The sum
mer is dwindling… it’s the countdown to the “end”… sounds dramatic, doesn’t it? But this is truly my least favorite time of year. Sure the weather is wonderful and there is so much fun to be had, but I get this feeling in the pit of my stomach when I have to send my kids back to school. I actually happen to be a mom who loooves to have my kids at home!
But school time is looming and it’s time to prepare. So, while you’re prepping your list (the long list!) of everything they need, keep these tidbits in mind to help keep it on the green side:
- Check your “stock” – you may already have supplies at home; some may even be leftover from last year, so check carefully before you buy.
- Look for recycled content – notebooks, pens, pencils, folders, binders and even backpacks… there are lots of options out there made from recycled content, so be wise when you choose. Also, choose paper, paperboard or canvas over plastics.

- Waste-free lunches – plan to pack your kids’ lunches with reusable lunch kits like those from Kids Konserve or Citizen Pip. Also, opt for reusable containers, bottles, real silverware and cloth napkins over anything single-use or disposable, and make sure everything is BPA-free.
- Backpacks and totes – as exciting as it seems to purchase new every year, convince your kids that if it’s still functional, it’s still usable. If you can, also steer them away from something “character” based, so when they outgrow the character you don’t feel forced into a replacement. And when you do need to replace one, consider donating the outgrown version and make sure the new one is PVC-free.
- Clothes – we all know how quickly kids grow, but the bigger they get the slower they grow. Take a little time for a “try-on” session. If it’s not outgrown, no need to replace it just yet. When it no longer fits, be sure to donate everything to organizations that provide clothing to those in need. Even consignment shops and sales or swaps are great resources for giving or getting items that still have usefulness.
Whether yo
u get teary-eyed at the idea of sending your kids back to school, or the first day couldn’t come soon enough (I will be a teary-eyed one!) be sure to earn a “green star” for your efforts before they go!



First of all, keep in mind that each year literally BILLIONS of non-recyclable drink pouches get tossed in the trash and wind up in landfills… fortunately, along came TerraCycle. They upcycle this otherwise worthless trash and convert the used drink pouches into fashion bags, tote bags, pencil cases, and a whole slew of other items for kids and adults. All you have to do is save the drink pouches, send them to TerraCycle and earn a little cash for your school, organization or charity of your choice.
This year I’m posting early! November 15 is
newspapers
My list of duties just got longer… drumroll, please… I am now the Head Room Mom (read: “Lead Party Queen”!) for our daughter’s 2nd grade class! She is absolutely thrilled and while I’m excited too, I’m also simultaneously worried.

My hope is to find a place that would accept these unopened foods and allow them to benefit. With so many regulations, it may be hard to do. And then I will need to get the school on board, so that will likely be another huge administrative hurdle, but this one ladies and gents, Mom Goes Green is taking on!!! I never knew about this before, since our daughter is a daily
Well, yes it is!
they grow. Before you charge out to charge a new wardrobe, find out what still fits. Don’t replace clothing before it’s been outgrown. If it has, you can still be green by putting “reuse” into action. Gather up the unneeded clothes, shoes, jackets and coats and 
Last week our daughter’s school had their annual Spring Fest to raise money to support their land lab. This area in front of their school has gardens, walking paths, trees and a pond and it’s an amazing little “earth” educational site for our kids.
I didn’t have a cold or postnasal drip. And, I’m not part bloodhound. I was simply concerned about the indoor air quality. My daughter was (and still is) prone to respiratory illnesses and I wanted to be sure the school she would be attending would support and protect her growing lungs (in addition to her brain). For many air quality issues, your nose knows, so I was using the easiest tool I had to gauge how healthy the environment was.

