Avoid anyting antibacterial, skip the coatings, and veto vinyl.

RODALE NEWS, EMMAUS, PA—Kids go to school to sharpen their minds. But many manufacturers should get an F for offering school products laced with chemicals that scientists have linked to developmental and learning problems, among other ailments. The good news is, eco-savvy parents and advocacy groups are paying more attention to avoiding toxic book bags and binders, and other school staples. Just as some simple strategies can help anyone live practically plastic-free, if you follow a few simple rules, you can greatly reduce your children's exposure to chemicals that threaten their health as well as their academic performance.

Toxic school supplies avoidance tips:

Pack a Plastic-Free Lunch

Packing whole, organic food is certainly healthier for your child and the planet, but how your child hauls that grub to school matters, too. Be sure to focus on reusable bags, stainless steel, and safer plastics. Plastic containers with number 2 or 5 on them are suitable for food and reuse purposes—just never microwave them or put any type of plastic in the dishwasher (even if it's touted to be dishwasher- or microwave-safe).

Some plastic-free options for packing lunches:

LunchBots (Duo, Uno, Pico, and Eco), reuseit.com, $12.95 to $16.95

Bento Systems, laptoplunches.com, $34.99 to $44.99

Thermos Raya Stainless Steel Food Jar , reuseit.com, $19.95

Zelco Stainless Steel Portable Knife, Spoon, and Fork Set , reuseit.com, $13.95

Reuseit Lightweight Lunch Bag, Recycled Cotton, $6.95

Reuseit Hemp and Organic Cotton Reusable Napkins , $11.95

Stainless Steel Drinking Straws, $9.95

Veto vinyl

Vinyl, a PVC plastic product, is a too-common household toxin; it's often called the "poison plastic" because both its production and its incineration during disposal create carcinogenic dioxins. Exposure to vinyl has been tied to asthma, obesity, learning and developmental problems, and even childhood cancer. "PVC is very prevalent in back-to-school products. It's in products children come in contact with on an everyday basis," explains Michael Schade, PVC campaign coordinator for the Center for Health, Environment & Justice. "Vinyl is the most toxic plastic for human health and the environment, from manufacture through use and disposal," he adds. "It's harmful to children's health and known or suspected to cause health problems in children."

Unfortunately, vinyl is commonly used in children's lunch boxes, backpacks, and three-ring binders. To keep vinyl out of your child's backpack, avoid supplies with colorful coatings, such as coated paperclips; search specifically for vinyl-free binders (most are vinyl, but persevere and you can find alternatives), and avoid shiny plastic designs on backpacks. Stay away from any plastic product with a three inside the triangle of arrows. That means it's PVC—and toxic. Visit the Center for Health, Environment & Justice's handy PVC-Free School Supplies list for an extensive list of products that don't contain this toxic plastic.

Be anti-antibacterial.

Avoid soaps, clothing, and school supplies advertised as antimicrobial, antibacterial, germ- or odor-inhibiting, or as being treated with Microban. They likely contain triclosan, a chemical that messes up our hormones and facilitates the rise of antibiotic-resistant infections. Washing with regular soap and water works just as well to kill germs.

Be choosy about art supplies.

If you're buying your child art supplies for school, or for home use, steer clear of modeling clays made of PVC. Bypass shiny plastic art smocks; they likely contain harmful vinyl. Save money and reuse an existing piece of clothing by sending the kids to art class with one of your old shirts. (Keep reading for more art supply suggestions.)