Better Breakfast Month for Families with Young Children

Fuel Your Little Ones for a Fantastic Day

September is Better Breakfast Month, and what better way to celebrate than by ensuring your little ones start their day off right with a nutritious breakfast? A healthy breakfast can set the tone for your child's entire day, providing them with the energy and nutrients they need to grow, learn, and play.

Why is Breakfast Important for Young Children?

• Energy boost: A balanced breakfast provides your child with the energy they need to stay focused and active throughout the day.

• Nutrient-rich: Breakfast is a great opportunity to incorporate essential nutrients like protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats into your child's diet.

• Brain development: A nutritious breakfast supports brain development and cognitive function, which is especially important for young children.

Breakfast Ideas for Toddlers and Preschoolers

• Oatmeal: A classic breakfast option that can be customized with fruits, nuts, and seeds.

• Yogurt parfait: Layer Greek yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit for a delicious and satisfying meal.

• Whole-grain toast: Top with avocado, peanut butter, or a scrambled egg for a quick and easy breakfast.

• Smoothies: Blend fruits, vegetables, and yogurt for a refreshing and nutritious drink.

• Eggs: Scrambled, fried, or hard-boiled eggs are a great source of protein.

• Pancakes or waffles: Make your own with whole-grain flour and top with fruit or maple syrup.

Tips for Encouraging Healthy Breakfast Habits

• Involve your child: Let your child help choose their breakfast or prepare it with you.

• Make it fun: Decorate their plate or bowl with fun shapes or designs.

• Offer a variety: Rotate breakfast options to keep your child interested.

• Set a good example: Eat a healthy breakfast yourself to show your child the importance of starting the day right.

By prioritizing a nutritious breakfast for your young children, you're investing in their overall health and well-being. So let's make September Better Breakfast Month a month to remember and establish healthy eating habits that will benefit your family for years to come.

 Family Storytelling at the Asian Art Museum – San Francisco, September 1, 8

World Arts Dance Festival – San Francisco, September 1

Labor Day Weekend at Roaring Camp - Felton, September 1-2

Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus – San Jose, September 6-8

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Palo Alto Players – Palo Alto, September 6-22

Telescope Viewing – Oakland, September 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28

Kristi Yamaguchi’s Family Literacy Festival – San Jose, September 7

Fiesta en la Playa – Santa Cruz, September 7

 Home Depot Kids Workshop - Varies locations, September 7

 Fun on the Farm – San Ramon, September 7, 14, 21, 28

 Brick Fest Live – San Jose, September 7, 8

Open Cockpit Day – Oakland, September 8

Viva CalleSJ – San Jose, September 8

Seaside Storytime – Santa Cruz, September 11

Santa Cruz County Fair – Watsonville, September 11-15

You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown – Palo Alto, September 11-29

 Flower Piano - San Francisco, September 12-22

Oakland’s Magic Kitchen – Oakland, September 13

Millbrae Goes to the Movies: Wonka – Millbrae, September 13

Roundtable Reading: The Wild Robot Escapes – Berkeley, September 14

The Amazing World of Butterflies, Insects and Helpful Pollinators – Oakland, September 14

