Produce Spotlight: Garlic
While the supplies began leaking out into stores in July, they’re out in full force now. The kids will be back in classrooms in no time- if they’re not already. Along with this time of year comes the purchasing of all kinds of things: pencils, clothing, new runners, the works. While budget is of course an important consideration, the quality of the products coming home from the mall can be easily overlooked.
Take a moment to think of children in countries far away from ours that are the same age as your own. Perhaps instead of getting to go to school, they are working illegally in factories manufacturing the cheap garments that you’ve just bought.
Choose to vote with your dollar. While many children don’t understand this concept, and place a higher importance upon the style of their back to school selections, it’s an important lesson.
*Many plastics can leach dangerous chemicals, choose natural materials whenever possible. Linen pencil cases, wool & cotton fabrics for clothing and backpacks for example.
*Opting for pencils that can be sharpened rather than lead pencils or pens with a disposable plastic casing saves massive amounts of garbage in our landfills. Which directly impacts the wildlife in our backyard. Remind your little prodigies of how much they enjoyed spending time in the outdoors over the summer, and that these areas require care and attention to continue to be around for years ahead.
*Before purchasing the things on the list, take a look through what is already in the house to avoid excess spending. Do they really need new shoes right now? Of course if the little weeds have outgrown their existing items and they require replacing, do so. Consider thrift store adventuring to allow kids to choose something that’s really their style rather than what the mall stores dictate.
*A hard shell lunchbox that can hold individual items rather than unhealthier plastic wrapped processed “foods” is another fantastic upgrade!
Small changes such as these add up and do make a difference. Vote with your dollar!
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