Yes, it’s that time of year. Many of the items that the public school system and/or your kids demand that you purchase are typically made of plastic. I have a few suggested alternatives for your shopping list…
Metal rulers are better than plastic in just about every way.
You can find a metal lunchbox to suit just about any child’s taste from Hello Kitty to (wretch) Slipknot.
A Chinese lunchbox seems more practical than the painted kind that we had in our childhood. I remember the beating that my lunchboxes used to take and they were often in a state of disrepair after a month or two. I wish I had documentary proof of the fate of some of my stuff because it would make collectors cry. I’m not a big fan of collectors.
A shoulder bag made of canvas should outlast the cheap nylon items that are more common. A good quality metal pencil case is also a great idea, not only to replace the plastic case, but because there could be less breakage of pens and pencils.
I keep thinking about the “island of plastic” bigger than the state of Texas floating in the Pacific.
Not only should the canvas bag last longer (and I know they do!), but they are much nicer looking!