Oktoberfest – Benicia, September 14

Tinkers & Thinkers – Pleasant Hill, September 14

Engineering Encounters – Livermore, September 14

Second Saturdays at Gamble Garden – Palo Alto, September 14

Cars in the Park – San Jose, September 14

Silicon Valley Fall Fest – Cupertino, September 14

Chitactac Family Day – Gilroy, September 14

Bike About the Zoo – San Francisco, September 14

Chuseok Korean Festival – San Francisco, September 14

Buggin’ Out with Eric – Santa Rosa, September 14

Model Railroad Show – Walnut Creek, September 14, 15

Niles Canyon Train Riders – Sunol, September 14, 15, 21, 22

Family Tour at de Young Museum – San Francisco, September 14, 28

Kids Carnival at Hiller Aviation Museum – San Carlos, September 15

Kinderfest – Mill Valley, September 15

Storytime with Anna at the Foster Museum – Palo Alto, September 15, 18

Big Truck Day – Antioch, September 19

Reading with Dogs at Pup Plaza – San Jose, September 19

Starlight Movies in the Park: Barbie – Alameda, September 20

Movie in the Park: Charlotte’s Web – Piedmont, September 20

Saint Veronica Parish Fall Fest – San Francisco, September 20-21

Disney Jr Live on Tour – San Francisco, September 21

Concert in the Park – South San Francisco, September 21

Children’s Book Festival – Oakland, September 21

Habitot Mobile Museum – Berkeley, September 

 Colibrí Rojo – Redwood City, September 21

Harvest History Festival – Mountain View, September 21

Mid-Autumn Moon Festival – San Jose, September 21

San Jose Reid Hillview Airport Community Day – San Jose, September 21

Aloha Outrigger Races  – Santa Cruz, September 21

Bubble Bonanza at Roaring Camp – Felton, September 21

Boardwalk Pride – Santa Cruz, September 21

Sunday Streets – San Francisco, September 22

Soulful Stitches Youth Sewing Classes – Oakland, September 22

Harvest Festival – Piedmont, September 22

SF Jazz Family Matinees – San Francisco, September 23

Disney Jr. Live On Tour: Let’s Play 2024 – Santa Rosa, September 23

Fall Campout at the Boardwalk – Santa Cruz, September 27-28

Fall Festivities at Happy Hollow – San Jose, September 28

Quicksilver History Hike – San Jose, September 29

Palo Alto Airport Day – Palo Alto, September 29

August and September marks National Breastfeeding Month and Workplace Lactation Week, a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness and promoting the importance of chest/breastfeeding. This year's Breastfeeding Month theme, "Nourish, Sustain, Thrive” emphasizes the ongoing need for education, support, and advocacy for parents.

Why Chest/Breastfeeding Matters

Lactation offers countless benefits for both infants and mothers, including:

●      Optimal Nutrition: Human milk provides the ideal balance of nutrients for babies' growth and development.

●      Immune System Boost: Antibodies in breast milk protect infants from infections and diseases.

●      Bonding: Breastfeeding fosters a strong emotional connection between mothers and their babies.

●      Health Benefits for Moms: Nursing can reduce the risk of certain cancers, postpartum depression, and other health conditions.

Resources for Breastfeeding Families

Whether you're a new parent or a seasoned pro, accessing the right resources can make a world of difference in your breastfeeding journey. Here are a few valuable resources available:

●      La Leche League: Offers support groups, information, and counseling for breastfeeding mothers.

●      The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine: Provides evidence-based information and resources for healthcare professionals and families.

●      Reputable Lactation Blogs: Look for comprehensive online resources with articles and FAQs on chest/breastfeeding.

●      Local Support Groups: Connect with other nursing parents in your community for advice and camaraderie, check out the in-person support group every Thursday at 10am in Burlingame!

●      Lactation Consultants: Seek professional guidance from certified lactation consultants (IBCLCs) to address specific challenges or concerns.

Healthy Horizons 7th Annual Lactation Room Contest

In honor of World Breastfeeding Month and Workplace Lactation Week, Healthy Horizons is excited to announce our 7th Annual Lactation Room Contest! We believe that all working parents deserve access to comfortable, private, and well-equipped lactation spaces. This year’s contest will give away $20,000 in prizes to workplaces and parents, and is Healthy Horizons’ largest giveaway yet!

How to Nominate:

Do you know a workplace that could use a lactation room upgrade? Nominate them bySeptember 7, 2024 for a chance to win lactation equipment, furniture, services, and supplies.

This year, we're offering three prizes for workplaces and lactating parents, with a combined value of $20,000! Visit https://www.healthyhorizons.com/blogs/blog/lactation-room-contest-2024 to learn more and nominate a deserving organization.

Additional Events and Initiatives

Throughout August and September, many communities host special events and initiatives to celebrate Breastfeeding Month. Check your local listings for breastfeeding workshops, support group meetings, and other educational opportunities. Some events in our local community include:

●      Free Back to Work Lactation & Pumping Class on Friday, September 6, 2024 at 10am PST.

●      Walk for Breastfeeding Awareness in Burlingame, CA on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at 9:45am (1-mile stroller and pet friendly walk on Burlingame Ave with free pastries)

Let's Celebrate Breastfeeding Together

Join us in celebrating Breastfeeding Month! By raising awareness, supporting nursing families, and advocating for workplace lactation accommodations, we can create a more breastfeeding-friendly world.

Remember: Every breastfeeding journey is unique. Celebrate your successes, seek help when needed, and embrace the special bond that breastfeeding creates.

Thank you to Healthy Horizons for this blog piece!  Check out www.HealthyHorizons.com

Back to School for Our Little Ones: A Smooth Transition

The first day of school is a big step for both children and parents. Let’s ensure a smooth transition for your little one as they embark on this exciting new chapter.

