Buying Safe and Non-Toxic Educational Furniture Supplies
Educational furniture supplies are an important element in any school environment. These include items such as chairs, tables, and other types of equipment. When it comes to purchasing these items, you want to make sure that they are made from safe, non-toxic materials. Fortunately, there are a number of different options available. For instance, you can buy products that are made from molded plastics, recycled materials, and wood. In addition, you can purchase products that have been modified to be safer, such as Kaplan products and Ergonomic seats.
Ergonomic seats
The right ergonomic seat in educational furniture furniture promotes good posture, which can improve a student’s learning and performance. A seat that is too shallow or too tall can lead to back and neck pain, which can interfere with a person’s ability to learn.
The right chair can be flexible and allow students to move their arms without straining their back and shoulder muscles. It can also provide lumbar support, which can be important in encouraging healthy posture.
Ergonomic seating in educational furniture can also help reduce fatigue and increase pupil concentration. Students often spend a lot of time in classrooms, and the wrong type of chair can cause tense neck, shoulder, and back muscles.
Classroom furniture should also be flexible to allow students to choose the correct seat. For instance, a swivel chair with an adjustable tilt will allow students to move without straining their back or shoulder muscles.
Non-toxic materials
When you’re buying non-toxic materials for educational furniture supplies, look for a brand that offers products made from sustainable and organic sources. Then, choose a fabric that’s OEKO-TEX certified, meaning it’s free of toxic chemicals.
You may be surprised to learn that many of the furniture you find at your local retailers is filled with synthetic fibers and polyurethane foam. These toxic substances can affect your health and the environment in the long run.
Luckily, there are several non-toxic manufacturers that offer furniture and other school supply options. Some of them even plant trees to offset their carbon footprint.
If you’re worried about formaldehyde, choose a brand that has an OEKO-Tex certification. This certification allows for organic, non-organic, and synthetic fibers.
Cooperative purchasing programs
One of the best ways to get quality furniture supplies at competitive prices is by purchasing through a cooperative purchasing program. These programs streamline the buying process by aggregating the demands of multiple entities into one contract. By entering into a single agreement, school districts can save time, money and effort.
Many states, counties and even institutions of higher learning are eligible to participate in these cooperative purchasing vehicles. They can receive competitive bids for items ranging from classroom supplies to extracurricular activities.
The most popular purchasing programs can be found in states across the country. The Cooperative Purchasing Connection is a good choice for purchasing technology and classroom supplies, while the Association of Educational Purchasing Agencies (AEPA) is a national organization that brings national bids to local governments and higher education institutions.
Modifiable furniture
School furniture supplies provide schools with the ability to transform their classrooms. These furnishings are available in a variety of styles and can be customized to fit the unique needs of schools. They are made of plastic, metal or wood and generally include desks, chairs, cupboards, green boards, chalkboards, whiteboards, and lab equipment.
The use of school furniture has grown significantly. This is primarily because of the rising number of K-12 schools. The market is also driven by the growing demand for ergonomically designed furniture.
Today, schools are becoming more flexible and are adapting their learning environment to meet the changing needs of students. Furniture must be easy to reconfigure and mobile to enable teachers to customize their classrooms.
Kaplan
Kaplan’s educational furniture, classroom supplies and curriculum are among the most sought after in the nation’s schools. The company’s wares are also lauded for the innovative designs and user-friendly interfaces they provide. In addition to their classroom fare, Kaplan has been a trailblazer in designing and manufacturing playrooms for young children. Their best-in-class line of sand and water tables and storage units are just the tip of the iceberg.
Kaplan’s foray into the early learning classroom has not only yielded a winning product line, but has also cultivated a cult following of dedicated teachers and administrators. Those lucky enough to snag a vacancy at Kaplan’s storied new North American headquarters in Los Angeles are rewarded with a generous compensation package and a plethora of professional development and networking opportunities.