Back to School, Greener Than Ever: How I Prepared for Grad School the Eco-Friendly Way (And How Your Family Can Too!)

Back-to-school season always brought a mix of excitement and anxiety for me — the smell of fresh notebooks, the crisp feel of new clothes, and the buzz of possibilities. But when I was preparing to go back to school for my MBA in Sustainability and Environmental Compliance, I wanted to make sure my enthusiasm didn’t come at the cost of the planet.

That back-to-school season marked a shift in how I approached everything: from supplies to transportation to my daily routine. And I realized along the way, going green isn’t just for grad students — it’s a mindset that works for the whole family.

Here’s how I tackled back-to-school in an eco-conscious way — and how your family can too, with a bit of intention, creativity, and yes, fun!

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1. Shop Your Home First

Before I bought a single item, I went through drawers, closets, and old storage bins. I found half-used notebooks, pens that still worked, folders that just needed a wipe-down, and even a barely-touched whiteboard I’d forgotten I had.

Family tip: Make it a scavenger hunt! Challenge your kids to find as many reusable supplies as possible. Whoever finds the most gets to choose dinner that night — plant-based, of course.

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2. Choose Quality Over Quantity

I used to be tempted by those bulk deals — 10 notebooks for $5! But I realized most of it ended up unused or falling apart halfway through the term. For grad school, I invested in a couple of high-quality, recycled-paper notebooks and a refillable pen. They lasted the whole year and reduced my waste dramatically.

Family tip: Teach kids the value of well-made supplies. Let them pick one “special” item — a durable lunchbox, a sturdy backpack — and talk about how it helps the environment to buy less and choose better.

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3. Digital When Possible

I went mostly paperless in grad school. Assignments, notes, and syllabi lived on my laptop or cloud storage. Not only did it lighten my backpack, it saved tons of paper.

Family tip: Encourage older kids to use apps for notes and homework when appropriate. For younger ones, choose 100% recycled paper or reuse the backs of old printouts for doodles and practice worksheets.

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4. Green Your Commute

Living in Southern California, car culture is strong — but I made a point to ride my bike or take public transit whenever I could. It saved money, lowered my carbon footprint, and gave me quiet time to decompress.

Family tip: Walk or bike to school if it’s safe, or set up a neighborhood carpool to cut down on gas and emissions. Bonus: it builds community.

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5. Pack (and Snack) Sustainably

Instead of grabbing packaged snacks or bottled drinks, I started packing lunches in glass containers and brought my own reusable water bottle. I made a habit of prepping meals the night before — mostly plant-based — which kept me energized without the plastic waste.

Family tip: Get the kids involved in packing their own zero-waste lunches. Use beeswax wraps, stainless steel containers, and compostable napkins. Make snack prep a weekend family activity!

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6. Dress Smart, Not Fast

When I needed new clothes for grad school presentations and job fairs, I hit the thrift store first. I found high-quality items at a fraction of the price — and gave them a second life. I did Amazon Days, on Amazon, this reduced shipping packaging, cost of transport, and carbon footprint. 

Family tip: Host a “closet swap” with friends or relatives. Let kids trade gently-used clothes or backpacks — it’s like shopping, but sustainable!

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7. Talk About It

The best thing I did during that transition? I talked about it. With classmates, professors, even the barista at my campus café. People were curious, and some even started adopting eco-friendly habits too.

Family tip: Make sustainability part of everyday conversations. Ask kids what changes they think the school could make. Start a small family “green challenge” — whoever uses the least single-use plastic in a week wins a reward.

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Final Thoughts

Going back to school is a fresh start — not just for academics, but for how we engage with the world around us. My return to school as a sustainability-focused grad student opened my eyes to how powerful our daily choices are. Whether you’re 8 or 48, your routine can be both exciting and Earth-friendly.

So this school year, sharpen those pencils — or plug in those tablets — and let’s make learning something that lifts up the planet too.

Beating the Heat the Eco-Friendly Way: My Favorite Indoor Summer Activities

When the summer heat outside feels more like an oven than an invitation to play, staying indoors becomes essential—not just for comfort, but for health and safety too. But here’s the catch: being inside all day with the A/C blasting, screens glowing, and lights on can add up to a hefty carbon footprint. That’s why I’ve discovered and embraced a list of eco-friendly indoor activities that are both fun and conscious of our planet. These are things I love doing when the temperature rises—and why I think you might love them too.

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1. Upcycled Crafting

Why I love it: Creativity with a conscience? Yes, please. Upcycling gives old materials new life, and every project feels like a small act of environmental kindness.

One of my favorite summer memories is turning a torn pair of jeans into a patchwork tote bag. It required no fancy tools—just scissors, needle, thread, and patience. There’s something meditative about crafting by hand, and it always reminds me that sustainability starts with rethinking waste. Cardboard boxes become cat castles, glass jars turn into herb planters, and paper scraps make colorful collages or journals.

Eco-tip: Avoid buying new supplies—use what you already have. It’s about making do, not making more.

