Does your kid have a PVC monkey on their back?

The Bite:
Get it off, and go with alternatives to the high-polluting plastic instead. Their school books won't get any lighter, but an eco-friendlier backpack will help lighten their eco-impact.
The Benefits: 
  • No new PVC. Most backpacks and messenger bags are made from PVC, which releases cancer-causing dioxins during production (and less than 1% is recycled).
  • Sustainable materials. Materials like recycled billboards and organic hemp are way greener than the fabrics used in regular rucksacks.
  • Unique looks. The styles will give 'em somethin' to talk about.
Personally Speaking: 
A fully packed backpack saved Sara's life when, at age 11, she was hiking and fell backwards, 15 feet off a cliff. She came out unscathed. Her lunch? Not so much.
Wanna Try: 
  • Voltaic Systems - if little Jimmy insists on having his peripherals fully charged, these cool, solar-powered bags recharge cell phones, cameras, and MP3 players; available in four styles ($199-$249).
  • Vy & Elle Laptop Pack - one-of-a-kind recycled billboard backpacks with a detachable shoulder strap; great for style-conscious teens ($132).
  • Land's End Cordura Wheeled Backpack - all nylon, with PVC-free wheels - in case your kid's toting more than the recommended 15% of their body weight in Harry Potter novels ($70).

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