Preparing Your Under-5 for School

Create a Positive School Atmosphere at Home:

• • Talk positively about school, sharing your own fond memories or reading age-appropriate books about starting school.

  • Incorporate learning into playtime through activities like counting, shapes, and songs.

  • Establish a consistent daily routine to prepare your child for school’s structure.

Develop Essential Life Skills:

• • Ensure your child is potty trained.

  • Encourage independence with self-help skills like dressing and handwashing.

  • Practice sharing, taking turns, and cooperating.

Build a Strong Bond with Your Child's Teacher:

• • Open communication about your child’s development and behavior is key.

  • Attend parent-teacher conferences and stay involved.

Preparing for the First Day

• Familiarize Your Child: Visit the school beforehand to reduce anxiety.

• Label Belongings: Clearly label all your child’s items.

• Pack a Comfort Item: A favorite toy or blanket can provide reassurance.

Managing Separation Anxiety

• Gradual Separations: Practice short separations to build confidence.

• Create a Goodbye Routine: Establish a consistent goodbye ritual.

• Positive Reinforcement: Reassure your child of your love and return.

The San Mateo Parents Club is Here for You!

The San Mateo Parents Club is a wonderful resource for connecting with other parents in the community. We offer:

• Playgroups and Social Events: Meet other parents and build friendships.

• Support and Advice: Share experiences and gain valuable insights.

• Community Building: Foster a sense of belonging among parents.

• Local Resources: Discover local activities and events.

Join our Facebook group to connect with other parents, ask questions, and find playdate partners.

Remember, every child is unique. Focus on creating a loving and supportive environment as your child begins this new adventure.

It’s a Bug’s World – Walnut Creek, August 14

Reading with Dogs at Pup Plaza (Free) – San Jose, August 15

Movies on the Square: Trolls Band Together (Free) – Redwood City, August 15

Foster City Summer Days (Free) - Foster City, August 16-18

Muni Discovery Day (Free) – San Francisco, August 16

Movie in the Park: Super Mario Brothers (Free) – Piedmont, August 16

Family Movie Night: Kung Fu Panda 4 (Free) – Palo Alto, August 16

Movies in the Park: A Million Miles Away (Free) – Cupertino, August 16

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince in Concert – San Francisco, August 16, 17

Blankets & Blockbusters: Trolls Band Together – San Francisco, August 17

Open Cockpit Saturday – Santa Rosa, August 17

Family Art Day – Walnut Creek, August 17

In the Park Movie Night: Coco (Free) – San Jose, August 17

Lighthouse Day at Pidgeon Point – Pescadero, August 17

Brick Fest Live – Pleasanton, August 17, 18

Pet Adoption Day at Oakland Zoo – Oakland, August 18

Kids Rock (Free) – Redwood City, August 18

Victorian Days at the Old Courthouse – Redwood City, August 18

Family Fun Fest – Mill Valley, August 19

Climate Adaptation Science Fair – San Francisco, August 21

Frozen by Broadway San Jose – San Jose, August 21-September 1

Movies on the Square: Wonka (Free) – Redwood City, August 22

Starlight Movies in the Park: Kung Fu Panda 4 (Free) – Alameda, August 23

Movies in the Park: Monsters Inc (Free) – Orinda, August 23

End of Summer Stargazing – Pescadero, August 23

Movies in the Park: The Incredibles (Free) – Cupertino, August 23

Habitot Mobile Museum (Free) – Berkeley, August 24

Palo Alto Festival of the Arts (Free) - Palo Alto, August 24-25

Puppet Fair at Children’s Fairyland – Oakland, August 24, 25

Cal Sailing Open House (Free) – Berkeley, August 25

Soulful Stitches Youth Sewing Classes – Oakland, August 25

Family Collage Workshop – Walnut Creek, August 25

Kids Carnival at Hiller Aviation Museum – San Carlos, August 25

Quicksilver History Hike – San Jose, August 25

Museum Mondays for Little Ones – Santa Rosa, August 26

Wicked by Broadway SF – San Francisco, August 28-October 13

Movies on the Square: The Little Mermaid – Redwood City, August 29

Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus – Oakland, August 30-September 1

Family Tour at de Young Museum – San Francisco, August 31

BonPOP Obon Festival – San Francisco, August 31

In the Park Movie Night: Sonic The Hedgehog 2 – San Jose, August 31

Scottish Highlands Gathering and Games – Pleasanton, August 31-September 1

Santa Clara County Fair – San Jose, July 25 – August 4

Freaky Friday – Berkeley, July 25-August 3

Sonoma County Fair – Santa Rosa, August 1-11

Muni Discovery Day (Free) – San Francisco, August 2

Sundown Cinema: Barbie (Free) – San Francisco, August 2

Moves in the Park: Elemental (Free) – Mill Valley, August 2

Picnic Flix: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Free) – Dublin, August 2

