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 here and that means schools around the world will slowly start opening in the coming weeks… some for the first time in over a year!

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

1. 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

MY PICKS:

1. Holi & Love , on sale for $47

• Organic Cotton Backpack in cute prints 

• On sale now (8/2024) for $47!

• Available at Smallable and Holi & Love

2.  Fluf Backpacks, From $56.95

• Made with GOTS certified organic cotton with 100% recycled polyester felt padding.

3. Terra threads Zem Mini Backpack

• Zem Mini Backpack from $65.95

• Larger, Earth Backpack, $76
  

• Made using heavy-duty 14 oz organic cotton canvas.
  

4. SO YOUNG grade school backpacks, From $39 for small size and $44 for larger size

• Linen/Cotton exterior fabric, Lined nylon interior with zippered mesh pocket

 

5.  Minnow , $82

• cotton, polyester inner lining 

• available on Mini Rodini

6. Milinane, Now Toddler Backpack $66, on sale $46

• I love this brand, in fact my diaper brand is from them!   

• toddler sized backpack 

• Bags are made of  100% cotton canvas (interior polyester lining)

• Oeko Tex Standard 100 certified

7.. Bobo CHoses $85

• MAde with 100% cotton

8. LIEWOOD Elsa Organic Cotton Backpack | Yellow $32.40 (sale)

• 100% organic cotton

• Oeko Tex Certified

9. YKRA Sailor Mini BAckpack, $77

• 100%cotton

10. Petit Picotin Linen Toddler Backpack

• Avail in 4 colors

• Fits average 1-4 years

• 100% French linen

• Padding: 100% polyester

What about polyester based backpacks?  Polyester is plastic and so buying a polyester backpack means it will be around for hundreds and hundreds of 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 ot microplastic pollution. Having said this- I know these are widely available and often have a better price.  For younger kids my main concern is that polyester clothing (mixed with spandex and backpacks do not use spandex) has been found to be contaminated with BPA.   Because the source has not been identified yet ideally I would avoid polyester.   If you need to buy polyester, sadly I would avoid recycled polyester (i know, its better for the planet ugh) because of concern for contamination and other impurities being present, and/or ideally buy polyester that is Oeko Tex Certified

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12. JAck Wolkskin Kids , From $39.95

• Larger size available starting at $49.95

• Made of 100% polyester, PFAS free
  

13. 7. Deuter Kikki Kid's Backpack Alpine Green/Forest One Size, From $55

• Crafted from 600Denier polyester.
  

14.  STATE bags THE MINI KANE BACKPACK - From $78

• Body and lining are made of 100% polyester. PFAS free

15. Fjällräven VARDAG 25

• Mini from $50 and large size: from $70

• Made from G-1000 HeavyDuty Eco S ( recycled polyester and organic cotton)