Posts Tagged ‘back to school’

18 Aug

Back-to-School with CLIFKid

Posted by Dee P. in Product Recommendations. Tagged: back to school, Children, Clif Bar, CLIF Kid, Family, Food and Related Products, Health, healthy living, healthy snacks, Kids, Mom, natural foods, non-gmo, Nutrition, Organic, Organic food, Parenting. 3 comments

Last year I shared my love for CLIF Kid snacks with you (to read post: Click Here). My family and I have been a big fan of their Zbars for a while now. Well, with back-to-school around the corner, I could not pass up the chance to share their latest product with you…CLIF Kid Zbar Protein! These nutritious snack bars are made with organic whole grains and contain 5 grams of protein. They are also a great source of calcium, fiber, iron, zinc and vitamin D. They do not contain any high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, preservatives or artificial flavors. They are also low in calories, fat and sugar. They are a great alternative to conventional granola bars, snacks and sweets that are filled with sugar and unhealthy ingredients.

Zbar Protein is available in 3 flavors: Chocolate chip, Chocolate Mint (my daughter’s favorite!) and Peanut Butter Chocolate (my favorite!). All three are super yummy…your kids won’t even know they’re actually good for them. A box of 5 sells for approximately $4.99…just around 99 cents per bar!

Zbar makes a great addition to your child’s lunch. It can also be used as an after-school snack, fuel for after-school activities, or a post-practice recovery snack. It is essential that growing, active children get their daily intake of nutrients in order to perform and flourish. I don’t know about you, but this is the type of snack bar I am happy to pack in my little girl’s lunchbox…

So, in honor of Back-to-School, I would like to offer one lucky reader the opportunity to be a “lunchbox hero.” Be the first to leave a comment below sharing your most creative healthy lunchbox snack and you will win a half dozen variety of the new CLIF Kid Zbar Protein snack bars…simple as that!

For more info on CLIF Kid visit the Website or follow them on Facebook, and Pinterest.

27 Oct

Go Green with TreeSmart

Posted by Dee P. in Organic Thoughts. Tagged: art supplies, back to school, BPA free, Children, Earth Day, eco-friendly products, environment, environmental awareness, environmentally friendly, Family, fundraisers, Green living, green products, healthy living, Kids, natural products, newspaper, Office Products, office supplies, Parenting, Pencil, Pencil case, recycle, recycled products, recycling, school, School supplies, toxic-free, TreeSmart. Leave a comment

At the end of August, as Summer vacation came to an end, I wrote the article “Top 10 Green Tips for Back-to-School“. I wrote a similar article for the GreenDeals Go Green Blog, “Ways to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle for Back to School“. Last month I even hosted a couple of giveaways and wrote an article on ways to green your child’s school lunch. (To read: Click Here.) Since then I was introduced to a great line of products that I had to share with my readers.

TreeSmart makes recycled school and office supplies for the entire family. I received the supplies pictured above to sample and, have to say, my daughter and I just love them. Her favorite is the colored pencil kit that is easy to carry in her back pack and store in her desk. The pencils are made from 100% recycled rolled up newspapers! I love the regular pencils which are also made out of recycled newspapers. Sharpening them is so much smoother and easier than than conventional brand pencils. I use them often in my own office. I really like the neat and simple newspaper print much better than the typical loud and distracting designs. The ruler we received is small enough to fit in my daughter’s pencil case and I really appreciate that it is made from recycled newspaper and plastic. The best part is knowing that I am protecting my daughter from any further exposure to toxic plastics and chemicals.

TreeSmart offers a variety of supplies, including: mechanical pencils, artist pencils, pencil cases, school supply boxes, deluxe sets, and more. Their prices are very reasonable. Best of all, TreeSmart offers custom imprinting and fundraiser programs. Remember, it is never too late to protect our planet by greening up your school and office.

How green is your pencil case? (energylivenews.com)
Simple Green Printing Tips (simple-green-living.com)
Green School article – ‘Green Lifestyle’ Magazine (schoolbitz.wordpress.com)
Why Not Learn How To Be Green! (simple-green-living.com)
Can You Recycle That? Recycling Tips For Newbies (apartmentguide.com)
Green Your Halloween (thelittlegreenplaypen.wordpress.com)

6 Sep

Back-to-School Green Giveaways!

Posted by Dee P. in Organic Thoughts. Tagged: back to school, BPA free, Children, CLIF Kid, eco-friendly products, environmentally friendly, Family, Funkins, giveaways, Green living, green products, Health, healthy living, healthy snacks, Kids, litter-free, lunch bags, Lunch box, Mom, New Wave Enviro, non-toxic, Organic food, Parenting, rafflecopter, raffles, recycle, reduce, reuse, school, Shopping, Whole Foods Market, Zbars. 4 comments

For most of us, back-to-school season is in full swing. However, it is never too late, nor too early, to pack a healthy and eco-friendly lunch for our kids. I have three great ways and products for you that will help make that an easy task. Even better, I am hosting TWO giveaways so you can get started on packing your child healthier, green lunches…for free!

