I can’t believe that we are almost halfway through September and that back-to-school is well underway! Going back to school holds so much excitement and maybe even a little bit of magic for kids in the fall. The brand new pencils, backpacks and sneakers promise a fresh start and endless potential! Amidst the excitement, however, I usually have some underlying dread as a parent. And for good reason– back to school means exposure to more germs.
The Center for Disease Control estimates that each day, about 55 million students and 7 million staff attend the more than 130,000 public and private schools in the United States. That is a lot of people in a lot of schools spreading a lot of germs! This is evidenced in the fact that, on average, elementary school children get eight to 12 colds or cases of the flu each school year, according to the CDC.
Clean Habits, Green Habits
As a parent, I want to keep my kids healthy! This means teaching them healthy habits to protect themselves from germs. But it also means keeping them safe from the toxins in many cleaning and disinfecting products that may be on their school supply list. I love that Norwex can help and offers safe, green alternatives to many chemical-laden supplies!
Clean Surfaces
Many schools encourage students to wipe down desks and work surfaces, and the common cleaning product for this task is disinfecting wipes. However, these disinfecting wipes are only effective when used correctly, and overuse can lead to “superbugs,” or bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. In addition, these wipes too frequently expose kids to harmful chemicals that can trigger asthma, allergies and other health concerns. This applies not only to using the wipes, but also using the surfaces that have been disinfected with these wipes.
Go green and swap out the disinfecting wipes with the EnviroCloth Travel Pack for a sustainable, non-toxic solution. The microfiber technology in the EnviroCloth has the tested ability to remove up to 99% of bacteria from a surface with only water! The micro silver in the wet cloth self-cleanses within 24 hours to drastically reduce mold, fungi and bacterial odor. I would recommend pairing the travel pack with the Norwex Reusable Wet Wipes Bag for a convenient carrying solution.
Clean Hands
I cannot say enough to my kids about the importance of washing hands, especially after coming in contact with common germ hot-beds: restrooms, computer labs, and water fountains. In fact, the water fountain is often the most overlooked and the germiest spot in the school. I think it is a great idea to supply kids with Norwex Timeless Natural Hand Cleaner for those times when they might not be able to wash their hands. It’s triclosan- and alcohol-free, and won’t dry skin like alcohol-based hand cleaners.
Adequate sleep and well balanced diet
Sleep is so important to our family, and here’s why: most kids ages 6–13 need at least nine hours of sleep each night to support their development, according to the National Sleep Foundation. It’s also top priority for me that my family eats a healthy fruit- and veggie-filled diet, and that we get enough vitamin C to boost our immune systems. Pack an orange or apple in their lunch and tuck the Veggie and Fruit Scrub Cloth in with it. This cloth is highly effective at removing dirt, waxes and debris.
Leave Germs At The Door
I can teach my kids healthy habits, but I can’t keep them in a germ-free bubble! It is inevitable that they are going to be coming in contact with germs and contaminants throughout their day. That doesn’t mean that these belong in my home, though! 85% of contaminants are brought into the home in the first four steps. We keep the gunk and germs at bay by leaving our shoes at the door on the Norwex Entry Mat. Featuring super-thirsty microfiber and stiff bristles, this mat is certain to trap dirt and other pollutants and create a barrier between the outside world and our home.
Start at Home
Healthy habits are known to start at home – this includes clean habits and green habits. Norwex has been such a blessing and helped me and my family reduce harmful chemicals and waste in our home with great products that provide everyday cleaning solutions. Norwex helps us live more sustainably as well, and by using it we can reduce waste from things like paper towels. I would love to help your family fight those pesky back-to-school germs and live cleaner and greener as well! Learn more about how I can help your turn your home into a Safe Haven with Norwex.
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