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Sustainability is more than recycling: The importance of understanding product lifecycle

(BPT) - Looking for sustainable packaging when shopping is an important step for reducing your environmental footprint. For many people, this means seeking packaging that is recyclable. While that's an important element of sustainable packaging, it's only one part.

You can make a bigger impact and support the well-being of the earth, as well as the people and communities involved in producing products, by understanding a product's full lifecycle. So, what else should you consider when comparing packaging?

1. Material sourcing

Beyond what materials are used, it's important to ask where the materials come from and how they are sourced. How can you know material sourcing is done responsibly? Some brands go through extensive evaluations to be certified by reputable third-party organizations. Here are a couple of labels you can look for and feel confident the packaging you are purchasing is responsibly sourced:

Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) label: FSC® is an independent, nongovernmental forest certification standard. When you purchase FSC®-labeled products, you're helping forests and the people that rely on them thrive by supporting zero deforestation, fair wage and work environment, community rights and protection of plant and animal species.

Bonsucro Chain of Custody label: The Bonsucro Chain of Custody Standard relates to the supply of sugarcane, including all stages from feedstock production up to consumption. This certification provides assurance that sustainability claims can be tracked along the supply chain, including responsible sourcing and ethical trading of sugarcane, which can be used to produce a plant-based plastic material in place of traditional fossil-fuel based plastics.

2. Renewable, plant-based materials

Renewable plant-based materials are better for the environment because they can be replenished over time and enable a move away from fossil fuel-based materials. Plus, you can feel good that renewable resources are natural resources, which will replenish the portion depleted through consumption. Examples of renewable materials you are likely to see on a store shelf include:

Paper from responsibly managed forests: All Tetra Pak® cartons use paperboard from trees sourced from FSC®-certified forests and other controlled sources. On average, a Tetra Pak carton consists of 70% paperboard, a renewable plant-based material.

Plastics made from plant-based materials: Plant-based plastics look and perform the exact same as their fossil fuel-based alternative. Look for the Bonsucro logo, which demonstrates responsible sugarcane management.

3. Protection of the product

Good packaging helps protect the product, which is particularly important for foods and beverages. This helps ensure you don't get sick and helps reduce food waste. Globally, food waste is responsible for 8% of greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

When shopping, look for packaging that helps to extend shelf life without a negative impact on nutrition. For example, foods and drinks in shelf-stable cartons from Tetra Pak are treated using UHT (ultra heat treatment). When combined with the company's shelf-stable packaging, products ranging from dairy milk to chicken broth are safe and delicious for long periods of time without the need for additives, preservatives or refrigeration before opening.

Bonus: In addition to minimizing food waste, shelf-stable packaging does not require refrigeration. This minimizes energy consumption that would otherwise be used to support a refrigerated distribution chain.

4. Recyclability

Once a package has fulfilled its purpose, what happens at the end of life? Ideally, it can be recycled. When shopping, look for a recycling logo on the package.

Many packages are considered widely recyclable and can be placed in your curbside bin. Keep in mind, though, some packages are not yet recyclable everywhere, so you may see a recycling logo with additional qualifications such as: Recyclable where facilities exist, or, with specific instructions on where to return the item to be recycled.

To prevent litter, reattach caps or push straws into a package before you place them in the recycling bin.

5. Carbon impact

In addition to understanding a product's lifecycle, some package changes can reduce the overall carbon footprint. For example, the carbon emissions of a package with renewable, plant-based plastics are less than the same package with plastic made from traditional fossil fuel-based materials.

Check the packaging or a brand's website for information about the carbon footprint of the package. For example, Carbon Trust™ offers a "Reducing CO2 Packaging" certification for brands to include on-pack that demonstrates a move toward a package with a lower carbon impact.

Understanding a product's lifecycle can help you make more informed shopping decisions. Learn more at Tetrapak.com/en-us/Sustainability.

Autumn’s Beauty

Autumn, a season of breathtaking transformation, paints the world in a symphony of vibrant hues. The trees, once adorned in lush green, now don costumes of red, orange, and gold. Their leaves, like nature's confetti, gracefully fall, creating a mosaic on the ground.

The air turns crisp and invigorating, carrying with it the earthy scent of fallen leaves and the promise of cooler days. Each breath is a reminder of the changing seasons, a reminder that nature is in a constant state of renewal.

