BACK TO SCHOOL ECO-FRIENDLY ESSENTIALS
Looking for eco-friendly, back to school gear? After extensive research and our own testing, we found a few stand outs from these eco committed companies. All are absolutely dedicated to the environment and making products that are fun and functional!
LUNCH BAGS & BACKPACKS
Dabbawalla
These insulated bags and backpacks will make your kiddo’s smile with their cute designs, super comfortable handles and straps, quick access internal/external pockets, and easy pack/unpack. Made from an environmentally friendly, lightweight, neoprene-like material that cushions and insulates, both bags and backpacks are machine washable and stain resistant. This innovative material is also degradable, recyclable, durable, and 100% toxic-free (zero lead and BPA, PVC, phthalates free)! Note: We used these for five+ years and they are VERY durable; however, we recommend hand washing to extend the life of the product.
Good Housekeeping Research Institute (GHRI) also tested the material and found that it “did not stain even after juice sat overnight.” Bags are rather 
large at 9”H x 10”W x 6” and easily hold a drink container or thermos. They also fared well for comfort and ease of use with our three year old testers. Available in 16, colorful designs including animal shapes, stars and stripes, and flowers, there is something for everyone and appeal to kids of all ages. Backpacks are 11″H x 9″W x 6″ in 12 designs, sized for kids ages 3-7. Receive 40% off if you add a matching lunch bag. Available at http://www.dabbawallabags.com ($30/$44).
So, what’s a dabbawalla?? A person in India who deliveries hot, home cooked meals in lunch boxes to workers and returns the empty boxes to the worker’s residence in the afternoon. Just thought you should know…
Cotopaxi
The Batac 16L backpack features a main zippered compartment, along with a front vertical-zip pocket and two mesh water bottle pockets. Each Batac is made responsively to reduce waste with remnant materials, by employees who decide exactly how each one looks so no two are exactly alike!
Available at www.cotopaxi.com ($60).
LUNCHBOX
Bento-ware
The Bento-ware lunchbox is perfect for preventing the lunch smoosh mess that comes with overcrowded backpacks or lunchbags. Made in the USA from eco-friendly, 
recyclable, dishwasher safe plastic, this lunchbox is built to last! Extremely durable (many reviewer’s kids have been using the boxes for years) and designed to appeal to kids AND adults, these boxes allow parents to pack a nutritious lunch for the whole family.
Each lunchbox is sold with three water-tight lidded and two unlidded containers (the box acts as the ‘lid’ for unlidded containers). There is also a compartment to hold adult sized (under 6½”) utensils. Stainless steel fork and spoon sets can also be purchased separately on the bento-ware website. Our youngest tester (aged 3) did have trouble opening the box initially so this takes some practice for younger kids. However, we like that it has a secure, durable closure! Available at www.laptoplunches.com ($23).
FOOD CONTAINERS
THE POWCH!
This reusable, collapsible, waterproof, easy-to-clean, on-the-go, human and pet storage bottle/container Gives Back (now in partnership with Feeding America) with every purchase!
It holds fruit and veggie smoothie/purees as well as solids like carrot sticks, apple slices, and trail mix. As a bonus, THE POWCH! is freezer and dishwasher safe and can be used as an ice pack and heating pad. Available at www.koecolife.com ($19.99). Use coupon code ‘BACK20’ for 20% off!
SNACK & SANDWICH BAGS
Planet Wise
Reusable snack and sandwich bags are a must for eco-friendly, back to school gear. There are many choices out there and we chose selectively based on materials and made in USA sourcing and manufacturing.
Planet Wise offers a machine washable, water resistant bag with a locking zipper ‘no leak’ design. Kiddie and more sophisticated patterns also make these fun for all ages! Check them out at www.planetwise.com ($6.95).
Do you have other favorite eco-friendly, back to school gear to recommend? We’d love to hear about it and expand our list. Please leave a comment and share your favs!