Up first…let’s discuss those darn lunchboxes!

If your lunch box from last year is still in good condition…use it! It’s all about reducing, reusing and recycling…upcycling too! However, if you need to shop for a brand new lunch box…I have a great alternative to those plastic boxes or brown paper bags. Introducing the New Wave Enviro Litter-Free Lunch Bag Kit!

The unique, colorful designs will definitely set your child’s lunch apart from the rest. My daughter loves hers. I love it because it makes packing lunch such an easy task. The litter-free lunch kit comes complete with a BPA free water bottle (avoid waste from juice boxes and plastic water bottles) and four “green” reusable containers (made to fit sandwiches and other snacks perfectly). No need for wasteful plastic baggies or tinfoil or other unnecessary trash! The lunch bag itself is insulated and lead-free. The whole set is so easy to clean and maintain. You can find them online and at Whole Foods Market for an average price of $25. Considering you’ll be using it for years to come, you will be saving lots of money…and the Earth!

Now how about what goes into that lunch box?

Well, a few months back I posted about a healthy, organic snack bar for children by CLIF Kid. (To read the original post: Click Here) CLIF Kid Zbars are nutritious, perfectly proportioned, vegan (except honey variety) bars containing about 8-10 grams of whole grains, 12 vitamins and minerals, 120 calories, 3 grams of fat, 11 grams of sugar and 3 grams of fiber per bar. They are also made with 95% Certified USDA Organic ingredients and do not contain any high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, trans fats, preservatives, artificial flavors or colors. They are the perfect snack alternative to traditional granola bars and even special treats for young active kids. You can find them for as little as $1.69 per bar at Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods Market. Zbars are soft and chewy and come in a variety of flavors like Iced Oatmeal Cookie, Honey Graham, Chocolate Brownie, Smore’s, Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip.

Right now I am offering one lucky reader the opportunity to win a 6 count variety pack of CLIF Kid Zbars! Winner must live in the USA, provide a valid email (that you check often), and be at least 18 years of age. Raffle ends on Friday September 27, 2013 at 11:59 pm.

To enter Raffle click link below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Final “Green” Touch…

To complete your healthy and eco-friendly lunch, a reusable napkin is the perfect final touch. A few months back I wrote a review and hosted a giveaway for Funkins. (To read original post: Click Here). Funkins come in a variety of colorful designs for all ages. Put one in your child’s lunch and it can be used as a place mat and then a napkin too! You can avoid creating unnecessary waste from paper towel and napkins. Just wash your Funkins and reuse over and over again. Place it in your Litter-free Lunch bag and you have a truly waste-free lunch, saving money and the planet.

Right now I am offering one lucky reader the opportunity to receive a set of THREE colorful reusable napkins/place mats from Funkins! Winner must live in the USA, provide a valid email (that you check often), and be at least 18 years of age. Raffle ends on Friday September 27, 2013 at 11:59 pm.

To enter raffle click the link below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

AMAZING Back to School Eco-Friendly Giveaway (ediblefacial.com)
6 Eco-Friendly Lunchbox Essentials for Green Kids (mysweetgreens.com)
Top 10 Green Tips for Back-to-School (thelittlegreenplaypen.com)

31 Aug

Cherokee USA Clothing for Kids

Posted by Dee P. in Organic Thoughts. Tagged: Baby, back to school, Cherokee, Cherokee clothing, Children, clothes, clothing, Family, fashion, Kid's Clothing, Kid's Fashion, Kids, Mom, Parenting, Shopping, target, Target Corporation, toddler. Leave a comment

While packing for a recent Summer vacation, I couldn’t help but get frustrated at how much darn clothes my soon-to-be 7 year old daughter has! Gifts from family and friends keep her closet full. I greatly appreciate it. However, the problem I run into is the way most kid’s clothing fits. My daughter is very slender and it just seems like most clothes designers assume all kids are chubby. As much as I wish all her clothes could be eco-friendly and organic, it would definitely break my bank. This is where I don’t mind bending a little. When I personally shop for her, I try to look for clothes that are made with high quality materials, are durable, fit her well, and are affordable.

One such label, that is VERY available to the average shopper, is Cherokee. The company has been around for years. You can find their children’s clothing at Target and other stores worldwide. I have to admit, even this Green Mama likes shopping at Target on occasion. I’ve found some really great stuff there at low prices.

What I love about Cherokee clothing for kids is that my daughter really likes them. The sizing seems to always be on point. She says they are very comfortable. Most of their clothing is made with 100% cotton and is very soft, but yet can withstand a lot of playtime and several washes. We both love that their styles are very current. We recently got a few new styles to sample and she is in love. The dresses and top are things I would love to have in my OWN closet.

Of course, what makes or breaks the purchase is the price. With cute tops averaging $10 or less and pretty dresses averaging $15 or less, you can’t go wrong. (Even better bargains when they’re on clearance!) We all know how frustrating it can be to buy clothes for our little ones and they only wear them once, or maybe never get to, because they grow so fast. Right now, prices for Cherokee uniforms are practically unbeatable. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to get some great back-to-school deals with Cherokee. Remember to donate and recycle when they outgrow their clothes!