As the days grow shorter, thoughts of winter's impending arrival linger on the horizon. The cozy embrace of sweaters and scarves becomes a welcome shield against the encroaching chill. It's a season of reflection, of savoring the final moments of outdoor beauty before the world is blanketed in snow.

In the midst of autumn's splendor, we find solace in the impermanence of life, as leaves fall and seasons change, reminding us that beauty can be found in every stage of existence.

You should feel beautiful and you should feel safe. What you surround yourself with should bring you peace of mind peace of spirit.

~Stacy London

4 Strategies To Make Learning Fun For Your Kids

(BPT) - Supporting your child's early learning opportunities isn't just important for the present. Doing so can plant the seeds for future success. According to the National Institute of Children Health and Human Development, studies show that supporting children's early learning can result in higher test scores from preschool up to age 21, better grades in math and reading, and a better chance that children will stay in school and go to college.

Of course, getting your children interested in learning is easier said than done. Read on to learn four strategies that will make learning an engaging and entertaining experience for kids that can foster a lifelong love of learning.

1. Reward achievements

A powerful tool to motivate your kids to learn is positive reinforcement. By offering rewards like stickers, extra playtime or a sweet treat when your child completes a tough assignment or gets a good grade, you can help them enjoy homework and other educational tasks.

A rewards system helps kids recognize their efforts and visualize their progress. This concrete proof of their achievements can encourage them to set goals and work steadily to achieve them.

One thing to remember is that the rewards shouldn't overshadow the importance of learning itself. Make sure to emphasize both the short- and long-term benefits of knowledge.

2. Snacks as learning tools

Turn mundane lessons into a delightful experience by incorporating snacks into learning.

According to a study by The Nation's Report Card, only 35% of students are reading proficiently by grade 4 and the National Assessment of Educational Progress reading scores are the lowest in decades. As such, it's important to teach literacy in an engaging, imaginative way from an early age.

A bite-size snack that's perfect for educational activities are Sun-Maid raisins. For back-toschool season, the brand collaborated with ABCmouse, the leading digital learning program for children, to expand access to literacy resources.

Each iconic red Sun-Maid raisins box features exclusive, limited-edition ABCmouse flash cards with a sight word on every carton. Each pack of six boxes also features a custom link to an interactive microsite hosted by ABCmouse. There, kids will find a variety of imaginative and engaging activities, from over 120 different flashcards to worksheets to coloring pages. Not only will kids be learning, but they'll also be enjoying a delicious better-for-you snack - a double win for parents and kids! To learn more about these fun, free learning activities, visit ABCmouse.com/ABC/SunMaid.

3. Plan field trips that inspire

You can extend learning beyond the classroom by taking your kids on inspiring field trips. If they're learning about local history, check out a museum for exhibits on the topic. Many museums, zoos, botanical gardens, historical sites and science centers offer interactive exhibits, guided tours and other activities that make subjects come to life. It's these hands-on experiences that make learning fun and help children retain the knowledge they gain throughout the school year.

For a low-cost alternative, consider taking your kids out on a walk to discover and learn new things. Take turns identifying different things based on themes (e.g., name things you see that are yellow) or take a new path that leads to a fun surprise, such as stopping by a local Little

4. Get crafty

When paired with a lesson, crafts are an excellent way to make learning meaningful. Making dioramas, posters and models helps kids create a visual representation of what they're learning and gives them a hands-on approach to learning.

If your child is learning about the solar system, help them build a model of the sun and planets to help solidify the concept. Or, if they're learning about a historical event, they can design a diorama or poster that illustrates the event in a concrete way.

Parents can transform learning from a chore into an adventure by offering rewards, incorporating snacks, planning field trips and using crafts. These tips can help you create an environment that encourages your kids' curiosity and allows them to explore education in a fun and accessible way.

Teaching young children about nature is crucial. It cultivates a lifelong love for the environment, encouraging them to appreciate and respect the natural world. This early connection with nature enhances physical and mental well-being by promoting outdoor activities and reducing stress. Furthermore, it equips children with vital knowledge about biodiversity and conservation, empowering them to be responsible guardians of the planet. Ultimately, educating kids about nature enriches their lives and contributes to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.