As summer comes to an end and the new school year approaches, it’s time to start thinking about back-to-school shopping. To make the process easier on both you and the environment, we’ve compiled a list of eco-friendly products that will help reduce waste and lessen your environmental footprint. From preschool to high school, these products are perfect for students of all ages.
1. Re-Zip Seal Lunch Bags: Say goodbye to plastic baggie waste with these reusable lunch bags by BlueAvocado. These leak-proof bags have a double-lock closure to seal in freshness and are freezer safe and hand washable.
2. Two-Tier Snack Stack: Need a new lunch box for your student? This compact, reusable carrier from To-Go Ware is lightweight and perfect for kids’ lunches. It has a self-latching top container that can be used for snacks or meals, and is great for both hot and cold food.
3. Reusable Stainless-Steel Water Bottle: Keep your kids hydrated with Sandjest’s Unicorn Kids insulated water bottles. These vacuum-sealed, double-wall stainless steel bottles keep drinks cold or hot for hours and are designed to last for years.
4. Hand Sanitizer Spray: Schools can be full of germs, so send your little one prepared with The Honest Company’s hand sanitizer. Made with plant-based ingredients, this spray kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria without leaving a sticky residue.
5. Liquid Soap: Better Life’s hypoallergenic and biodegradable liquid soap is perfect for keeping hands and bodies clean without harming the environment. Made with a blend of aloe, botanical extracts, and vitamin E, this soap nourishes the skin while cleaning.
6. Oxy-Boost Stain Remover: Natural Choices’ bleach alternative is perfect for tackling tough stains like food, blood, and urine. Made with naturally-derived ingredients, this stain remover uses oxygen to de-stain and deodorize without harmful chemicals.
7. Fruit and Vegetable Wash: Keep your produce clean and fresh with Eat Cleaner’s fruit and vegetable wash. This 100% natural, nontoxic wash removes pesticides, pathogens, and more, while also inhibiting browning and extending the life of your food.
8. Biodegradable Laundry Detergent: Mrs. Meyer’s 4X concentrated laundry detergent is perfect for keeping school clothes clean and fresh. With dirt-fighting enzymes and essential oils, this detergent is compatible with both HE and conventional machines.
9. Beeswax Wraps: Say goodbye to plastic wrap with Bee’s Wrap’s beeswax wraps. Made with organic cotton, beeswax, plant oils, and tree resin, these wraps are a sustainable alternative to plastic film and are perfect for packing lunches.
10. Recycled Pencils: Bazic’s recycled pencils are made from 100% recycled newspapers and No. 2 graphite. These sturdy pencils are nontoxic and latex-free, making them a great eco-friendly option for school.
11. Reusable Notebook: Rocketbook’s digital notebook is a high-tech, reusable option for note-taking. With special pens and an app for uploading notes to the cloud, this notebook allows students to scan and erase pages for further use without wasting paper.
12. Refillable Pens, Markers & Highlighters: Pilot’s Bottle-2-Pen and Stabilo’s highlighters and refill packs offer a sustainable alternative to disposable writing supplies. Made with recycled materials, these writing instruments are designed to be reused again and again.
13. Solar-Powered Backpack: Keep your student’s devices charged on-the-go with a solar-powered backpack. Brands like TOZLU and ECEEN offer backpacks that use renewable energy to charge phones, tablets, and other gear without needing an outlet.
Make the upcoming school year a sustainable one by incorporating these eco-friendly products into your back-to-school shopping list. Not only will you be reducing waste and lessening your environmental footprint, but you’ll also be teaching your children the importance of caring for the planet. the perspective of a professional athlete on the importance of mental health in sports.
As a professional athlete, I have experienced first-hand the immense pressure and expectations that come with competing at the highest level. While physical health and training are undeniably crucial in achieving success in sports, I have come to realize that mental health is equally important, if not more so.
In the world of sports, the spotlight is constantly on us, both on and off the field. The scrutiny and criticism from fans, coaches, and the media can take a toll on our mental well-being. It is easy to get caught up in the pressure to perform and meet the high expectations placed upon us, which can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
I have seen many of my fellow athletes struggle with mental health challenges, and it is heartbreaking to witness the toll it can take on their performance and overall well-being. It is essential for athletes to prioritize their mental health and seek help when needed, just as they would for a physical injury.
In my own journey, I have found that taking care of my mental health has had a significant impact on my performance on the field. By practicing mindfulness, seeking therapy, and building a support system of teammates and professionals, I have been able to better manage the stress and pressure that comes with being a professional athlete.
It is important for athletes, coaches, and sports organizations to break the stigma surrounding mental health and create a supportive environment where athletes feel comfortable seeking help and talking about their struggles. By prioritizing mental health, we can improve our performance, prevent burnout, and ultimately lead happier and more fulfilling lives both on and off the field.
In conclusion, mental health is a crucial aspect of being a successful athlete. By taking care of our mental well-being, we can improve our performance, prevent burnout, and lead happier and more fulfilling lives. It is time for the sports world to prioritize mental health and support athletes in their journey towards overall well-being.
