So, you know how kids usually go around and help fundraise for their schools? They sell chocolate, coupon books and other things that no one really needs. It's a great concept, but pretty dated stuff. In an effort to spruce things up in the fundraising world, a group called Green Students Fundraising came up with an alternative. Green Students Fundraising provides schools, daycares and sports teams with eco-friendly fundraising programs that educate youth about environmental issues. What sets Green Students Fundraising apart from other student fundraising programs is that it is both educational to students and buyers alike, and it promotes the 3R philosophy that we're still trying to get folks to pick up on – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. The most popular fundraising initiative is the literless lunch one. The main goal with this program is to make parents and students aware that preparing litterless lunches is easy and convenient. The laptop lunch fundraiser involves selling useful bento box-style kits, made of safe #5 plastic, to raise funds while promoting reusability. Something like this is great for parents and kids alike: no need for wrappers, plastic baggies or multiple packaging. Every component of the bento box fits in its place, neatly. According to my sources at Green Students Fundraising, adults have been known to use these kits for work! Here's a picture of the laptop lunch: Green Students Fundraising also offer programs selling Klean Kanteens (reusable and safe drinking bottles), Nellie's Dryerballs, and my favourite, greeting cards from Botanical Paperworks ( read my blog about their great products here). The fundraising programs are offered to schools and organizations in Canada and the US. For more info about Green Students Fundraising, visit www.greenstudents.ca. Read more: • How to start your own compost pile • Ways to foster a love of nature in your children • How to make your bathroom eco-friendly