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2. Plant Care and Indoor Gardening

Why I love it: Tending to plants not only boosts my mood, but it also reconnects me to nature, even while surrounded by four walls.

Summer is a great time to nurture houseplants or start small herb gardens on sunny windowsills. Basil, mint, and parsley grow well indoors and love the summer light. I also enjoy propagating pothos or succulents from cuttings—it’s like growing free greenery! Plus, plants purify indoor air, which feels like a bonus during a season when we often keep windows shut to hold in the cool.

Eco-tip: Use water collected from rinsing fruits and veggies to hydrate your plants.

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3. Cooking Plant-Based Meals

Why I love it: Cooking at home saves money, reduces packaging waste, and lets me experiment with sustainable ingredients.

On hot days, I skip the oven and embrace no-cook or one-pan plant-based meals. I’ve learned to make a delicious chickpea salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and lemon dressing. Or I prep smoothie bowls with frozen bananas and seasonal fruits—refreshing, zero-waste, and energy-light.

Cooking this way reminds me that food choices matter. By eating plant-based meals, I lower my carbon footprint and feel nourished from the inside out.

Eco-tip: Shop locally and use up produce before it spoils to minimize food waste.

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4. Sustainable Reading Nook Time

Why I love it: Nothing beats curling up with a good book in a cozy corner, especially when the sun is blazing outside.

I’ve created a reading nook near a window that gets natural light, which helps me cut down on artificial lighting during the day. I often borrow e-books from the library or trade physical books with friends to keep my literary hobby eco-conscious.

This simple pleasure reminds me that slowing down is a form of resistance in a fast-moving world—and reading about nature, sustainability, or fiction set in green utopias gives me endless inspiration.

Eco-tip: Use solar-powered lamps or natural daylight as much as possible.

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5. Hosting a Zero-Waste Game Night or Movie Marathon

Why I love it: Sharing time with others (or even solo) can be fun without being wasteful.

I enjoy streaming my favorite nature documentaries or rewatch cult classics via Teleparty movie platform with long distant friends. I also invite friends over for board games using reusable snackware and homemade iced teas.

Creating moments that don’t revolve around consumerism or heavy energy use feels deeply fulfilling—like a quiet rebellion against overconsumption.

Eco-tip: Power down unused devices during your movie/game nights to reduce standby energy use.

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6. DIY Natural Cleaners and Body Products

Why I love it: It’s practical, eco-friendly, and surprisingly fun to play chemist in the kitchen.

When I need to feel productive indoors, I mix up batches of homemade cleaners using vinegar, baking soda, and citrus peels. I’ve also made my own body scrubs from coffee grounds and coconut oil—perfect for a spa day in when I need to unwind.

The satisfaction of creating something non-toxic and sustainable, with ingredients I already have, is huge. Plus, it cuts down on plastic waste and harsh chemicals in my home.

Eco-tip: Reuse containers and label everything for easy storage and gifting.

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7. Learning Something New (The Low-Tech Way)

Why I love it: Summer is the perfect time to learn, and I prefer offline activities that don’t add to screen fatigue.

Lately, I’ve been practicing calligraphy, learning to hand-sew, and exploring poetry writing. These activities are creative and quiet, and they use minimal materials—just pen, paper, and patience.

Being present and using my hands connects me to older, simpler ways of living. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about progress.

Eco-tip: Keep a “creative box” of reused paper, pens, and scraps to cut down on buying new supplies.

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Final Thoughts

Hot summer weather doesn’t have to mean higher energy bills, digital overload, or environmental guilt. With a little intention, we can turn our homes into hubs of sustainable joy. For me, eco-friendly indoor activities have become more than just a way to pass the time—they’re a lifestyle choice rooted in mindfulness, resourcefulness, and care for the planet.

So next time you feel trapped by the summer heat, remember: there’s a world of green-friendly fun right in your own home. And who knows? You might just fall in love with it like I did.

Summer Adventures with a Green Twist: Fun, Eco-Friendly Activities to Try This Season

When I first started The Oasis Verde, I dreamed of creating more than just a community garden or wellness retreat — I wanted to inspire a lifestyle where sustainability and joy thrive together. As an MBA graduate in Sustainability and Environmental Compliance, I’ve studied the policies and technical side of environmental issues, but I’ve learned that the heart of change comes from hands-on, soul-filling experiences.

Summer in Southern California and the Imperial Valley is the perfect backdrop for this philosophy. With sunny skies, warm evenings, and diverse landscapes that range from desert dunes to sparkling coasts, our region offers endless opportunities to blend fun with environmental mindfulness.

Over the years, I set out to explore new ways to stay active, connect with nature, and strengthen community ties, all while keeping my environmental footprint light. Here are five of my favorite eco-friendly activities that made summer unforgettable — and might just inspire you to create your own green adventures, right here in Southern California and the Imperial Valley.

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1. Foraging Walks: Coastal and Desert Delights

Background:
In early Summer, I joined a foraging group that explores coastal trails around Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and desert edges near Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. We gather early to beat the heat, armed with baskets and curiosity, searching for wild edible greens, herbs, and even desert fruits.

