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Back to School Guide to PVC-Free School Supplies

Many children’s school supplies, such as lunchboxes, backpacks and binders, are often made out of PVC—an unnecessary toxic plastic that is dangerous to our health and the environment across its lifecycle: from production, to use, to disposal.

This guide lists the most common back-to-school supplies made out of polyvinyl chloride (PVC or vinyl) plastic and suggests safer PVC-free alternatives.

Resource | Consumer Protection

Phthalates Fact Sheet

Phthalates are chemicals added to PVC plastic to make it soft and flexible. Among many other things, they are used in soft plastic toys and other baby products, such as teethers, bath books, and rubber ducks. Because phthalates are not chemically bonded to PVC molecules, phthalates are given off freely by PVC. Because children have a natural tendency to suck on objects as a way of exploring the world around them, phthalates can leach out of these products and enter their bodies.

Resource | Consumer Protection

Toxic Tris Fact Sheet

Toxic flame retardant chemicals TCEP and TDCPP have been found in baby products and furniture. Evidence linking TCEP and TDCPP to cancer, reproductive problems, and developmental problems is concerning. 

Resource | Safe Energy

Easy Tips to Save Energy in Your Home

Energy efficiency is one of the easiest ways to lower your energy consumption as well as your monthly bills, and make your home more comfortable and weatherproof. We’ve put together this fact sheet to help consumers start saving money now!

Resource | Consumer Protection

Identity Theft Handbook

Download a free copy of Maryland PIRG Foundation's Identity Theft Handbook and have the answers to all of your questions at your fingertips.

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