home - back to school - if nothing else...

If Nothing Else...

Here's your kiddo's chance to score brownie points before they even crack a book: Set them up with supplies like PVC-free packs and recycled-paper notebooks, and organic (and - believe it - affordable) fall clothes; keep 'em healthy with nutritious lunches and eco hand sanitizers; and get them door to door in a way that kisses up to the planet. (Note: For the older set, check out Top 10 Things to Pack for College and our college care-package tip.)

If Nothing Else, Try This...

There may be no such thing as a free lunch, but how about a waste-free one? Yep - by packing your kid's lunches in reusable containers instead of disposable ones, you'll help to conserve trees, save oil, and minimize landfills (per child, about 67 pounds of disposables get tossed each year). Bonus: You can pack healthier, tastier fare (see the Lunches section) than what they'll likely find at school - no strings attached.
Stat: Opting for reusable containers and bags over disposables will save you about $250 per year.
‹ back to schoolupNext: Part 1: Supplies & Clothes

In This Guide...

  • Part 1
    Supplies & Clothes
    Planet-friendly backpacks, binders, pens, the works, plus where to score new clothes for cheap.
  • Part 2
    Lunches
    Organic snacks and drinks, and the bags and boxes to pack them in. Also: how to get healthier foods into the cafeteria.
  • Part 3
    Staying Healthy
    How to treat the usual suspects (colds, flus, earaches, and - ugh - lice) without synthetic chems - and how to help your kiddo avoid what's going around in the first place.
  • Part 4
    Getting There
    Tips on organizing safe walking and biking routes, and how to cut fuel costs if you drive.