Back To School 2021 - A New Year Begins!

Ah, the first day of school. Late August weather. New books. A fresh backpack. And, of course, a new set of safety regulations and health concerns.

Suffice to say, things have changed. For many students, in-person learning may feel like a thing of the past...or daunting...or, maybe, long-awaited and exciting! In any case, explore my back to school essentials to see your student off to a safe and toxin-free school year with supplies that will make them feel prepped and protected.  

Skin-friendly masks:

With so many schools requiring students to wear masks, it’s important to find a mask that offers protection not only from airborne pathogens, but also from bacterial growth that can cause redness, irritation or even acne. I suggest opting for a cotton blend, or a mask that has bacteria-fighting properties. 

MDAcne makes a great “anti-acne face mask” that is reusable, dermatologist tested, and fights acne with anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-fungal silver and copper particles. To ensure your child’s masks stay clean, wash every few days with a solution of hot water, white vinegar and castile soap, then hang to dry.

Recycled school materials:

Back to school shopping means bringing home a haul of new notebooks, markers, pens and other classroom materials. I urge you to take the Earth into consideration when making your choices. Use your consumer power to choose eco-friendly options like recycled pens, paper and notebooks - or, better yet, update and reuse binders from last year.

Reusable water bottle:

Water intake is overlooked when it comes to prepping our kids for their school day - but proper hydration is key for focus, adrenal health and brain function. Make water personal for your child by encouraging them to decorate their own reusable water bottle - and put them in charge of cleaning and refilling it every morning before school. Having a water bottle by their side will help them enjoy the agency of caring for their own bodies throughout the school day.

Non-toxic hand sanitizer:

Hand sanitizer has become a staple these days, but most standard sanitizers are full of plastic derivatives and parabens that act as endocrine disruptors - especially for developing bodies. Make sure your child is equipped with a portable, non-toxic bottle that will fit in their school bag. Pipette makes a great option. 

Healthy brain-food snack:

Last but not least, set your student up for success with a healthy brain food snack that will help them stay balanced throughout the day. I like cucumbers and carrots with hummus, avocado maki or even a simple glass mason jar of blueberries and cashews. Anything with some fiber, carbs and a healthy fat should do the trick.

Happy back to school season for all of the students out there!

To The Tru Of You,
Teri Cochrane