It’s that time of the year again! Did you expect it with excitement? Did you dread it? Or did you have a ball of mixed feelings in your chest – excited to have the kids out of the house, but also worried you’ll miss them and worrying about all the supplies you have to prepare?
We hope that our 2025 back-to-school tips will bring some relief!
If you’re looking for ways to support ethical businesses, ensure clean, nutritious, and organic meals for the family, as well as protect the planet at the same time, here are some ideas to inspire you!
Healthy snack & dinner ideas
Banana chocolate muffins and 4 other make-from-scratch snack recipes
Our friend Jessica Kelly from The Kitchen Gardens shared ideas for delicious organic homemade snacks to close out the summer and get the kids nourished.
Easy one pan shrimp & rice by Lundberg
A simple dinner idea, with easy leftovers for a next-day lunch!
PB&J Swirl Smoothie by Orgain
An easy breakfast on-the-go or an after school snack!
Organic doesn’t have to break the bank
Here are 3 tips that can keep your wallet happy & help with food prep, all while keeping it organic:
- Buy From The Farmer: Cut costs on organic by buying directly from your local farmer: Cutting out the middleman (a.k.a. the grocery store) and buying your organic produce directly from a farmer will definitely save you money and time. Other than heading to a farmer’s market, you can also join a CSA, or community-supported agriculture program.
- Eat With The Season: Choose your meals around seasonal produce so you’ll get better, fresher fruits and veggies. Summer is prime harvest time for most produce, so you’ll be able to buy everything from fresh corn to apples at the best price. As summer comes to an end, take advantage of the final phases of harvest and freeze or can foods so come December you can still enjoy affordable organic crops.
- Family food prep: Sunday is also a great day to get the whole family on board for food preparation for the week. Making salad jars, or batch cooking can make a busy week so much easier. Having a plan for healthy food will benefit everyone in the first couple of weeks of adjusting to the new routine.
Keep it sustainable all around
Whether you’re a parent, student, teacher, or just a concerned consumer, integrating sustainable, planet-friendly tactics into your back-to-school routine can make a big difference. Here are our top 4 tips:
- Opt for organic school supplies: Choose school supplies made from recycled materials or certified organic products. Look for notebooks with recycled paper, non-toxic crayons, and eco-friendly markers. Brands like Earth Hero offer sustainable options that are kinder to the environment. Also make sure and check what you currently have on hand before going to the store.
- Choose organic self care and clothes: Treat your skin well – it’s your biggest organ! For lip balms, body care products, and essential oils, we recommend Sky Organics. Check out local thrift stores for any cool clothing finds, or if you’re in need of something brand new, bet on organic cotton with brands like Pact, Jackalo and Patagonia.
- Walk, bike, or carpool: Reduce your carbon footprint by walking, biking, or carpooling to school. If driving is necessary, try to carpool with other families or plan your trips to reduce fuel consumption. This not only helps cut emissions but also encourages a more active lifestyle.
- Get involved in local sustainability initiatives: Join or support local environmental initiatives, such as school garden programs or community clean-up events. These activities foster a sense of responsibility and provide hands-on learning about organic local food and sustainability. Organizations like Earth Guardians offer opportunities for students and families to get involved, and kids love to get their hands dirty!
By adopting planet-friendly habits, you’re helping safeguard nature and your own community from climate change and biodiversity loss. And the best part about it? You’re setting a brilliant example for the next generations!
