How We’re Helping the Environment this School Year

There are many things that you can do to help reduce your environmental impact during the school year, and beyond. Today we’re sharing 5 ways that we’re helping the environment this school year, including an exciting new partnership between Babybel and TerraCycle!

How We’re Helping the Environment this School Year

Getting Outdoors

The first step is creating children that care for the environment is getting outside and connecting them with nature. If they have a connection with the environment, then they are more likely to care for it. Whether it is a hike on a local trail, a trip to the beach or even a picnic in your local green space, getting outside will help to solidify that connection and, overall, help to protect the environment. Remember, this doesn’t need to stop when the school year ends - it’s important to get outside all times of there year. Especially as there are proven physical and mental health benefits to getting outdoors as well. 

Pack Litter-less Lunches

On average, a school-age child with a disposable lunch generates about 30 kg of waste per school year. That’s more than my kindergartener weighs! It also means that if there are 25 students in a class, they are producing 737 kg of waste each year. And that number only gets bigger as you look at the rest of the school, and beyond. 

By taking a litter-less lunch, you produce 89 per cent less waste. Not to mention, litter-less lunches also often mean healthier (think fresh cut fruits and veggies) and saving money.

Use Reusable

A big part of going litter-less is using reusable containers for lunch, such as bento boxes, bamboo utensils and refillable water bottles. Ditch the single use plastics.

This school year, another thing that you can include in your child’s backpack that is reusable are fabric masks.

Support Local

By supporting local you are not only helping to boot the local economy, but you are also reducing the distance that many products need to travel. Products that travel greater distances to reach consumers may not be as fresh, and contribute to greater carbon emissions from the vehicles they are travelling. Opt for locally grown, raised and produced products, such as fruits, veggies and meat.

Recycle

Reducing the amount of litter you create is extremely important, but so is recycling those materials that are recyclable. Oftentimes, what can be recycled may differ between providers and cities, so be sure to check with your local municipality to see what can be recycled in your home.

In addition to curbside recycling, take advantage of alternative recycling programs, like TerraCycle!

Babybel has partnered with TerraCycle to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. Now, all Babybel packaging (for all the different varieties and formats), such as cellophane, tag, net, metal clasps, wax, and plastic wrappers can be recycled! This partnership is Babybel’s first step towards becoming more environmentally-friendly. 

Participating is simple and free,

1. Start by signing up for TerraCycle’s free recycling program.
2. Keep all the nets, tags, metal clasps, cellophane wrappings and wax in a box.
3. Once your box is full, seal it tightly, print a prepaid label and mail your recyclables to TerraCycle for free.
4. For every box of recyclable material that you mail, you will earn points that can be converted into donations to the charitable organization of your choice.

What happens to the materials, you ask? The cellophane, nets and tags are used to make other plastic items. The metal clasps are separated from the tags and then melted to make joints, nuts and bolts. After being melted and filtered to remove any impurities, the wax can be used to make new candles.

It really is simple to do - we keep a reusable container on the counter, and whenever we eat a Babybel, instead of going into the trash, we put the packaging into the container. Once it is full, we follow the steps above and send it off the TerraCycle to be recycled.

By recycling your Babybel packaging, you are not only doing a positive action for the planet, but you are also giving back to charity. Recycling is an easy choice to make a positive change in the world we live in.

Remember - caring for the environment doesn’t stop when the school year ends! These steps can be followed at all times of the year to ensure we all do our part to help take care of the environment.

What actions do you take to consume less, recycle and be more environmentally-friendly? I’d love to hear!

*Disclosure: I have participated in a paid partnership with Babybel. Opinions in this post are not my own.

Favourite Packable Kid-Friendly School Lunch Ideas

There’s no denying that for children everywhere, the 2020-2021 school year will look different than those in the past. Just how different, is yet to be fully determined. But one thing that will remain constant is lunch time, and the need to pack your child’s lunch. 

Check out some of our favourite packable kid-friendly school lunch ideas, made with Mastro/San Daniele cooked deli meats.

This September, our family enters a new chapter - our oldest daughter enters kindergarten. And while we're all excited for her to go to "big girl school", one thing I'm NOT looking forward to? Having to pack her lunch every day. 

