Eco-Friendly Back-to-School Tips

Eco-Friendly Back-to-School Tips

Summer is still here and yes, we are already planning back-to-school!

It’s time to shop for new clothes, gather up their school supplies and get them ready for a new chapter in their lives...

While it is important for us as parents to take action to help our kids be more eco-friendly, it is equally as important for kids to develop their own eco-friendly habits.

Set the example, teach your kids the importance of being sustainable and how to make green choices - they will be forever thankful (plus you will get to be THE coolest parent around, that's for sure!)

A few handy ideas:

1) You want to be teaching them to generate less / little waste, right? Use reusable containers. Skip the plastic ziploc bags. Put your kids’ food in reusable or recyclable containers. A few options we like include Yumbox and Monbento.

2) Have your kids pack a lunch. When kids bring their own lunch, they tend to make healthier food choices. They can eat organic, they can also find the types of food they want to eat, rather than having to eat whatever option happens to be available in the school cafeteria...

3) Don't waste food by making sure your kid brings only the food he or she actually intends to eat. So much food waste is generated around the world on a daily basis. By bringing only the food they know they’ll eat, you can help minimize food waste and save money too.

4) If your kids do end up having waste, tell them not to fret. Encourage your kids to recycle or compost as much as possible.

5) Get your kids a reusable water bottle. Stainless steel is always a good option as you won’t have to worry about toxins from a plastic bottle seeping into their water. if their schools have water filling stations, even better! I love Montii bottles :-)

6) Talk to your kids about staying hydrated. Some of the benefits of staying hydrated include improved cognitive function, better moods, increased energy levels and more.

7) If you can and the weather allows, walk with your kids to school. This gives you and them a chance to get outdoors and get a little exercise before school starts in the morning and after school gets out. You can also have them ride their bikes or scooters to and from school. Be sure to find a safe route for them to use.

8) School uniforms can be super expensive (I couldn't believe it when I first heard about some of the prices!) so why not try to get second hand ones? A great way to get new school clothes for free is to organize a clothing swap with family, friends or neighbours.

Good luck with everything & talk soon,
Pat x

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