Hi everyone!

[NatalieMS]

I just signed up today and wanted to introduce myself. My name is Natalie and I'm mom to a soon-to-be 4 year old little boy named Teno. I work full-time for a green e-commerce company and I joined up to keep in touch with other moms who are interested in environmental issues.

Because of my line of work, I have TONS of info in my head about how you can cut back on waste in your day-to-day life including the smartest (and safest) products, easy tips and advice and simple ways to save money by consuming less. So don't be afraid to hit me up for tips on going (and saving) green!

[gingsengmom]

welcome. i'm new here as well. interested in finding out more about how to go and stay green.

again. welcome!

[NatalieMS]

Thanks for the welcome!

One of the biggest expenses (and wastes) that moms face comes in the form of a brown paper lunch bag. Packing a lunch is generally more economical and nutritious than cafeteria food for our kids - but once you factor in plastic baggies, paper bags, plastic forks, single-serving snacks and bottled water it's not just expensive - it's wasteful. The average child generates 67 lbs of lunchtime trash per year but by replacing your disposable items with reusables (yep, there are even reusable snack and sandwich bags!) you cut way back on the waste and you can save about $371 annually.

So here are my 5 Steps to a Waste-free lunch:
1. Choose a reusable lunch bag. These days you can get them in recycled materials, insulated, organic cotton, you name it.
2. Choose a reusable bottle. Stainless steel, lined aluminum, even safe plastics. Americans spend about $16 billion a year on bottled water - break the habit!
3. Reusable snack & sandwich wraps. Once you get in the habit, you'll wonder why you ever spend $85 a year on disposables.
4. Food containers. Buy your food in bulk - buy the big yogurt instead of the little cups, buy granola from the bulk bins, etc. And divide it up into reusable containers. There are even cute bento boxes that help keep cool cold.
5. Utensils & napkins. Replace the paper napkins with organic cotton, and send a cool reusable spork or some bamboo utensils to school with your kids. If you're worried about them losing them or tossing them out, have them help you pack their lunch. They're more likely to eat what they helped to make and they're more careful with items they packed themselves.

And that's just lunches! I hope that was a step in the right direction!

[proudmomof4]

Hello and welcome to MDC!

Thanks for the inspiration!

[lovbeingamommy]

to MDC!! I'll be following your posts since I would love to learn about being green"er" than I currently am

[tinybutterfly]

Welcome to MDC!

[ANaturalPush]

Welcome to MDC!

I really like your signature!

[Peacemamalove]

Welcome to Mothering

[Irishmommy]

Welcome to Mothering!

[Kidzaplenty]

Welcome to MDC!