Low Tox & more sustainable Backpacks: 2026 edit

How is it that we are already looking at the start of a new school year? I don’t know about you but this summer has absolutely flown by! But, August is ( almost) here and that means schools around the world will slowly start opening in the coming weeks…

Let’s make this school year a little more fun and exciting for the kiddos and less stressful for the whomever is doing the back to school shopping this year.

With studies showing that over 80% of school supplies are exposing our munchkins to toxic chemicals, I will be dedicating the next couple of posts to low tox school supplies! Focused on the categories I was asked most about: backpacks, lunch supplies and nap mats as well as art supplies.

Hope this makes back to school a little more pleasant and relaxing mamas (and dads too!)

BACKBACKS

AVOID:

PVC: Shiny, malleable and smelly plastic
Why: PVC ( also called vinyl) is considered one of the most toxic plastics for children and the environment since it constantly releases a cocktail of chemicals including phthalates (endocrine disrupting chemical linked to birth defects, decreased sperm count and damaged sperm, increased risk of developing behavioral problems, premature birth and asthma) dioxins ( carcinogens), PCBs ( long-term exposure to PCBs is associated with everything from cancer to endocrine disorders, and reproductive troubles. Also linked to cognitive and behavioral problems in children) and even lead ( a proven potent neurotoxin ), among other harmful chemicals
Better alternative: organic cotton canvas, cotton and, as a second option, polyester or nylon (polyester & nylon are plastics and are bad for the environment. Recycled polyester can contain BPA so I would avoid that unless the company can verify it tests)
2. AVOID
Avoid: water resistant finishes coated with PFAS DWR
Why:PFAS chemicals are linked to testicular and kidney cancer, thyroid disease, obesity, weakened immunity and other health problems- they stay in our bodies and environment for a very long time.

If your lunchbox or backpack is water proof, if water beads up on the surface and is not absorbed, make sure to read the description and/or ask the manufacturer specifically if any “PFAS BASED DWR are used”

Better: Canvas that an be water proofed with Magic Beeswax and/ or Otter Wax or other natural waxes or a PU film might be added or nylon and polyester that are “naturally” water resistant
3. AVOID
Backpacks labelled as ‘antibacterial’

Why? Microban and other antibacterial chemicals are meant to protect the product (not the user!) from bacteria, and mold and that may contain Triclosan. We don't really know if it contains Triclosan, since the company that produces Microban does not disclose its ingredients but this is a common antimicrobial chemical linked to skin irritation, allergy susceptibility, growth of drug-resistant bacteria or “superbugs.” dioxin contamination and even hormone disruption

4. AVOID

RPET and polyester
Why? Recycled polyester (RPET) tends to shed higher levels of polyester (sheds aprox 55% more fibers through friction) and these micro and nano plastics are 20% smaller than with regular polyester
recycled polyester can often contain a coctail of chemicals from past lives including dyes, flame retardants and plasticizers
regular polyester is the most common material for backpacks today. Buying a polyester backpack means it will be around for up to 200 years after you stop using it. Dyes used for polyester need to be extra strong, so extra harsh chemicals are used. Finally polyester will contribute to microplastic pollution. We have micro and nano plastics and every single organ of our body, from our brains, to our bloodstream, to our hearts, etc. we are seeing links to inflammation, and other Health issues being caused by the amount of micro plastics in our body. So it is safe to say that you should reduce your exposure to micro plastics when possible. IF you have to buy one (and- for the record- my oldest son has one) try to source one that is Oeko Tex certified.

MY PICKS:

Holi & Love , $67

Organic Cotton Backpack in cute prints
Available at Smallable

2. Fluf Backpacks, and Junior model From $62

Made with GOTS certified organic cotton with 100% recycled polyester felt padding.
Available in Jr version (smaller) and larger version in multiple colors

3. Terra threads Zem Mini Backpack