September’s here and it’s time to go back-to-school shopping if you haven’t already done so (or for those of us already working, it’s a great time to restock office supplies for the fall)! But are you short on time and overwhelmed by back-to-school shopping ads? Here are a few of our suggestions to help you keep your shopping list safe and eco-friendly!

Look for PVC-free supplies. Polyvinyl chloride (aka PVC or vinyl) is a plastic containing cancer-causing chemicals that is harmful both during its manufacture and its subsequent usage. Not only does the production process of PVC cause a number of toxic chemicals to be released into the environment, similar chemicals can be emitted over the lifetime of the PVC-containing product. Never thought the plastic Barbie lunchbox you used when you were five could contain harmful chems? Think again.

The good news is that many major retailers are making efforts to limit or eliminate PVC-containing products from their shelves and private labels. In fact, Walmart has been one such retailer, removing lead and PVC from all of their products intended for children.

Nevertheless, you should still be aware of whether you’re purchasing PVC-containing products. How can you tell if a product contains PVC? Look out for the word “vinyl” or for the number “3″ or the labels “V” or “PVC” beneath the product’s recycling symbol - this indicates that the product contains PVC.

Buy recycled goods. Go for notebooks and notepads made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper. Post-consumer material comes from waste that’s no longer used for its original purpose, generally separated from waste and refuse and salvaged into reusable raw material. Alternatively, you can find items that are created from post-industrial material, which makes use of original raw material that would have otherwise gone to waste — like these Woody Ballpoint Pens made from recycled wood scraps.

Opt for energy-efficient. Whether you’re looking for a new laptop or another desk lamp, you can be smart and save money by choosing energy-efficient products. To help you out, the Green Electronics Council has created a three tier standard of environmental performance for desktops and computers so that you can choose an eco-friendly computer to fit your needs. And if you’re looking to dispose of your old computer, consider donating it so that it can be reused!

If you want more eco-friendly back-to-school or office tips, check out Girst’s special Baby Got Back-to-School article as well as The Green Office’s wide range of green products!

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