Team up for the planet

Published on August 7, 2013

It’s that time of year again, where parents stand in line to sign up their children for extracurricular activities. Before you know it, you have one kid in hockey, another in swimming and gymnastics, and scheduling becomes an extreme sport for the entire family.

These commitments may raise other problems as well. You may hear a little voice in your head, wondering about “all those drives to practices,” all those promotional products at games,” “all that equipment that you have to buy again each year.” Is there a way to reconcile your social and environmental values with your family commitments? Ideally, an affordable way that doesn’t take up too much time in an already harried schedule?

It is possible to save time and money by carpooling, exchanging old equipment, and preparing snacks without packaging. While these changes require some planning, once implemented they save money, and can help you feel doubly proud about your involvement in your childrens’ sports.

Develop good transportation habits

Carpool to practices or games.

Walk or bike when the distance is short and your equipment is easily carried.

Encourage your child’s team to charter a bus for out-of-town tournaments.

Develop good snack habits

Opt for snacks with no packaging or less packaging, ideally local and organic.

Buy snacks in bulk or in larger sizes and redistribute into smaller reusable containers.

Bring a reusable bottle for water, juice or sports drinks, and a reusable mug for coffee.

Develop good sports equipment habits

Buy used sports equipment or donate your old equipment.

Encourage your child’s sports association to organize an equipment swap at the beginning of the season.

Teach your child how to take good care of their sports equipment to extend its life.

Buy fair trade sports equipment.