Six Green Ways To Save Hundreds of Dollars on School Supplies

admin — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 23:57:46 +0000

It’s the beginning of a new school year, which means that kids are bringing home school supplies lists a yard long and parents are throwing up their hands and saying, “What? Do I really need to buy THAT?” Yes — and no! With school budgets shrinking, parents are becoming the go-to source for pretty much all the supplies kids need to succeed in school. That said, do kids need as MUCH as schools want them to bring? And does it all have to be new? Of course not. We’ve pulled together these suggestions to help parents save hundreds of dollars on school supplies by buying less, buying in bulk, and of course, reusing what they already have.

Where to start?

1) Go to your own cupboard or storage boxes first. If you haven’t already done so, check the stashes of pens, pencils, crayons and paper leftover from last year before buying new. SAVINGS: $25-$50/child

2) Use last year’s backpacks and lunch boxes. Most backpacks are made from pretty heavy duty material that can last for several years. SAVINGS: $50-$125/child, depending on backpack.

3) Before you shop, swap. At sites like swap.com, you can swap everything from clothing and toys to games and sporting equipment. Want to swap in your community? Here are some ideas for setting up a neighborhood school supply swap.

4) Shop yard sales and thrift stores for back-to-school clothes. SAVINGS: $100 – $250/child, depending on your usual clothes budget.

5) Borrow sports equipment and rent musical instruments. Is your daughter trying hockey for the first time? Not sure if your son is a budding violinist or just likes to hear the bow scratch? Borrow skates or rent the violin until you’re sure a purchase makes sense. SAVINGS: $50 – $250.

6) Keep a supplies drawer or bin throughout the school year. It’s easy to think you need pens or pencils when you can’t find the ones you have. Keep all the school supplies together in one spot – a drawer, some shelves, a bin – where anyone can get what they need without having to buy it. You don’t need anything fancy. Old shoeboxes can hold tape dispensers, staplers, and paper clips. Empty sauce jars can hold pens, pencils, and rulers. Contain reams of paper with rubber bands. Make it easy, organized and convenient.

Total Savings: $225 – $675 per child.

Check Our Amazon Back-to-School Store

When you do need to shop for new supplies, ask for the greenest items available: recycled paper, pens that use non-toxic ink, cloth backpacks and lunch bags, stainless steel water bottles. You can start in our store, or simply take a look to get an idea of what to seek out when you head to the mall.

The post Six Green Ways To Save Hundreds of Dollars on School Supplies appeared first on Big Green Purse.

Green Back to School: Triclosan-Free Hand Sanitizer

admin — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 19:54:08 +0000

Are your kids being asked to bring hand sanitizer with them when they go back to school? Look for triclosan-free hand sanitizer when you shop. It’s better for you as well as your kids.

5 Ways Triclosan is Wrong

Triclosan is a chemical compound that is added to many consumer products, especially hand sanitizer. It was designed to reduce or prevent the spread of germs. However, some research on animals shows that triclosan could affect the way the body regulates hormones.

1) In males, it could reduce levels of testosterone, which could lead to learning disabilities or infertility.

2) A similar compound, triclocarban, could increase production of estrogen and testosterone, which could lead to breast and prostate cancer.

3) Triclosan might also interfere with the normal development and function of the brain and reproductive system.

4) Many doctors worry that triclosan does the opposite of what was intended and actually contributes to making bacteria resistant to antibiotics.

5) Plus, triclosan gets into our streams, rivers and lakes when it is in the personal care products we unknowingly put on our bodies and then wash down the drain. Researchers have found that antibacterial compounds like triclosan can interfere with the development of tadpoles into frogs and cause other mutations that could threaten the survival of birds, fish and other animals that live on or around our waters.

How Can You Tell if a Product Contains Triclosan?

Triclosan is an added ingredient that should be listed on the label of any product it contains. Before you buy hand sanitizer – or toothpaste, liquid soap, and other personal care products – read the label. If it says “triclosan,” leave it on the shelf.

Is Triclosan-Free Hand Sanitizer Available?

Because consumers are demanding healthier, safer alternatives, many companies that make hand sanitizer are now producing a triclosan-free option. Where you shop in person, read the label before you buy. If you can’t find a triclosan-free hand sanitizer on the shelf, ask the store manager to order one. The following triclosan-free products are also available online and in our Amazon store:

Babyganics

Cleanwell All Natural Hand Sanitizing Pocket Pack Wipes

EO Hand Sanitizing Gel

LA-Moon Organic Hand Sanitizer

Any other options you want us to carry in our store? Please let us know.