Juice boxes and water bottles dominate the school cafeteria landscape. However, I don't think any of us are interested in having them dominate the landscape outdoors where they both become more garbage to be disposed of in landfills or even our rivers and oceans.

Juice boxes are typically made up of six layers of paper (24 percent), polyethylene (70 percent), and aluminum foil (6 percent). Because the layering of paper beverage containers cannot be easily separated, they are not recyclable in many communities.

Additionally, the plastic that makes up most water bottles (polyethylene terephthalate) is likely to leach hormone disrupting phthalates.]]> Juice boxes and water bottles dominate the school cafeteria landscape. However, I don’t think any of us are interested in having them dominate the landscape outdoors where they both become more garbage to be disposed of in landfills or even our rivers and oceans.

Juice boxes are typically made up of six layers of paper (24 percent), polyethylene (70 percent), and aluminum foil (6 percent). Because the layering of paper beverage containers cannot be easily separated, they are not recyclable in many communities.

Additionally, the plastic that makes up most water bottles (polyethylene terephthalate) is likely to leach hormone disrupting phthalates.

Purchase a safe, reusable bottle that can safely be used again and again. Healthy for your kids and much better for the environment.

SIGG Kids Reusable Bottles are perfect for lunches and backpacks. They hold .6 liters (20 ounces) and feature a variety of styles including Hello Kitty, ninjas, and other kid-popular fare.

These reusable bottles are unbreakable, dishwasher safe and resistant to taste transference (meaning milk will not taste like the juice that was in it the day before).

In terms of your kid’s health, the SIGG bottle lining is a water-based, non-toxic, non-plastic micro-thin epoxy coating that is baked into the interior walls and remains flexible and crack resistant for the life of the bottle. Due to the finish of the liner, there is much less chance for bacteria build-up than in a plastic container.

In terms of the planet’s health, you’re using less non-returnable plastic and asceptic packaging, creating less trash that would end up in landfills or even our rivers and oceans.

Another great option is Klean Kanteen’s 18-ounce stainless steel reusable bottle. This bottle has an “electropolished finish that seals the surface and prevents minerals from migrating into the contents.”

On a warm and smoggy day last fall, my daughter came home from school and said the kids didn't go outside for recess because it was "too hot." I knew poor air quality was more likely the culprit.

While air pollution isn't good for anyone, kids are especially vulnerable since they breathe more air relative to their body size and they have higher metabolism rates. A 10-year California EPA study showed that kids who had been exposed to higher rates of particulate matter had significantly lower lung function by age 18, when lungs are pretty much mature and the results are unlikely to be reversed. Kids in high-ozone communities who participated in several sports were also more likely to develop asthma.

But are the kids better off inside? How healthy are those classrooms, where they spend so much of their lives?

The bad news is that indoor air carries its own serious risks. The good news: Steps can be taken to improve it.

Indoor air has 20 to 80 percent less ozone than outdoor air. However, according to the EPA, levels of several common pollutants are often two to five times higher indoors than outdoors—sometimes 70 times higher. A 2004 Air Resources Board study found shortcomings both in traditional classrooms and in portables.

Water stains and excess moisture, both indicative of a potential mold problem, were found in about a third of the classrooms. Visible mold was reported in 3 percent of the rooms; 69 percent of the teachers reported musty odors.

Construction materials, furniture and carpeting can emit formaldehyde, and levels in nearly all the classrooms exceeded guidelines for preventing long-term effects, including cancer. Pressed-wood products, which may contain a higher concentration of formaldehyde, are more likely to be used to build portables.

If your kid's classroom has carpeting, chances are good that the level of cleanliness doesn't reach the standards you keep at home. Twenty to 30 kids going in and out, tracking in dirt and pesticides, results in a nasty mix. The report found traces of lead, arsenic and pesticide residues in the floor dust—and younger kids generally sit right on the floor for activities like story time. Whatever your child's asthma triggers are, you might suspect they're in that carpet, no?

The levels of mold, formaldehyde and dust toxins build up thanks to another problem: Poor ventilation. Heating and AC systems often exceed classroom noise standards, so teachers often turn them off, resulting in insufficient circulation. Dirty air filters, which impede air flow, were also cited in the report.

]]> On a warm and smoggy day last fall, my daughter came home from school and said the kids didn’t go outside for recess because it was “too hot.” I knew poor air quality was more likely the culprit.

While air pollution isn’t good for anyone, kids are especially vulnerable since they breathe more air, relative to their body size, and they have higher metabolism rates. A 10-year California EPA study showed that kids who had been exposed to higher rates of particulate matter had significantly lower lung function by age 18, when lungs are pretty much mature and the results are unlikely to be reversed. Kids in high-ozone communities who participated in several sports were also more likely to develop asthma.

But are the kids better off inside? How healthy are those classrooms, where they spend so much of their lives?

The bad news is that indoor air carries its own serious risks. The good news: Steps can be taken to improve it.

