Michelle Bexelius, co-founder of GreenThisLife.com
This year we did things a little differently for my younger son’s birthday. I decided that I am no longer going to wrap all the presents and then throw all that paper away. It seemed like such a waste, and for what? Do they really care what the packaging looks like? I thought to myself, no, they usually just tear into the actual gift.

So, I got the largest basket in my house, a wide laundry basket I bought at Cost Plus and filled it with his unwrapped presents. I placed a very colorful blanket on top (one with vibrant squares that a friend made for him when he was a baby) and presented it to him as his birthday basket surprise. He was thrilled, and so was I not to waste all the paper and time wrapping it.

I am going to do the same thing for the holidays later this year. Everyone will have their own basket with a colorful blanket on top. I suppose if you don’t have a blanket that suits this purpose, you could have your kids decorate an old sheet with tie-dye and paint.

As for going to birthday parties, our family traditionally has always brought books. They are treasured for years and years and can be passed on. We also request them at our boys’ parties, rather than plastic toys that usually contain harmful chemicals, like PVC. You could also opt for toys made from sustainable wood, art supplies, or gift certificates for museums, movies and music. As they get older there are many things we can do to help our planet, like donate to causes close to their hearts such as animal conservation and restoring the rainforest.

But for now, they still like to open something.

Michelle Bexelius, co-founder of GreenThisLife.com

Going to school is the most exciting thing to do as the new kid on the block. There are so many new things to discover and learn, but I’ve noticed that so many things can be improved to strengthen their experience.

The first thing I noticed as a parent of a kindergartener touring schools is the lack of fresh air and circulation in the classrooms. There are enough germs going on between buddies. Wouldn't it be nice to open the windows or better yet, use an air filter to also rid the place from bacteria and dust? Who wants to bring that home anyway?

Ventilation is especially important in the presence of art materials such as glues and paints as the little guys create their masterpieces. Air filters don't cost much these days and the filters really only need to be replaced every 3-5 years.

Each year school supplies get replenished after hours of use, spilling, knocking over, etc., but one thing I would like to see is schools starting to use more non-toxic ingredients for the little hands that touch them. Glues and crayons can be made without animal by-products and lead. Soy wax crayons and safe glues are a phenomenal alternative.

Here's a list of some things you can do to make your school green and healthy:

• Ask the grounds crew to use natural herbicides and pesticides.


• Create paper, plastic, and aluminum recycling centers near waste bins.


• Request that the school copy center and administrative offices use 100% recycled paper.


• Work with the administration and food services departments to eliminate Styrofoam cups and plastic utensils, and to use non toxic cleaning products.


• Place air filters in the classrooms


• Suggest that your school compost leftovers for a school or community garden. If your child's school doesn't have a garden, organize an effort to create one.


• Encourage the school to stock up on recycled paper goods: toilet paper, napkins, and paper towels


• Pack your child's school supplies box with soy wax crayons (a host of regular crayons have lead in them)


• Make sure your child's school is aware of environmentally safe paints for buildings


• Suggest wax paper bags for home lunches brought to school