With September nearly at a close and the summer holidays coming to an end, this can mean only one thing dreaded by both child and parent across the country – Back to School Shopping! And, of course, you can expect there to be the inevitable temper tantrum, strop out, tears-before-bedtime scenario; but, kids, be patient with them, they’re only adults.

The battlegrounds have been set, the war will be waged, and the cross-fire of what you can and cannot have will surely take its casualties. But here at EcoSwitch, we will help you with the one necessary piece of school kit for any child under any syllabus: the backpack. We’ve selected a range of eco-friendly school bags that will keep you off of the front line; hopefully have you both agreeing over what is ‘cool’; and for that evening, perhaps, allow you to give peace a chance. Here’s some of the best of what’s out there now:

Pure Sativa Hemp Shoulder Bag – Rucksack., RRP £35.00
The Pure Sativa Hemp Shoulder Bag is a great rucksack. Medium sized (width 27cm; height 30cm) its design incorporates an easy to use drawstring main pocket compartment, with magnetic lock; as well as two accessible pockets with traditional academic styled leather straps and buckle. It comes in black and is available from www.shopeezee.co.uk for £33 inc VAT.

Organic Hemp College Backpack – Natural., RRP £39.00
The eco-friendly Organic Hemp Backpack is a waterproof rucksack made from 100% hemp. It has a more modern appeal; with numerous zippered pockets and dual adjustable straps. It is a good size 17″ x 12″ x 9″ – which is large enough to fit an average laptop inside it. The product can be found online by a US producer based in Chicago, Bean Products. The company has been certified by Green America and goodprint, which will ensure that the product is ‘people positive’, ‘eco positive’ and ‘animal friendly’. Just remember to offset the real cost of shipping it across seas.

Jute Bag – Reusable Carrier., RRP *prices may vary
Now this is a bag that has got increasingly trendier over the past year or so. Once it would only be seen in the post offices or supermarkets, but now they are literally everywhere. The Jute Bag is essentially a reusable carrier bag designed to hold shopping. But kids, teenagers, adults alike are all using them these days. And at jutebag.co.uk you can even upload your own design onto fairtrade cotton, to give it that extra little touch that makes it all your very own.

Solar Travel Case – Laptop Bag., RRP £69.00
Perhaps the best has been saved till last, that is, of course, for you to decide. But whether you like it or not, the Solar Travel Case, brought to you by Eco Express ($109.99) is at least the most innovative on our list of eco-friendly bags. The case has a central panel, which works in the same way a PV solar cell does, in that it allows you to charge iPods, mobile phones, iPhones and PDAs. It comes with a full range of adapters too. (www.ecoexpress.com)

So whether your wizz-kid needs the most advanced piece of bag engineering, something a little more creative, a bag that’s too cool for school, or a nice traditional rucksack; hopefully we’ve set you well on your way to finding an eco-friendly alternative that, we would like, most children to arrive with on their first day back.