As summer winds down, kiddos head back to school for another year. There’s always a mad dash to get what feels like a never ending list of school supplies. Luckily, at Marley’s Monsters, we offer reusable items that will last through plenty of school years so you don’t have to worry about repurchasing every August. From art class, to lunchtime, to after school activities, we have put together a sustainable guide so you can send your kiddos back to the classroom the eco friendly way.
1. Packing a Sustainable Lunch
You can’t really pack a lunch without a lunchbox, and one sustainable option is a Stainless Steel Lunchbox: Three-in-One, a three-piece nesting bento box set. This nifty lunch container makes it easy to pack a variety of foods and keep them all separate - and safe from squishing! The Three-in-One Lunch Box is perfect for packing a healthy entree and two side dishes. The Three-in-One is a 100% high-quality, food-grade stainless steel container. Because it does not contain plastic, the lunchbox is free of all estrogen-mimicking chemicals, such as bisphenol-A (BPA), phthalates, and bisphenol-S (BPS). Also, keep lunch chilled with a Stainless Steel Ice Pack. It thoroughly freezes in 2 hours and can keep lunch cool for 4-6 hours.
Single use plastic bags are probably the most common item you could find in a lunch box, but they also inevitably end up at landfills. Try a Sandwich Wrap instead. These Sandwich Wraps are constructed with a 100% cotton outer layer and a waterproof, food grade, waterproof PUL lining for easy clean up. Our Sandwich Wraps are machine washable just like our Snack Bags, that also feature a PUL lining. Each Snack Bag is made from a cotton outer layer, backed with a stabilizer for added durability and support, and comes in a variety of fun prints.
Paper towels are another mealtime staple, but traditional paper towels contribute to carbon emissions and deforestation. Instead, try an UNpaper® Towel, the perfect sustainable alternative to regular paper towels. Our UNpaper® Towels are incredibly absorbent and soft on hands and faces, and come in lots of prints that kiddos will love. They’re also washable and reusable, just add to your next load of laundry!
2. Pencil Pouch
Kids need tons of writing supplies like markers, colored pencils, and pens! Skip the plastic pen cases, and keep track of it all in a Pencil Pouch that is complete with a waterproof PUL lining to protect against leaks and spills. No more stained backpacks when the marker cap falls off! Plus, this Pencil Pouch can double as a toiletry bag for toothbrushes and toothpaste during sleepovers.
3. Wet Bag
Does your kiddo participate in an after school activity like swim lessons or sports? Keep wet swimsuits, muddy shoes, or dirty clothes in a Wet Bag! Our Wet Bags are complete with a PUL lining to keep all the mess inside the bag and out of your car or house. They are the perfect alternative to a plastic bag, and are machine washable! Simply add it into your normal laundry cycle.
4. Refillable Grass Pen
Kids go through tons of pens during a school year, which totals up to lots of plastic in landfills! This Refillable Grass Pen is one of a kind alternative to standard plastic pens. Most inexpensive pens are terrible for the environment, as they are designed to be thrown away and are made from the worst kinds of plastics. A Good Company spent half a year designing and developing this Natural Grass Pen, which is made using only natural meadow grass and recycled BPA-free plastics. The pen comes with blue ink and you can order ink refills in blue or black.
5. Reusable Straws and a Straw Pouch
Say “no, thank you,” to single use plastic straws during lunch time when you bring your own reusable straw in a Straw Pouch. Each pouch comes with a removable interior wet bag to keep dirty straws separate from the clean ones. The wet bag snaps in and out, making it easy to remove and wash. Choose from a number of prints and colors so that you can sip your favorite beverage sustainably on the go, at lunch, or in the classroom.
Unfortunately, a lot of school supplies are single use, made of plastic, or packaged in plastic. But we want to ensure that our kiddos have the proper tools and resources needed to be successful, so take a look at your shopping list and see what alternatives are available! By investing in high quality reusables, you’re reducing plastic waste, and saving yourself some money. What else is on your sustainable school supply list? Reach out and let us know! We’d love to talk.