Family Movie Night: Teenage Kraken (Free) – Palo Alto, August 2

Theater in the Park (Free) – Mountain View & Saratoga, August 2

Outdoor Movie Night: Wonka (Free) – Mountain View, August 2

Movies in the Park: Little Mermaid (Free) – Cupertino, August 2

Movies on the Beach: Trolls (Free) – Santa Cruz, August 2

The Little Mermaid by Poison Apple Productions – Walnut Creek, August 2-11

Telescope Viewing (Free) – Oakland, August 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, 31

Home Depot Kids Workshop - Bay Area, August 3

Shakespeare in the Park 2024 (Free) - Cupertino, August 3-4

Danville Music in the Park (Free) - Danville, August 3

Baby Shark’s Big Broadwave Tour – San Francisco, August 3

August Night on the Rails – Sunol, August 3

Mr. Elephant (Free) – Redwood City, August 3

In the Park Movie Night: King Fu Panda 4  (Free)– San Jose, August 3

Starlight Cinema: The Goonies  (Free) – San Jose, August 3

Night Hike at Grant Park – San Jose, August 3

Nihomachi Street Fair – San Francisco, August 3, 4

Italian Family Festa – San Jose, August 3, 4

Fun on the Farm (Free) – San Ramon, August 3, 10, 17, 24

Family Storytelling at the Asian Art Museum – San Francisco, August 4

Sunday Streets (Free) – San Francisco, August 4, 25

National Night Out (Free) – Martinez, August 6

National Night Out (Free) – Castro Valley, August 6

Movies on the Square: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (Free)– Redwood City, August 8

Building Community through Fun (Free) – San Jose, August 8

Napa County Fair – Napa, August 8-11

Millbrae Goes to the Movies: Elemental  (Free) – Millbrae, August 9

Movies in the Park: Migration (Free) – Cupertino, August 9

Movies on the Beach: The Goonies (Free) – Santa Cruz, August 9

Kids Art Class at Magical Bridge Playground (Free) – Redwood City, August 10

Cartooning for Kids – San Francisco, August 10

Bike About the Zoo – San Francisco, August 10

International Deaf Dance Festival – San Francisco, August 10

Buggin’ Out with Eric – Santa Rosa, August 10

Multicultural Festival – Antioch, August 10

Pop-up Chemistry – Redwood City, August 10

In the Park Movie Night: King Fu Panda 4 (Free)– San Jose, August 10

Seaside Storytime – Santa Cruz, August 10

Second Saturday on the Farm (Free) – Watsonville, August 10

Bay Area Aloha Festival – San Mateo, August 10, 11

Niles Canyon Train Riders – Sunol, August 10, 11, 17, 18

Neon Scorpion Hike – Clayton, August 10, 24, 25

Fiesta in the Presidio – San Francisco, August 11

Marin MOCA Family Day – Novato, August 11

Sunday Funday at Sonoma Botanical Garden – Glen Ellen, August 11

End-of-Summer Jamboree (Free) – Palo Alto, August 11

Storytime with Anna at the Foster Museum (Free) – Palo Alto, August 11, 14

Marine Science Sundays – Sausalito, August 11, 25

• Reading to children is crucial to their development for so many reasons.  It promotes a lifelong love of reading for one.  It helps your child build a robust vocabulary for another.  In fact, your child may start school at a disadvantage if they are not read to at home.  What you read is also important.  Choosing age-appropriate books that challenge your child based on their developmental stage will help them with pre-literacy skills, as well as develop other skills like fine-motor, communication, and thinking skills.  These latter skills are cultivated by your child learning to turn a page, repeating sounds, pointing to objects on a page, and following a narrative. 

  Here are some age-based tips for selecting books, along with specific titles to consider for growing your child’s library.

  0-3 months

  Aim for books with simple illustrations and patterns.  Black and while illustrations or big, high-contrast pictures do a great job of capturing newborns’ attentions, which makes sense given that their vision is still developing.

• Look! Look! by Peter Linenthal

• 3-6 months

  Babies this age are seeing more colors and starting to develop motor skills.  Now is the perfect time to introduce books with more interactive features, such as different textures or lift-able flaps, so that your child remains engaged and can work on fine-motor skills.

