[atula]

Originally Posted by Green-Moo

Until Atula brought up the idea, it's something that I hadn't thought about. when I think about it, I am forever throwing out dried up felt tip pens that my boys have left the caps off. I think they'll now be using coloured pencils instead!

Well green moo I have an idea with the dried felt tip pens that your boys have...You can just ask them to dip this pens in water and use ase water colors....they actually make a great brush.....

[mom2manyboyz]

To throw in my 2 cents... I love the refillable pencils. If it has to be a pen, I buy water based ink because it is healthier. I don't think much about whether it is disposable, but I certainly should start.

[Kitten]

I use both refillable pens and lead pencils. There's no need in throwing out either. To be honest, though, I don't really use pens or pencils much any more because I do so much online instead.

[mom2manyboyz]

Originally Posted by Kitten

I use both refillable pens and lead pencils. There's no need in throwing out either. To be honest, though, I don't really use pens or pencils much any more because I do so much online instead.

Yes, the only time I buy pens or pencils is in August when the kids go back to school. I rarely write anything accept shopping lists thanks to computers.

[justontime]

I buy mostly in August too. I will certainly think harder about it this year, I suspect it will have to be a compromise between cost, what my son wants and what is good for the planet.

[atula]

well...I really feel good to know that so many of you are atleast thinknig of buying the appropriate stuff...as is said small things can really go a long way in helping the planet....

[justontime]

I was in the stationary store yesterday and they already have the back to school offers on pens and pencils etc. All the offers are on the least environmentally friendly stuff - typical!

[mom2manyboyz]

You are 100% right about the smell. Plastics and other synthetic substances made from chemicals put off a smell called "off gassing." The smell is the strongest when the item is new. It is advisable to at least, take new smelly things outside and let them air out before bringing them into your home. Certain items like pens, hold their odor, but other items like shower curtains will lose their smell within a few days.

Originally Posted by atula

well...I really feel good to know that so many of you are atleast thinknig of buying the appropriate stuff...as is said small things can really go a long way in helping the planet....

[justontime]

It will soon be time for my son to return to school for the new academic year. We went out to buy him new pens, pencils and stationary and I was determined to think green. The most attractive products (nice designs etc) and the best offers were the least environmentally friendly options. I think the industry could do a great deal more to promote environmentally friendly products.

[atula]

Originally Posted by justontime

It will soon be time for my son to return to school for the new academic year. We went out to buy him new pens, pencils and stationary and I was determined to think green. The most attractive products (nice designs etc) and the best offers were the least environmentally friendly options. I think the industry could do a great deal more to promote environmentally friendly products.

you are so right I see the market loaded with so many attractive offers on stationary that even I feel like having those pens...so how can we stop children from not getting attracted to these wonderful looking environment villians....
the least the industry can do is to manufacture eco friendly stationary and promote them instead....