Indoor air has 20 to 80 percent less ozone than outdoor air. However, according to the EPA, levels of several common pollutants are often two to five times higher indoors than outdoors?sometimes 70 times higher. A 2004 Air Resources Board study found shortcomings both in traditional classrooms and in portables.

Water stains and excess moisture, both indicative of a potential mold problem, were found in about a third of the classrooms. Visible mold was reported in 3 percent of the rooms; 69 percent of the teachers reported musty odors.

Construction materials, furniture and carpeting can emit formaldehyde, and levels in nearly all the classrooms exceeded guidelines for preventing long-term effects, including cancer. Pressed-wood products, which may contain a higher concentration of formaldehyde, are more likely to be used to build portables.

If your kid’s classroom has carpeting, chances are good that the level of cleanliness doesn’t reach the standards you keep at home. Twenty to 30 kids going in and out, tracking in dirt and pesticides, results in a nasty mix. The report found traces of lead, arsenic and pesticide residues in the floor dust?and younger kids generally sit right on the floor for activities like story time. Whatever your child’s asthma triggers are, you might suspect they’re in that carpet, no?

The levels of mold, formaldehyde and dust toxins build up thanks to another problem: Poor ventilation. Heating and AC systems often exceed classroom noise standards, so teachers often turn them off, resulting in insufficient circulation. Dirty air filters, which impede air flow, were also cited in the report.

So what are we supposed to do, raise our kids in little oxygenated bubbles?

A better option might be to see how your schools stack up, and if necessary, work with the school or district to create a healthier environment. The EPA offers a free Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Action Kit, which covers such topics as managing asthma, pest control, choosing classroom furniture and materials and maintenance and repairs. Take a deep breath?indoors or outdoors, your choice?and get started.

Heather L. Jones is a freelance writer and editor who lives in Davis, Calif.

Eating habits are learned behaviors. They're not intuitive, so what your children learn to eat at home early in life sticks with them well into adulthood.

Today we are disconnected from our food sources in a way that is unprecedented in human history. Fewer and fewer Americans cook meals from scratch because it's easier and faster to throw a frozen dinner in the oven or grab something from a fast-food restaurant on the way home from work. Most parents know that their kids are under continuous assault by corporate food advertising but feel frustrated by and even powerless against it.]]> Eating habits are learned behaviors. They’re not intuitive, so what your children learn to eat at home early in life sticks with them well into adulthood.

Today we are disconnected from our food sources in a way that is unprecedented in human history. Fewer and fewer Americans cook meals from scratch because it’s easier and faster to throw a frozen dinner in the oven or grab something from a fast-food restaurant on the way home from work. Most parents know that their kids are under continuous assault by corporate food advertising but feel frustrated by and even powerless against it.

A few simple tools combined with a mantra of “variety, moderation and balance” will provide you with all you need to ensure the long-term nutritional health of your child.

1. Be a good role model. Many parents complain that their children refuse to eat healthfully and want magic recipes that will put an end to mealtime madness. The real problem most often lies with the parents, not the kids. Many of us don’t even know what good food is anymore. We can’t line our cabinets with packaged cereals and sodas and expect our kids to eat like they were raised on a commune in rural Vermont. We must educate ourselves first and then practice what we preach.

2. Take your kids shopping with you. Though it’s probably easier to go shopping alone, it’s important for kids to see foods in heir raw states so they can explore and ask questions. Take them when you’re not in a hurry and spend a lot of time in the aisles that contain unprocessed foods&#151the produce department, for example. If your child appears interested in a certain fruit or vegetable, encourage him or her to explore that item; don’t assume they won’t like it.

3. Be flexible! Moderation is the key. A cookie a day balanced with healthy foods is fine. A special treat once a week or even once a day won’t do any damage. On the contrary, it will help make eating a more enjoyable experience and will help your child build a good relationship with food.

4. Make mealtime special. First and foremost, sit down and enjoy your food. Take time to savor flavors. Children shouldn’t eat while walking around. Encourage conversation or make a ritual out of dinner, giving everyone a special task. Maybe even let kids plan and help make dinner one night a week. Don’t let mealtime degenerate into family argument time.

5. Don’t be a short-order cook. Make the same dinner for everyone in the family while making sure to put some foods on the plate that your children like&#151then add something new. If they don’t eat it, don’t make an argument out of it. Try again week after week. Eventually they’ll surprise you by at least tasting that new food.

6. Don’t buy into marketing for kids. Kids don’t need frozen chicken nuggets, French fries, macaroni and cheese, and pizza to keep them happy. And those kinds of food don’t make for healthy children. Highly processed foods are loaded with chemicals, synthetic fats, additives, artificial sweeteners, and food colorings. While your child may think he’ll implode without that blue applesauce, hold your ground and look for an organic applesauce explaining that both taste the same, but one has added things that aren’t healthful. Moderating your child’s television viewing can limit their exposure to the endless character-driven food advertising.

7. Don’t use food as rewards, bribes, or punishments. Stickers work just as well as M&M’s! It’s great to take the kids out for ice cream or frozen yogurt after a soccer game; just don’t use it as an incentive. On the flip side, don’t punish children for not eating certain foods. It will only foster a negative relationship between you and your children, not to mention between your children and food.