I was having a conversation with a girlfriend the other day about school lunches. For the past six months, I’ve made my girls’ lunch every. single. day. Making my kindergartener lunch for school should be no different, right? Wrong. We may only be a few days into the school year, but I’ve quickly found that the opposite is true.

So much more planning needs to go into school lunches - ensuring they have enough food to last the entire day, that what you pack is peanut-free, that your kids actually like and eat what you pack, that the lunch contains minimal packaging, that they can easily open any of those packages, and so on, and so on. 

At the end of the day, regardless of whether our children are in kindergarten or high school, we just want them to eat lunch. Am I right?! But, coming up with creative ideas that ensure no food gets left behind can often be a challenge. 

Mastro/San Daniele offers a variety of cooked deli meat products that are great for families and can make going back-to-school easier. They are versatile, light and can be used to elevate a dish that you eat regularly (think that reliable lunch sandwich) or incorporated into a tasty snack. 

Check out our favourite packable kid-friendly lunch ideas made with Mastro/San Daniele cooked deli meats - meals that are easy to whip up the night before, but delicious and healthy to keep our kiddos fuelled throughout their busy day (regardless of what that may look like this school year).

Favourite Kid-Friendly School Lunch Ideas 

Nectarine Wraps

Kids won’t eat fruit? Try this fun alternative. Mastro Prosciutto Cotto is full in flavour, extra lean and low in fat. Combined with the sweet nectarine, its a winning combination.

What you’ll need:

• Mastro Prosciutto Cotto
• Nectarine (can also use peach, pear or melon)

What to do:

1. Slice the nectarine into manageable sizes. 
2. Wrap each individual slice of nectarine in an approximately sized piece of prosciutto cotto.

Ham & Cheese Flatbread

A fun spin on a classic sandwich! Slow cooked to perfection, Mastro Capocollo’s distinctive flavours make it ideal in sandwiches, antipasto and pizzas.

What you’ll need: 

• Mastro Capocollo
• Cheese, thinly sliced
• Small pita or naan bread
• Mayonnaise (optional)
• Mustard (optional)
• Shape cutters (optional)

What to do:

1. If your child likes mayonnaise and mustard, add a thin layer of each to the top of the pita or naan.
2. Add a piece of Mastro Capocollo on top of the bread. 
3. On top of the cooked deli meat, add a piece of thinly sliced cheese (your choice of variety). 
4. If you want to get really fancy and fun, use shape cutters to cut fun shapes into the bread, meat and cheese.

Lunch Sandwich Sushi

Perfectly portioned, two-bite sandwich rolls. It’s like kid-friendly sushi! San Daniele Mortadella is gently prepared and cooked to savoury perfection, a great choice for this lunch sushi. It comes in three varieties - classica, light and hot.

What you’ll need:

• San Daniele Mortadella
• Whole wheat tortilla
• Cream cheese
• Cucumber, thinly sliced

What to do:

1. Peel and thinly slice cucumber.
2. Lay out the tortilla on a flat surface, and cover in a thin, even layer of cream cheese.
3. At the bottom of the tortilla (closest to you), lay a few thin slices of cucumber.
4. Layer a piece of San Daniele Mortadella on top of the cucumber.
5. Starting from the bottom (closest to you), roll up the tortilla. If the wrap does not stay closed, use a bit of cream cheese to hold it together. 
6. Using a sharp knife, slice in one inch sections.

Check out this link for $1 OFF your next Mastro Prosciutto, Mastro Capocollo or San Daniele Mortadella purchase. 

What are your favourite kid-friendly lunch ideas? Any tips or tricks for this new school-aged kiddo mom? I’d love to hear!

*Disclosure: I have participated in a paid partnership with Mastro/San Daniele. Opinions in this post are my own.

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Let's be honest, school is going to look A LOT different this year. With more outdoor time planned, it's important we send our kids to school with the appropriate gear for the activities AND the weather. As September approaches, and you begin to create your back to school shopping lists, be sure to check out our favourite back to school gear for outdoor play!

I've always been a big advocate for outdoor education. As an environmental education professional for the past decade plus, I see the benefits of getting kids outside and connecting them with nature. Whether the intent is to learn about our environment, or just spend time outdoors for fun, being outside has a positive benefits on mental health. Extending the classroom to the outdoors, even if being forced to do so for public health and safety and the ease of social distancing, is beneficial for everyone - teachers, students AND parents. 

A recent report by the Children and Nature Network documents how getting students outside more enhances learning and academic performance and is good for physical and emotional well-being. The report found that more outdoor learning contributed to lower rates of diabetes, heart disease and other chronic diseases, reduces anxiety and depression and engages students in their schoolwork. And at a time where mental health may be at an all time low thanks to COVID, anything that takes my daughter's mind off of the anxieties of that come with "the big bad germs" and improve her physical and emotional well-being, is welcome in my books. 

One key to creating an enjoyable outdoor experience is ensuring children have the proper outdoor gear. Staying warm, dry and comfortable is definitely key. And it doesn't hurt to be over-prepared for the weather. As a friend in Alaska, where you can blink and the weather has changed, once told me, "It's easier to take off the layer you have, than to put on the one you don't have." Simply put, layering is key because you can always take them off. Wise words I live by, and now enforce with my girls.

With the amount of time we spent outside in all seasons, we've learned a thing or two over the years about what being dressed for the weather and outdoor play means. And now, we're sharing that info with you! Check out our list of favourite back to school gear for outdoor play below.

Back to School Gear for Outdoor Play

Outdoor Clothing & Gear

1. MEC Toaster Suit: Full coverage and warmth for small skiers and riders who want to play outside in wind or wet snow (because wet snow is the best building snow). This classic one-piece suit offers warmth and weather protection when there's fun to be had in fall and winter. Redesigned for 2018 based on member feedback, the Toaster Suit is now waterproof and tougher than ever. Durable waterproof fabric helps them stay warm and dry through hours in the snow, and it's abrasion-resistant to stand up to the demands of serious play. The suit has room for layers and a hem that can be let down to accommodate growth, then (if you need it) tacked up again to ready it for the next kid in line. Also comes in infant sizes. *Easily our favourite clothing item from MEC for our children.

2. MEC Toaster Bib Pants: These waterproof insulated pants offer weather protection when there's fun to be had in foul conditions. Redesigned for 2018 based on member feedback, these snowpants are tougher than ever. New durable waterproof fabric helps them stay warm and dry through hours in the snow, and it's abrasion-resistant to stand up to the demands of serious outdoor play. Room for layers lets you dress for the weather, and an adjustable hem accommodates growth, then (if you need it) readies them for the next kid. Variable-thickness insulation allows ease of movement while retaining warmth. And a center zip makes them easy to get on and off.

3. MEC Long Toaster Parka: For those days where the cold comes at you from every angle, a little extra parka goes a long way. The Long Toaster Parka keeps the youngest members of the family warm and comfortable, and that is in everyone’s best interest. Thoughtful details include soft trim around the neck and pockets, reflective piping, zipper pulls that can be grabbed with mittened hands, and insulation that's tapered in the arms, so movement isn't limited.

4. MEC Newt Suit: An outdoor classic for wet days. Redesigned based on member feedback, the updated Newt Suit returns to the durable, tried-and-true fabric of previous years. Taped seams and waterproof fabric stand up to wet playgrounds and rainy hikes, so kids stay dry and comfortable no matter where their explorations take them. Long zippers make for easier outfit changes when it's finally time to head inside. Also comes in infant sizes.

5. MEC Aquanator Jacket: The fully waterproof-breathable fabric on this jacket ensures dryness through wet and windy conditions.The relaxed silhouette easily fits over several warm layers and can be worn just a light jacket as conditions require. Comes in the pictured pink pattern and blue. Also comes in youth sizes.

6. MEC Heritage Rain Pants: These rain pants are built for the wettest weather and the splashiest activities imaginable. The seams are fully taped and the fabric has a DWR finish. Ideal in extremely wet conditions when the goal is to stay completely dry. Comes in blue, grey and black. Also comes in infant sizes.

