Jillian's Wellness Team

Caroline Howell

Caroline Howell is a Green Home and Lifestyle Consultant, whose business, GreenBeanie™ Inc., is headquartered in Pasadena, California. Caroline founded her company to formalize the advice she was sharing with friends and family about green living, including habits and routines that are better for your health, the health of those around you, and the planet.

To learn more about Caroline Howell, visit her Web site: www.greenbeanie.net

Back To School Rule: Reuse, Reuse, Reuse

I’m a big fan of reducing waste, especially when it comes to kids and their lunches. I’ve blogged about it, educated school communities, sold some of the products, and some would even say ranted on occasion. So as we head back into another school year, I encourage you to take on the REUSE mantra.

The market for eco-friendly lunch products has grown exponentially over the last several years, which is fantastic. Darling patterns can be seen on lunch boxes, food containers, sandwich wrappers, water bottles and more. Bringing a “waste-free lunch” is also encouraged at many schools (if it’s not encouraged at your school, how about suggesting it?).

When you start packing those lunches again in a few weeks, try to avoid disposable items in the lunchbox. Take note of a frightening stat: 67 pounds of waste are generated annually from each child’s disposable lunch (WasteFreeLunches.org). Check out what you already have from last year and see what items in your kitchen you might be able to repurpose for lunches. Baggies? Nah…you don’t need ‘em. Plastic containers from yogurt or crème cheese can be washed and reused for apple slices, grapes, pretzels…you name it.

Looking for a simple project for your bored kids? Pick up a yard of cotton fabric at the fabric store and make your own reusable napkins by decorating squares with permanent markers.

Some of my favorite reusable lunch items include LunchBots, Fabkins, Wrap N Mats, Snack Taxi, GoGreenLunchBoxes, to name a few. If you haven’t joined our GreenMyLunchbox campaign yet to eliminate lunch waste, now is a great time to do so. There are special discount codes and chances to win free products!

Flower Power Waste-Free Lunch Kit from LunchBots

 

Snack-Sacks from Snack Taxi

 

Let us know what your favorite reuse product is or your best tip for greening your lunchbox! Sending best wishes for a wonderful school year!

- Caroline