Why It’s Eco-Friendly:
Foraging encourages us to eat hyper-local and seasonal, reducing our reliance on industrial agriculture and eliminating packaging waste. It also fosters a deeper connection with native plants and the natural rhythms of our region.

Outcome:
I came home with wild fennel, miner’s lettuce, and juicy prickly pear fruits. Back at The Oasis Verde, I turned them into a vibrant salad and a sweet, tangy dressing. Sharing this meal with guests felt like offering them a true taste of the land. It sparked conversations about food origins and inspired many to explore edible native plants themselves.

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2. Plogging: Beach and Desert Clean-Ups

Background:
A highlight of my summer was joining plogging groups at Mission Beach in San Diego and along desert trails in the Imperial Valley. I’ll admit, I was skeptical about jogging with a trash bag at first — but after just one session, I was completely hooked.

Why It’s Eco-Friendly:
Plogging helps remove litter from our beaches and deserts, protecting marine and desert wildlife. It also prevents trash from being washed into the ocean or left to degrade into microplastics.

Outcome:
At Mission Beach, we gathered over 25 bags of trash in a few hours. Afterward, we celebrated with fresh smoothies and local fruit at a nearby café. The mix of exercise and environmental stewardship created an instant sense of community. We now meet monthly, and each event attracts new people eager to do good and feel great.

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3. DIY Solar Oven Picnic

Background:
Southern California and the Imperial Valley are blessed with near-constant sunshine — perfect for solar cooking experiments! At The Oasis Verde in Imperial, I organized a solar oven picnic using simple pizza-box ovens lined with foil and clear plastic covers.

Why It’s Eco-Friendly:
Solar ovens harness free, renewable energy and avoid using gas or electricity. They’re a playful, hands-on way to learn about solar power and appreciate the power of the sun.

Outcome:
We slow-cooked vegetables, melted gooey nachos, and even baked chocolate chip cookies. Watching the excitement as guests peeked into their solar ovens was pure joy. Everyone left feeling empowered to try solar cooking at home — a small but impactful step toward a greener lifestyle.

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4. Kayak Clean-Up Adventures

Background:
In mid-summer, I explored the Lower Colorado River near Yuma, Arizona (just a short drive from the Imperial Valley). Kayaking these beautiful waters while collecting litter turned out to be one of the most peaceful and rewarding experiences I’ve had all season.

Why It’s Eco-Friendly:
Kayak clean-ups protect aquatic habitats and prevent litter from harming fish, birds, and other wildlife. Kayaks are human-powered and leave no emissions or noise pollution, allowing for a gentle, immersive experience with nature.

Outcome:
Paddling alongside friends, filling our kayaks with bottles and stray fishing gear, felt both purposeful and meditative. We ended each clean-up with riverside lunches, sharing stories and celebrating the day’s finds. It was a powerful reminder of how small efforts, repeated consistently, can make a big impact.

Safety Note:
While exploring waterways can be rewarding, it’s important to remember local safety rules. In the Imperial Valley, we’re all familiar with Dippy Duck, the beloved mascot created to teach children (and adults!) to stay out of irrigation canals. Canals may look calm, but they have strong currents, steep sides, and hidden dangers. Always stick to safe, designated waterways like rivers and lakes, and never enter irrigation canals.

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5. Stargazing and Night Hikes

Background:
One of my most memorable summer experiences was a stargazing night hike in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. With minimal light pollution, the desert sky becomes a brilliant tapestry of stars and meteor trails.

Why It’s Eco-Friendly:
Stargazing and night hikes require no electricity or infrastructure. They leave no waste and encourage a deep appreciation for dark sky conservation.

Outcome:
Lying on blankets under a sea of stars, we watched shooting stars, traced constellations, and shared stories and snacks. These nights in the desert always leave me in awe of the universe and grateful for the chance to experience such wonder. They remind me why protecting our natural spaces is more than an environmental cause — it’s a way to safeguard these shared moments of magic.

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Why These Activities Matter

Every summer season, I am reminded again and again that sustainability isn’t about sacrifice — it’s about discovering new ways to thrive. Southern California and the Imperial Valley are home to rich ecosystems, strong communities, and stunning landscapes. When we choose activities that honor these gifts, we create experiences that nourish us and protect our surroundings.

At The Oasis Verde, I’ve seen firsthand how simple, mindful activities can transform a person’s relationship with the environment. Whether you’re foraging along a coastal trail, picking up litter on a sunny beach, cooking under the sun’s powerful rays, paddling with purpose, or marveling at a desert night sky — each choice is a small act of love for the earth.

I invite you to make this summer your greenest yet. Try something new, bring a friend, or savor the quiet joy alone. You’ll come away with memories that fill your heart and a deeper appreciation for the world around you.

Here’s to sunny days, starry nights, and a season of fun that leaves both you and the planet happier and healthier. Let’s make this our most vibrant — and most sustainable — summer yet.