Running out to pick up last-minute school supplies? Before you hit the stores, visit the Center for Health, Environment and Justice's website, where you'll find a printable wallet guide to steer you toward PVC-free art supplies, backpacks, lunchboxes and more.
For example, the guide warns against paper clips and notebook spirals that are covered in colored plastic, which often contains PVC. Instead, stick to the plain metal clips and spirals.
The center urges parents to avoid plastic items, in general, whenever possible. PVC, it says, is "a toxic plastic that is dangerous to our health from production, use, to disposal."
When plastic is unavoidable, check to see if the three-arrow recycling symbol on the bottom of the item has a "3" inside, which indicates it's made with PVC.
The wallet guide and more information can be found at tinyurl.com/pvcwallet.
CHICAGO TRIBUNE
Colleges warned of flu The hot back-to-school item for college students? A thermometer -- and a plan to go home or hunker down in a dorm room if the swine flu strikes.
Some colleges are recommending that students come to campus prepared for what could be a rocky fall flu season. Several administrators caution that students should bring such things as medicines, tissues and hand sanitizer so they can remain cloistered in their dorm rooms if they come down with the emergent virus.
