I can already hear those school bells ring, even though summer's not quite over. Back-to-school season is creeping up again, and it feels like just yesterday we were chasing fireflies and building sandcastles. I love the buzz of a new school year as much as any mom, but saying goodbye to those lazy summer days always hits a little hard, don’t get me wrong.

I’m reminded how important it is to set my three kiddos up for success as we prep for another year—not just in school, but in their health and overall well-being too. As a pediatrician, I know that building healthy habits right from the start is extremely important. I make an extra effort to bring a little sustainability into our back-to-school routines. It’s about choices that are good for my kids and the planet, and it's not just about a buzzword like “eco-friendly.”

Where better to kick things off than at the heart of our home, the kitchen table? Let’s talk about how we can make family mealtimes a bit greener, healthier, and a whole lot more enjoyable.

Want to know more? Check out our story and our products. 

A new school year is a fresh start. It’s a chance to set up healthy routines and set the tone for the months ahead. We all want our kids to do well—not just in school, but in every part of their lives.

Don’t think of sustainability like it’s only about helping the planet (though that’s reason enough). It’s also a way to make a healthy, thoughtful lifestyle for our families. Small, everyday choices we make add up to a big difference in how we feel and live.

As we trade swimsuits for school uniforms and beach towels for backpacks, let’s commit to making this school year a little greener and healthier. Let’s show our kids that even the smallest actions can create a ripple effect. Nobody climbs a mountain all at once - it takes steps, one after another. 

Let's be real—a packed lunch feels like a daily struggle. You want to fill those lunchboxes with healthy, tasty food that kids actually eat, but additional waste from school lunches isn’t what you want. It seems tricky, but it is possible to pack lunches that are both nutritious and eco-friendly.

Ditch disposable containers and plastic water bottles for reusable ones. They save money in the long run and cut down on waste significantly. Fun, colorful options are a good bet – it can be the spoonful of sugar for their “medicine” of sustainable and healthy choices. 

Whole fruits and veggies instead of pre-packaged snacks are an easy swap. Baby carrots, sliced apples, grapes—all work well as quick, grab-and-go options. Involve the kids in washing and prepping their snacks to teach them about healthy eating and let them take some ownership over their lunches. I like ot buy bulk snacks instead of buying individual packages. I then put snacks in The Circle Trios. Affordable, easy,  and sustainable - I love it!

Kids inevitably gravitate to the sugary, processed treats marketed to them, so swap out those store-bought snacks for homemade versions. Granola bars, muffins, or even just a simple trail mix offer a better way to add extra nutrients and avoid artificial ingredients.  

Invite the kids to help pack their own lunches. Even the little ones can pick out snacks or pack their own water bottles. You’ll encourage their independence and teach them about making responsible choices.

Every little bit helps. Simple replacements make it possible to pack lunches that are great for your kids, kind to the planet, and easier on your sanity.

The unsung hero of back-to-school lunches is our humble yet powerful friend, stainless steel. "Stainless steel? Isn't that just for fancy restaurants?" you might be thinking. Nope! For kids' lunchboxes, stainless steel is an amazing choice — it's safe, durable, and way better for the planet than plastic.

As a pediatrician, I'm always searching for products that are safe for my kids. I had trouble finding exactly what I was looking for, so I created my own and started a company so I could share the peace of mind with everybody. Stainless steel dishes check all my boxes, as a mom and as a doctor. Ahimsa products are made from food-grade stainless steel, which means they're free of all those nasty chemicals you find in some plastics. No phthalates, no BPA, no worries.

There’s a reason we make some of our most precious and most durable things with steel. It can handle being tossed into backpacks, dropped on the playground, and even the occasional dishwasher mishap. Unlike plastic containers that crack and break, stainless steel dishes were built to last. You'll be able to use them year after year, which is great for your wallet and the environment.

And let's not forget about cleaning. Just toss it in the dishwasher or give it a quick hand wash, and it's good as new. No more trying to scrub the stain out of plastic containers or worrying about lingering food smells.

Even if you think stainless steel is boring, I say this: not necessarily! If the shiny, silver gleam of a steel plate doesn’t do it for you, Ahimsa has a whole line of stainless steel dishes designed specifically for kids. Take a look at the rainbow colors you can get on our dishes. 

We use a fancy-sounding method called Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) to color our products. It sounds complicated, but basically, it's a way to bond a super-thin layer of color onto the stainless steel without any harmful chemicals. It's actually so safe it's used in medical implants.

The color itself comes from titanium nitride, a metal compound that's just as safe and non-toxic as the steel. Our process doesn't involve any extra coatings, paints, or powders – just pure, safe color.

I’m not going to stop at lunches. Sustainable eating is about the choices we make at every meal, every day. It’s about a kitchen culture that’s good for both our bodies and the planet.

First off, food waste. Did you know that about 40% of food in the U.S. goes uneaten? That’s a huge waste of resources and adds unnecessary strain on the environment. So how do we cut back on that? Start with smart grocery shopping. Make a list, stick to it, and avoid those impulse buys that end up forgotten in the fridge. And don’t let leftovers go to waste. Turn last night’s roast chicken into chicken salad sandwiches or use leftover veggies in a frittata.

Meal planning is another lifesaver. Sure, it might feel like a chore, but it saves a ton of time and stress during the week. Spend a bit of time on the weekend with the family to plan out your meals. It’s a great way to get everyone involved and make sure you have everything you need. Plus, it helps you avoid those last-minute takeout temptations when you’re tired and more likely to make less healthy choices.

Let’s make our food choices count. I try to stick with seasonal produce, support local farmers, and go organic when possible. It’s important to teach kids about where their food comes from and how their choices affect the bigger picture. One great way to really decrease your carbon footprint is to eat less meat. You don’t need to go vegetarian put by swapping out some of your meat options during the week - whether it’s once or multiple times. This helps to lessen carbon emissions and of course, encourages healthy nutrition for growing brains and bodies.

But sustainability isn’t just about what’s on our plates—it’s also about how we share our meals. Get everyone involved in cooking and cleaning up. Kids love feeling like they’re helping, and it’s a great way to teach them valuable life skills. Plus, it takes some of the load off of you, Mom and Dad.

My Mindful Mealtime set is the perfect way to introduce your little ones to eco-friendly eating. It's got all the essentials - a plate, a bowl, a cup, and utensils - all made from durable, non-toxic stainless steel. Plus, it comes in a bunch of fun colors that your kids will love. It's dishwasher-safe, easy to clean, and built to last for years to come. 

I always aim to create a positive atmosphere at the dinner table. Turn off the TV, put away the phones, and really connect with each other. Encourage conversation, share stories, and enjoy being together. Mindful eating isn’t just about what’s on the plate—it’s about savoring each bite, appreciating the flavors, and feeling grateful for the food we share with the people we love.

As summer winds down and the back-to-school rush kicks into gear, let’s not forget that even small, sustainable choices can make a big difference. We have the chance to build a healthier, happier, and more sustainable future for our families and the planet.

I get it—back-to-school season can be overwhelming. But take a deep breath, you’ve got this! One step at a time is all it takes. Every little effort counts. By making conscious choices, we’re creating a ripple effect that reaches far beyond our own homes.

And if you need a little extra help, check out our Mealtime Guide. It’s full of tips, tricks, and recipes to help you whip up healthy, sustainable meals that the whole family will enjoy.