Before you know it, the last days of summer are here and thoughts turn to easing the return to school with appealing accessories. You can avoid those mad-dash excursions to depleted stores-not to mention the look on your teenager's face when you bring home a vinyl Tweety Bird binder-by sustainably shopping ahead.

According to the New York State Department of Conservation, parents who pack a child's lunch in disposable bags or containers generate 45 to 90 pounds of garbage every year. That makes 18,760 pounds of lunch waste for just one average-size elementary school. Instead, team up with parents, friends and teachers to buy multiples of these righteous green supplies.

Wheely ball-point pens are made from 50 percent PCR rubber tires and 10 percent recycled plastic ($0.50/each). Woody pens are refillable and made from scrap wood ($2.85/each). Old Money pencils are truly green, made from recycled dollars, 20-25 percent PCR ($6.00/12 pack; www.newdream.org , 877-68-DREAM).

Markers with the least toxic inks include BIC magic marker ($3.59/30 pack) and Crayola washable markers ($3.59/8 pack; both from www.officedepot.com ), Permapaque ($13/4 pack) and Sharpie poster paint markers ($3.19/each; both from www.reuels.com ) and Pigma Graphic markers ($2.26/each; www.misterart.com). For more products and health info, see "Of Mice and Marking Pens ," GG #104.

Whatever it holds-paper, books or lunch-make sure the container is not PVC vinyl, which can contain lead, a neurotoxin that causes learning deficiencies in high doses, and phthalate plasticizers, suspected of raising risks of developmental harm and liver cancer.

From Green Home Environmental Store, three-ring binders of 100 percent recycled, corrugated material in 1"-3" wide feature a removable, replaceable cover ($15 to $60; www.greenhome.com , 877-282-6400).

Rebinder recycled binders, 1"-3" wide models are up to 38 percent PCR. The 1/2" ones are 100 percent recycled, 56 percent PCR (sold by the case, starting at $47.60/8; www.sustainablegroup.net , 206-706-0966).

EarthWise recycled letter-size file folders come in colors, with a minimum of 50 percent PCF ($34.66/100). Legal-size hanging folders are 50 percent PCR ($36.63/25; www.dolphinblue.com , 800-932-7715).

From Green Earth Office Supply, recycled rubber backpacks are 100 percent PCR tire rubber and fully lined with convertible strap, outer magnetic snap pocket and inner zipper pocket ($60; www.greenearthofficesupply.com , 800-327-8449).

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