Target: Possible Infant & Toddler Clothing Clearance (hip2save.com)

21 Aug

Top 10 Green Tips for Back-to-School

Posted by Dee P. in Organic Thoughts. Tagged: back to school, Children, eco-friendly, education, environment, Family, Green living, green products, Kids, Mom, Parenting, recycle, recycling, reduce, reuse, School supplies, upcycle. 6 comments

Another school year! Seems like every year flies by a little faster than the previous one. It is never too late to incorporate ways of being green when it comes to school. In fact, teaching our young children to lead greener, healthier lives is the best way to ensure a safer, more promising future for them and our planet. I recently wrote an article on ways to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle when planning for Back-to-School. To read the original article: Click here.

The following is a general list I created of the Top 10 Ways to Go Green that can be incorporated into your family’s routine beginning with Back-to-School and all the way through to the end of the year.

1. Reduce and Reuse. Make sure you buy just what you need. Avoid unnecessary waste. Look around your home to check some items off of the back-to-school list. Go through last year’s supplies for reusable ones too.

2. Upcycle! Use last year’s backpack or lunch box. You can always decorate them with patches, stickers and markers to give them a new look.

3. Shop at second-hand stores. You would be surprised at the unique styles and finds you’ll encounter. If your school requires uniforms, consider buying used ones. If not, buy one a couple sizes larger so you can alter and use it for another year or two.

4. Use a Kindle or used book. If you need to buy your own books, rely on the library whenever possible. If not, perhaps you can use a Kindle or shop for used ones. Don’t hesitate to ask anyone and everyone you know that may have a book you need sitting on their home library shelf. Make sure to protect your books so you can sell them or donate them to someone who needs them the following year.

5. Avoid plastic. Choose recycled and sustainable materials….recycled paper, refillable pencils, wooden rulers, non-toxic and eco-friendly crayons and paints, etc.

6. Pack a waste–free lunch…reusable lunch boxes and bags, water container, napkins, silverware, etc. Today you can find some really cute sets and designs.

7. Pack a healthy lunch! Locally sourced fruits and veggies, organic and gmo-free meals and snacks, etc. Many of these items even come in eco-friendly packaging.

8. If possible, walk your child to school. Older kids can ride their bikes. If distance is a factor, organize a carpool. Carpools are also great for sporting events and other extracurricular activities.

9. Recycle and Green Club. Put together a student committee who is in charge of recycling and organizing “Green” events. Plant a school garden! Encourage the administration to adopt email communication and to become involved with an official green and recycling program.

10. Host a swap party at the end of the year for uniforms, clothing and other school supplies. Set aside all items you will be able to use the following year.

While you might pay a little extra for certain school items, you will be reducing your family’s carbon footprint, as well as increasing the chances you can reuse most items for years to come. In the end, you will save money and help save the planet.

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle for Back-to-School (greendeals.org)
7 Eco-Friendly School Supplies For A Healthy School Year! (earthtechling.com)
Mattias Wallander: Reduce, Reuse, Return to School (huffingtonpost.com)
Back To School: 4 Ways To Be Extra Green (bitofmomsense.com)
6 Smart Back-to-School Shopping Tips (bluehazel77.wordpress.com)
Swap School Supplies for Green, Eco-Friendly Back-to-School “Shopping” That Doesn’t Break the Bank (biggreenpurse.com)
Back to School in Fair Trade Fashion (fairtrade.wordpress.com)

27 Jun

School’s out…time to green up your children’s lunch for Fall!

Posted by Dee P. in Organic Thoughts, Product Recommendations. Tagged: back to school, Earth, Earth Day, eco-friendly, Ecolunchbox, environmentally friendly, Food, Food and Related Products, Green, green products, Healthy fast food, Lunch, lunchbox, non-toxic, Nutrition, Plastic, stainless steel, Toxicity, waste-free. Leave a comment

Just wanted to share this great product one more time.

Get 10% off until July 4th on ECOlunchbox.

This is a great opportunity to get a head start on your back-to-school shopping.

When you pack your children’s lunch next school year, feel confident that you are filling up their bellies with healthy food stored in containers that are safe for them and the Earth. This is a great tool in teaching your children why going green is important too.

Avoid the plastics, leads, vinyl fumes and other toxins that can leach onto your food and our planet. Make the switch from popular lunchboxes, lunch bags and plastic baggies to ones that are non-toxic and waste-free.

Eco-friendly ECOlunchbox products were designed by an eco mom who wanted to help families reduce their dependence on plastics by providing healthy natural lunchware alternatives for families. A no-waste lunch study completed by ECOlunchbox shows that families typically generate 4,320 pieces of trash at lunchtime annually and spend at least $400 on unnecessary throw-aways.

ECOlunchbox specializes in lunchware that is safe and healthy for people and the planet: