Summer is over and its that time of year to go school shopping. Try to reuse items from last year to stay green and recycle the ones that are trashed. You can make back to school shopping fun, eco, and safe this year with HipMomsGoGreen picks. I have personally bought all of the items on the list. All of the products are on a second year of use so they really last!
The Spicy Relish Lunch Tote by Built is the best lunch box. My youngest son used a built lunch box last year and it is still in perfect condition this year. My other sons had different brands that will remain nameless. These were trashed and looked like I ran over them with my car. The built bag has a TON of space for everything including a full size water bottle, bowls, sacks, napkin and more. It folds flat when empty and is fairly compact. The neoprene stretches to accommodate all your lunch essentials and stands up solid. Its easy to carry with soft-grip handles or with removable shoulder strap. It comes with an inside pocket and has a zip closure. The bag was tested for lead safety, has no vinyl or PVC. The best part is that you can wash it and it is like NEW! Enjoy.
The Klean Kanteen 18 oz colorful bottle with sports cap is a reusable, stainless steel bottle that is lab tested to be 100% free of heavy metal, toxins, and BPA. This is the perfect size because you can also fit it in the lunch tote. The wide-mouth accommodates ice cubes (big issue for others) and makes cleaning easy. The sports cap is wonderful but if you have a toddler I have mentioned before the sippy cup lid is the best from this company.
I love LunchSkins Reusable Sandwich Bags mainly because they work very well. These bags have a seal that is strong and the food stays fresh. I am on my second year with these bags so they really hold up well are worth the price. They are a colorful, high-quality alternative to plastic baggies. Made from the same food-safe materials used in high-end bakeries and patisseries, not only will they store your food. They are quick drying, greaseproof, and dishwasher safe. They are high-quality cotton with food-safe coating, and are BPA-free, lead-free and phthalate-free. They also have a nice big space to write your child’s name.
Kids Konserve stainless steel containers are perfect for packing your lunches. They last forever and are made with an amazing seal when you place the top on. The tiered sizes hold snacks, sides and main courses and they nest inside each other when you’re done, taking up minimal storage space. Unlike many other containers, they don’t leak, so you can pack your favorite foods and toss them in your bags without worry.
This European-style highchair is a nod to modern technology and features a “transformers” like structure that allows it to reincarnate itself into different pieces. Ideal for ages six months to five years, this clever seating system includes an adjustable footrest, hinges that connect with magnets and extendable arms. This all-in-one high chair converts into a booster seat, space saving chair, restaurant high chair, 
Do you know the difference between processed foods and whole foods? Most people just pass it off with a casual, “Well, process foods are worse for me and my kids…” This is true, but also an understatement. How they are worse, and how many foods are worse is a more frightening subject. Basically, processed foods have chemicals put in them. All sorts of different chemicals are used for all kinds of reasons (preservatives, flavor enhancers, food coloring) and most are bad news. Manufacturers are more interested in making the food transportable and noticeable than making it healthy.
Childhood asthma is a debilitating disease that affects the lungs of young children and can last throughout adulthood. This condition can cause a lot of pain and fear in young children, and can be heavy on their parents’ minds and pocketbooks. Not only is childhood asthma a terrifying experience, it is also on the rise. Several government studies have shown that childhood asthma conditions have increased by as much as 60 to 70 percent! Of course, some is these are probably doctors becoming better at diagnosing asthma conditions, but the rise is still astonishing. Childhood asthma is now the most common condition in the developed world, and things aren’t going to get better.
A comedy romp that feels a little like “Dr. Doolittle” meets “The Great Outdoors,” Furry Vengeance stars an assortment of animatronics forest creatures along with humans, Brendan Fraser and Brooke Shields. This fun family film sends a message about saving the environment with a campy comedy spirit.
Global Green Pals are educational dolls that serve a dual purpose; they promote play and saving the planet. There are five 12-inch dolls in the collection of Green Pals, which are handmade in Sri Lanka with clothing and accessories made of natural and organic fibers and low impact dyes. The Global Green gang includes Carbon Offset Chet, Clean Air Kate, Pink Coral Laurel, Pani Rani and Recycle Kyle. Each character highlights major environmental issues including: global warming, air pollution, recycling, water scarcity and conservation.
