hemp, or consider a backpack company with a lifetime warranty.	New bags, if you can find a used one; bags with PVC
Who says there's no such thing as a free lunch?	Well, there is such a thing as a refreshing, healthy free drink.... It's called tap water, and you can carry it at arm's reach in any one of many stylish refillable water containers. Learn about the ecological impact of bottled water and make this year a bottled water-free school year.	Bottled water in disposable plastic bottles
When does a computer just not compute?	When you buy a new computer when there are plenty of refurbished machines available. Cut down on our growing e-waste problem by buying refurbished or used from a reputable dealer.	New computers, when possible
When does a ruler just not measure up?	Rulers, binders and other common school supplies often contain PVC. Look for products with the "no PVC" label, or those made of recycled materials. Download the Guide to PVC-free School Supplies from the Center for Health, Environment and Justice.	Plastic school supplies containing PVC