7. MEC Campfire Fleece Jacket: This mid-weight polyester fleece jacket works perfectly as a mid-layer to wear under a rain jacket or ski shell. On its own it takes the chill off outdoor play. It has classic style and even a bit of a retro nod, but the brushed polyester is entirely warmth-without-weight modern. Comes in a handful of colours, including purple and orange.

8. MEC Sunnyday Joggers: These joggers are perfect for campsite exploring and recess adventures. With a UPF rating of 50+, the Sunnyday joggers are ready for fun in the sun.The lightweight fabric is treated to repel water and resist dirt, keeping kids looking cleaner longer. 

9. Sunday Afternoons Play Hat: This sunhat gives the perfect sun coverage for small heads. The cape provides neck protection and compresses easily for leaning back in a car or stroller. A buoyant foam core in the brim keeps the hat afloat if it falls out of the canoe. The lightweight fabric allows it to dry quickly, and also resist water and dirt. Breakaway chin strap provides security and safety, which is extremely important on the playground. Comes in a variety of different colours. 

Outdoor Footwear

10. Kamik Riptide Rain Boots: These Canadian-made rain boots are 100% waterproof for foul weather protection. Kamik's lightweight rubber protects you from the elements without weighing you down, while the insole has an antimicrobial treatment to keep things fresh. Comes in a variety of colours. 

11. Kamik Snowbug 4 Boots: These winter boots are perfect for the littlest members of your family. They'll keep your little ones wonderfully warm, and the easy-fit, extra wide openings and adjustable elastic Velcro® strap provides a snug, stay-on fit.

12. Smartwool Toddler Trio Socks: This 3-pack of Smartwool socks are made from 70% merino wool, and their medium thickness makes them perfect to pair with winter boots and high-volume footwear.

13. Smartwool Merino Hike Stripe Light Crew Socks - Children: These mid-calf height Smartwool socks are made from 48% merino wool, making them perfect for hiking, camping, winter and even daytime at school. 

Additional Gear

14. Hydro Flask 354mL Wide Mouth Kids Bottle: Made from 18/8 food-grade stainless steel, this TempShield™ double-wall insulated keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours and won’t sweat in their backpack - perfect for making sure your child has access to cold water to stay hydrated all day long.

15. MEC Process Bookbag: The much-loved MEC Book Bag has a fresh look and an updated name. Dedicated spots for your laptop, books and academic supplies are still in the equation, but we've added a new heritage-inspired logo and better organization for electronics. There's a low profile side pocket to hold a water bottle or a slim vacuum flask of caffeinated motivation, and the fabric is more durable than ever. This unisex bag comes in a variety of colours. 

16. Light My Fire Spork: It's a knife, it's a fork, it's a spoon. It's the perfect addition to any kiddos lunch bag. This durable utensil is made of a corn-based co-polyester that won't scratch non-stick coatings and is dishwasher safe. Comes in a variety of colours, and as a single or 2-pack. 

17. SkipHop Kids Insulated Lunch Box: This roomy, insulated lunch bag keeps food and drinks cold, including when outside for longer periods of time. They are easy to clean, machine washable. An interior mesh pocket can hold utensils, and a handle clip to allow attach to any backpack. Comes in a variety of fun characters including unicorn, butterfly, owl, monkey and more. 

18. Bentgo Kids Brights – Leak-Proof, 5-Compartment Bento-Style Kids Lunch Box: This bento lunch box has five practical compartments, portioned perfectly for a child’s appetite (recommended for ages 3-7). It is made with BPA-free materials and is drop-proof, with rubber-coated edges and sturdy design - ideal for active kids on the go.

19. Mabel's Labels Ultimate Back to School Label Combo: Make sure your kiddos never loose their outdoor (or indoor) gear again with these durable, waterproof name labels.  Perfect for backpacks, lunch containers, clothes, water bottles, pencil cases and so much more. Sign up for their newsletter and receive 20% off your purchase. 

What's on your back to school shopping list for your kiddos? Needing to purchase any additional gear in anticipation of longer outdoor time? I'd love to hear!

*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links at no additional cost to you.

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