Ideal Bite

Tree-free, but what about the cost of manufacturing, shipping and disposing of those various components? Heh, I'm one of the biggest proponents of laptops in schools, but the eco argument may not be the best one to use.

My son attends a public "cyber" school. Many of their texts are digital, although they send us the regular texts as well. :( I love the digital texts - all his books are accessible anywhere he goes with his laptop. And you are absolutely right Toshio: no dog-eared pages, no highlighting, no silly drawings from previous students, and no trees needed! Maybe we should be demanding the computer manufacturers make eco-friendly parts, or come up with a solution for retired components. Or, maybe WE should not always "have" to have the newest gadget on the market. Maybe, just maybe, we can actually use a computer for years and years and not have to trade up just because something else might be a little faster or sleeker. We all need to do our part. It is just nice to see that textbook publisher have begun to do theirs!! Peace.

It seems the Land's End cordora wheeled backpack is no longer available. is that the only one that is eco-friendly?

Okay... So what do we do with our old backpacks if we want to get a new "green" one? It seems a bit "ungreen" to just toss it!

Having worked in the industry, I can tell you that the problem is not what textbook publishers (and computer manufacturers) would be willing to provide, but what schools can afford to buy. As for the cost of manufacturing and shipping the educational portion of the system, it's significantly cheaper than printing and manufacturing books.

I have a bag from KEEN that is made from scrap materials from their shoe production and a variety of other recycled materials. It's a great work/school/anytime bag from a company with some gren vision.

Try to post this one a little earlier next year ... by this time (late Aug.), most parents have made their purchases. Also, it's hard for many (especially those like me with 3 children) to spend $70-$200 a pop on a backpack that never lasts more than a year. Let me know if you find a more economical option ... tx

Two things: 1. I just read an article that the wheeled backpacks may not have been as ergonomic as we originally thought. Lifting them up and down (think stairs and in and out of the car) causes more injuries than wearing a backpack. 2. To Kim: Freecycle.com is just the place for your old, but in good condition, back packs. You could benefit a kid who doesn't have one. Personally, we use old backpacks to store toys and books in the car. Ideal to keep little ones occupied!

I have a pretty amazing laptop case and messenger bag by Simple Shoes (www.simpleshoes.com). They make their linings out of recycled PET and everything else is bascially organic cotton... and the best part is it doesn't look too tech-y or hippie-ish

I don't know any parents who could afford to get their kid a $132 backpack. I have no kids and can't afford that for myself. It's really irritating that "green" options are so cost-prohibitive. As for digital textbooks: I personally cannot stand reading books on a monitor, and I'm young enough that I grew up using computers. Frankly, if I had kids I'd try hard to minimize how much time they spend staring at a screen, TV or computer. I have a strong suspicion it's terrible for developing eyes. Maybe parents will smugly tell me to have children first, and maybe rightly so, but I know my brother with two kids feels the same way and does very well limiting the time his kids spend staring at TVs and monitors.