8. Let kids help in the kitchen. Even a 2-year-old can help peel potatoes or carrots. For smaller children, invest in a stool, like
The Learning Tower, that allows them to safely reach the kitchen counter so they can see what you’re doing, or set up a workstation at your child’s height so he can participate without having to stand on tiptoes. Taller children may only need a small wooden stepstool. Know your child’s limits and help him achieve success by providing support and encouragement in a safe setting. Involve your child in the cooking or snack preparation and they will be more likely to eat new foods, including fruits and vegetables.

9. Love and accept your child at any weight, size or shape. Childhood growth is unpredictable at best. A once-skinny child can suddenly plump up while his height catches up with his weight. Don’t be tempted to put your child on a diet. The best thing to do is to teach good eating habits.

10. Make sure your child eats breakfast. It’s the most important meal of the day. If they don’t eat in the morning, they’ll be tired and unable to concentrate in school before lunch. Sugar first thing in the morning is not ideal. Breakfast should always include a source of protein, some healthy fats, carbs (whole grains are best), and vitamins and minerals.

11. Encourage your children to move their bodies. Studies have shown that vigorous exercise boosts the immune system and increases our ability to concentrate. Help your children find activities they enjoy and encourage them to get outside to play as often as possible.

12. Remember that you are the boss. Adults need to set the boundaries for kids because left to their own devices they usually choose salty and sugary processed foods over fresh, healthier choices. Children actually do much better when they know that they have boundaries and limits. Listen to your child, but set clear limits and guide them toward the healthier option.

Dressing-up and putting on make-up&#151isn't that part and parcel of little girl fun? On her fifth birthday, my daughter received an endless platter of play eyeshadow, lipstick, lip gloss and shimmery nail polishes from a very "girly" buddy as a birthday gift. She loved putting the colors on, and I had some hearty chuckles as I looked at her heavily-laden blue eye lids and ultra-frosty lips. Her attitude was the icing on the cake: She looked good and she knew it!]]> Dressing-up and putting on make-up&#151isn’t that part and parcel of little girl fun? On her fifth birthday, my daughter received an endless platter of play eyeshadow, lipstick, lip gloss and shimmery nail polishes from a very “girly” buddy as a birthday gift. She loved putting the colors on, and I had some hearty chuckles as I looked at her heavily-laden blue eye lids and ultra-frosty lips. Her attitude was the icing on the cake: She looked good and she knew it!

With no desire to burst the bubble on the fun of playing grown-up, I’m exploring the better options when it comes to make-up, whether they’re for my children or for me. (I play grown-up too sometimes!) And indeed, it looks like they’re one and the same. The safer products are pretty expensive, so except for a bottle of nail polish, I won’t be buying them just for my kids. I am a good sharer, however, so on special occasions my daughters will get to enjoy an extra splash of color too.

• That recognizable smell of nail polish is generated by the toxic fumes of evaporating chemical solvents including plasticizers (dibutyl phthalate), nervous system toxicants (toluene), alcohol, and carcinogenic chemicals (formaldehyde). Suncoat Water-based Nail Polish is free of these chemicals, and comes in a pretty good range of colors made from natural pigments. Also, being water-based differentiates Suncoat from other phthalate-free polishes, making it even safer for kids.
• While you might be skilled at applying cosmetics in powder form safely on yourself, keep them away from children, who can easily inhale them, damaging their lungs. Bare Minerals has no dyes, no chemicals, no fillers, no oils, no fragrances and no preservatives.
• If you use a liquid or cream foundation and blush, choose from those that are water-based, avoiding the petroleum-based ones. This is a step in a better direction, however most foundations use synthetic colorants which can irritate skin.
• Fragrance-free cosmetics are the best way to go so as to avoid neurotoxic or hormone-disrupting chemicals.
• Lipstick can contain harmful impurities, including lead, that children swallow in small amounts. There are quite a few safer lipsticks on the market these days, but you will be willing to fork over just under $30 for a tube of pure, moisturizing color (check out Miessence Lip Crème or Nvey Eco Organic Lipstick.

Making homemade lip balm with your kids can be a fun alternative, and it only takes 25 minutes to do. Add a natural flavoring oil (for example: peppermint, orange, cherry, or lemon) to make it more appealing to your kids.

Basic Lip Balm Formula
From Better Basics for the Home by Annie Berthold-Bond (Three Rivers Press, 1999).

2 ounces oil
¼ ounce beeswax
1 teaspoon honey or glycerin

In a double boiler, cook oil and beeswax over medium heat until wax has melted. Remove from heat and stir in honey. Blend with a handheld mixer until creamy. Add flavoring oil to taste, stirring to combine.

Makes one-quarter cup.

Terri Hall-Jackson lives in the Hudson Valley with her husband and two young children. In addition to writing, Terri works with public television and radio stations/networks in the area of new media, and leads workshops on authentic and empowered living.