•    Usborne That’s not my … series (e.g., That’s not my unicorn)
•   Dear Zoo: A Lift-the-Flap Book by Rod Campbell

• 6-12 months

  Babies at this stage are starting to learn words, especially words for everyday objects that they encounter.  Try reading books that feature only one or a few items.  This allows your child to hear you name something frequently.  Point to the pictures to reinforce vocabulary.

•   First 100 Words by Roger Priddy
•  Where Is Baby’s Belly Button? by Karen Katz

• 12-18 months
  

• Silly stories are great at this stage: if you are reading a book about animals, pick one that involves making animal noises so that the two of you can make them together, while having lots of fun in the process!  Don’t forget to encourage your child to actively participate by asking them to point to or name objects.

• Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You? by Dr. Seuss
• Moo, Baa, La La La! By Sandra Boynton

     18-24 months

Now is a good time to introduce books that teach your toddler numbers, ABCs, colors, and shapes.  Of course, make sure the books are enjoyable to you, too.  At this stage, your toddler may start asking for the same book over and over again!

• Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle
• Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault

Need to find an activity for the kids on July 4?  Here are some ideas!

Half Moon Bay Ol' Fashioned 4th of July Parade & Block Party - HMB, July 4

4th of July All-City Picnic - Santa Clara, July 4

Woodside Junior Rodeo - Woodside, July 4

Chalk Full of Fun - Redwood City, July 3-4

ExtraOrdinary! at the Exploratorium - SF, July 2-31

Kinetic Creations at CuriOdyssey - San Mateo, July 1-31

Marin County Fair – San Rafael, July 3-7

Chelle and Friends Concert – San Francisco, July 5

First Friday at San Mateo County History Museum – Redwood City, July 5

Telescope Viewing – Oakland, July 5, 16, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27

Boardwalk Movies on the Beach - Santa Cruz, July 5,12, 19, 26

San Carlos Music in the Park - San Carlos, July 5,12, 19, 26

Happy Birds - San Carlos, July 6

Library Day at the New Farm – San Francisco, July 6

Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales – Santa Rosa, July 6

SJMade Summer Fair - Santa Clara, Jlu 6,7

California Classic Fan Fest – San Francisco, July 6, 7

Starlight Cinema - San Jose, July 6, 20

Summer Sleepovers at Children’s Fairyland – Oakland, July 6,27

Silly Sunday Funday Show with Bay Area Improv – San Francisco, July 7, 14, 21, 29

Prescott Circus – Oakland, July 9, 10

Bubble Wonder – San Carlos, July 10, 21

Insect Discovery Lab – Oakland, July 10, 15, 17, 20, 24, 25

A Peter Rabbit Tale – Palo Alto, July 10-28

Circus Bella in Lincoln Square Park – Oakland, July 11

Finding Nemo Jr. – Mountain View, July 11-14

Ka-Hon Kids Show – San Francisco, July 12

Dinosaurs Before Dark – Pleasanton, July 12

Summer Movie in the Park - Orinda, July 12

Millbrae Goes to the Movies - Millbrae, July 12

Circus Center Youth Circus Performance – San Francisco, July 12-14

Storytime with Anna – Palo Alto, July 12, 15

Family Movie Night at Mitchell Park - Palo Alto, July 12, 19

Foster City Summer Concerts - Foster City, July 12,19,26

Movies in the Park - Berkeley, July 12,26

Cartooning for Kids – San Francisco, July 13

Bike About the Zoo – San Francisco, July 13

Buggin’ Out with Eric – Santa Rosa, July 13

Pop-Up Chemistry – Redwood City, July 13

Second Saturdays at Gamble Garden – Palo Alto, July 13

Prescott Circus – Oakland, July 13

Mean Girls – Berkeley, July 13-21

Fun on the Farm – San Ramon, July 13, 20, 27

Niles Canyon Train Riders – Sunol, July 13, 14, 20, 21

Circus Bella at Salesforce Park – San Francisco, July 14

Sunday Funday at Sonoma Botanical Garden – Glen Ellen, July 14

Marine Science Sundays – Sausalito, July 14, 28

Kids Air Faire – San Carlos, July 17

Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band – Walnut Creek, July 18

