Make Back to School Shopping PVC free

In a couple of weeks, the kids will be returning to school.  Make this year a PVC free school supplies year.  Why?

According to the Center for Health, Environment, and Justice,

“Many children’s school supplies, such as lunchboxes, backpacks and binders, are often made out of PVC—a toxic plastic that is dangerous to our health and the environment. PVC is unique among plastics because it contains dangerous chemical additives. These harmful chemicals include phthalates, lead, cadmium, and/or organotins, which can be toxic to your child’s health. What’s worse is the danger these chemicals pose- phthalates and other toxic additives can leach out or evaporate into the air over time posing unnecessary dangers to children.  Over 90% of all phthalates are used to soften or plasticize PVC products – that’s over 5 million tons a year!  Children are at risk from even small exposures to these toxic chemicals. That’s why it’s important to purchase PVC-free school supplies.”

So, what is a parent to do?  Download the CHEJ’s comprehensive guide to PVC free back to school supplies.  Here is a quick snapshot of this 14 page guide:

• Explanation as to why PVC is a health concern for your child
• Helpful hints on how to distinguish school supplies containing PVC from other non-PVC school supplies
• A good list of PVC free school supplies.  Note, not all PVC free school supplies are on the list.  Check out TerraCycle’s cardboard binders for example.
• A list of other toxic plastics to avoid

Instead of printing this guide, consider taking a wallet size copy to the store.  Make this school year, a PVC free year for the health of your child.

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