I love back-to-school shopping! Notebooks, folders, backpacks…it makes me want to be back in a small wooden desk smelling worksheets fresh off the ditto machine. Of course, the ditto ink smell was probably the toxic equivalent of an elementary school BP oil spill.
Growing up, back-to-school shopping was a ritual. We piled in the car and headed off to Bradlees and Caldor to get our supplies. I can still remember my first Snoopy loose-leaf binder and my blue Trapper Keeper. Come to think of it, I sniffed those too.
While my school supplies were more than likely filled with BPA and toxic substances, today’s school supplies are much eco-friendlier. Kids have choices now. And since our kids are going to be making decisions and running the world sooner than we think, this is the perfect time to step in and teach them which supplies are the right ones to sniff!
School supply shopping does not have to be a complicated word problem. Instead, it can be a simpler multiple choice.
Here’s a little mnemonic device to shop SMART this back to school season:
Solar calculators and chargers are best. Harness the sunshine!
Make your child’s lunch using healthy, local and organic foods and pack it all up in a reusable lunch bag!
A reusable water bottle is key to keeping your child hydrated and away from sugary soft drinks.
Recycled products are best! Look for backpacks, notebooks, pens and other supplies made out of recycled materials.
Thrift store shopping for new clothes. Today’s thrift stores carry items that still have tags on them! Don’t be afraid to venture in and take a look.
Your choices and actions will be picked up on by your kids. Make sure you score an A+ for your kids…and the earth!
(The Ultimate Green Store is a great place to complete your one-stop shopping for "green" school supplies!)
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