Dry-erase markers that protect your health

I used to love when the teacher picked me to stay in at recess to slap the chalkboard brushes together to clean them. To my delight, billows of chalk would fill the air.

But now environmental and health concerns over chalk (it's resource-intensive and can cause allergies and breathing problems), not to mention the mess, have led to the cleaner, healthier whiteboard and dry-erase markers.

But are dry-erase markers healthier? More environmental?

Some of the more toxic dry-erase markers contain the chemicals xylene or toluene. These chemicals are classified neurotoxins, as they affect brain functioning. They can cause headaches, dizziness, irritation of the nose or throat, lack of coordination, 'brain fog' and breathing difficulties.

In response to the outcry over harmful chemicals in dry-erase markers, many marker companies have developed markers labelled, 'AP Non-Toxic'.

Why is it then, that at EcoSmart Products we receive calls on a daily basis from people complaining about these 'non-toxic' markers? People are still experiencing headaches, skin reactions, brain fog and even temper tantrums, not to mention the turnoff of the nasty smell. (Sound familiar?)

Then there's also the environmental blight of the 500 million dry-erase markers thrown out annually by teachers in North America. These markers are rarely made of recycled plastic, nor are they ever biodegradable.

That's why an educator in Australia developed AusPen eco-friendly markers - dry-erase markers that are made of 90% post-consumer recycled materials, whose ink is truly non-toxic and that can be refilled. Over and over again. No landfills required.

Thinking about it, I miss the fun of slapping the chalk erasers hard enough to get a white dusting of chalk in my hair and eyebrows. It was a much more fun way of experiencing gray hair.

Non-Toxic Markers and Whiteboard Paint

A great idea from this mom who painted a whiteboard wall and stocked her son with AusPen non-toxic, refillable markers. What better way to keep toxins out of the home and discarded markers and whiteboards out of the landfill.

Refillable Markers Save Money

Is it just me, or does everyone else feel as though they are pouring money down the drain? Every toy in my house is always out of batteries. Every electronic device in my house has just become obsolete. Every child has just outgrown his pants. You can relate, can't you?

I know I can't stop buying things, so one of my New Year's resolutions this year is to choose things that I can re-use, re-charge, refill in a larger proportion to the things I replace.

Reusing items such as shopping bags, food and drink containers and wrapping fabric, and refilling items such as dry-erase markers and ink cartridges simply saves money.

I have learned this lesson from my experience with AusPen refillable markers . It's a great example of a truly green alternative. AusPen markers are made of recycled materials, they use certified non-toxic ink, and they cost approximately 70% less than regular throw-away markers. The AusPen motto, Penfill Not Landfill says it all to me.

2011, give me your best. I'll give you mine.

It’s indoor time – time to clear the air.

We spend an average of 90% of our time indoors, and 65% of our time inside our homes, according to the National Safety Council, which means that our indoor air quality is crucial to our well-being. Our modern, airtight homes do a good job of preventing energy loss, but they are also doing a good job of trapping pollutants within our homes – in fact, our indoor air can be up to 10 times worse for us than outdoor air.

Here are EcoSmart’s top 5 easy ways to improve indoor air – whether at home, at the office or in school –just in time for the winter shut-in!

1. Use non-toxic cleaning and office supplies. AusPen non-toxic markers save you from breathing xylene and other harmful chemicals.
2. Believe it or not, let plants purify your air! The best indoor plants that remove trace chemicals are: peace lily, bamboo palm, English ivy, mums, and gerbera daisies.
3. Clean drapes, carpets and absorbent fabrics in furniture that trap dust mites and other allergens.
4. When decorating or remodelling, choose materials that have low or no VOCs. Flooring, paint, and blinds all have eco-friendly alternatives.
5. Get a professional air duct cleaning to remove all the dust from the furnace and vents. (Bonus: get fresh air as you run through the neighborhood chasing the indoor cat who escaped during the air duct cleaning!)

Green Schools: Practicing the 3Rs

Check out this video from the Lazy Envionmentalist in which a teacher showcases his new class set of AusPen non-toxic, refillable markers.

How to go Green at School or Work

Tips for a more sustainable school or workplace
From AusPen Eco-Friendly Markers

Whether at school or in the office, activities to tread lighter on the earth can be fun and bring everyone together, even if there is no extra budget for going green! Try this tip for some collective and competitive fun:


Divide yourselves into Eco-Tribes for earth, air, water and fire.

The Earth Tribe can take care of initiatives to recycle, compost and reduce solid waste that is normally generated.

The Air Tribe can source out non-toxic supplies that will help clean the air of toxins and allow people with chemical sensitivities or allergies to breathe better.

The Water Tribe can look for ways to reduce water consumption, collect rainwater for gardens, or eliminate the use of wasteful water bottles.

The Fire Tribe can focus on ways to reduce energy consumption by getting power-saving bulbs, power cords that can be switched off, and creating an awareness around turning off lights and monitors.

Just imagine all that can be done: challenges, awards, posters, tribe names, and milestone celebrations. Going green just got fun.


Learn more about how AusPen Eco-Friendly Markers can reduce your exposure to toxins and drastically cut down on your solid waste at school or in the office, while saving money. Visit http://www.ecosmartworld.com

Going Green with Refillable Markers

Are your school or office supplies unnecessarily contributing to solid waste? Are you tired of constantly throwing out dried up plastic markers?

AusPen eco-friendly dry-erase markers are a unique solution. Not only are AusPen markers non-toxic, but they are also refillable. Markers running low on ink can be topped up and used again and again – no trash can, no waste. And at the end of the AusPen’s long life, the marker goes in the recycling bin since it is made of 100% recycled aluminum. The cost savings amount to approximately 70% the cost of disposable markers. AusPen’s health, environmental and cost benefits add up to a triple threat.