Reading with Dogs at Pup Plaza – San Jose, July 18

Finding Nemo Jr by PYT – Mountain View, July 18-21

Family Campout – Redwood City, July 19

Circus Bella in Hayes Valley – San Francisco, July 20

The Movie Music of John Williams with the SF Symphony - Palo Alto, July 20

Open Cockpit Saturday – Santa Rosa, July 20

Apollo 11 Splashdown Anniversary – Alameda, July 20

Kidstock Concert – Mountain View, July 20

Family Campout – Cupertino, July 20

Wildmind Animal Discoveries – Redwood City, July 20

Wet and Wild Day – Palo Alto, July 20

Beauty and The Beast – Santa Rosa, July 20-21

Fiesta Alameda – Alameda, July 21

Sunday Streets – San Francisco, July 21

Cal Sailing Open House – Berkeley, July 21

Kids Rock – Redwood City, July 21

High School Musical – Pleasanton, July 25

Santa Clara County Fair – San Jose, July 25 – August 4

SpongeBob the Musical – San Carlo, July 26-28

Summer Stride – San Francisco, July 27

Coventry & Kaluza Performance – Redwood City, July 27

Play Your Way – San Jose, July 27

Kids Carnival at Hiller Aviation Museum – San Carlos, July 28

Museum Mondays for Little Ones – Santa Rosa, July 29

Freaky Friday – Berkeley, July 25-August 3

On Sunday, June 23^rd from 10 am to 12 pm, the San Mateo Parents Club is hosting a Sip + Shop event at Byrd’s Filling Station.  Thank you to Bryd’s for supporting the SMPC’s efforts to learn about how we can start minimizing plastic waste in a practical way, and for providing these helpful tips below.  Be sure to drop by the store on June 23 if you have questions or want to check out their products!

Ever wondered what legacy you’re leaving for your children? If a plastic-free world is part of that answer, then you’ve come to the right place. 

We are Byrd’s Filling Station, a pioneering zero waste shop and refill station located in the heart of San Mateo that was founded by a fellow San Mateo parent, Laura Porter! 

Laura started the store after realizing that “our whole world is packed in plastic and that’s causing a huge problem that won’t go away any time soon.” As she learned of the harmful effects of plastic waste in the environment, she decided to change her family’s consumption habits through the inspiration of the Plastic Free July movement. Throughout her journey, she realized how difficult it was to transition to a plastic-free and zero waste lifestyle. This gave her the inspiration to identify resources to support her goal of reducing plastics in her life.  When she found how difficult those resources were to find locally, she created the store. 

So we at Byrd’s Filling Station want to share tips for a more sustainable way of life.  It isn’t crucial that you clean up every piece of plastic immediately, and we can all make big changes through lots of little steps.  Here's how to start your plastic-free journey: 

Step 1: Use Up Existing Products

Don’t throw away your current plastics. Use them up first, then dispose of them responsibly. It can be tempting to immediately throw away any plastics you have in your home when you start your journey, but you don’t necessarily have to! 

Throwing everything away would not only be wasteful, but it would cost you money you’ve already spent. So use up what you already have, remember to switch to plastic-free alternatives when you run out, refill what containers you can reuse, and properly dispose of your plastics in the recycling. 

Step 2: Recon Mission

We understand the urgency of addressing the plastic pollution crisis and recognize the pivotal role that businesses play in driving meaningful change. That's why we are dedicated to providing a convenient and accessible way for consumers and businesses, alike, to ditch plastics and embrace a healthier lifestyle. With our carefully curated selection of plastic-free alternatives and refillable options, we aim to empower individuals to make impactful choices for the planet without sacrificing convenience. 

We highly recommend taking a first trip to our store just to browse our selection and determine what items you want to invest in and what products you’d like to start refilling. Before you dive right into the world of zero waste, it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with your options. A great place to start is by reviewing our website filled with eco-friendly products, tips, and guides!

Step 3: Start Small

Replace one product at a time instead of replacing everything all at once. Making changes to your lifestyle will take time and if you start all at once you might feel overwhelmed. We have lots of recommendations in our store, so if you don’t know where you want to start, come give us a visit and we are more than happy to give you some advice! Our friendly staff can answer just about any question you throw our way.

Step 4: Refill Existing Containers

If you already have a spice container, why buy a totally new one instead of refilling into the existing one? There are so many things you can refill if you choose to shop with us ranging from soaps, grains, nuts, pastas, face care, dairy, and oils.

Our shopping model is a revitalization in how consumers approach grocery shopping. Going back to the way “it used to be” of buying what you need when you need it in your own containers. By offering a wide range of bulk goods and encouraging the use of reusable containers, we have effectively provided a sustainable alternative to the traditional, packaging-heavy shopping experience.

Step 5: Have Patience With Yourself! 

It may seem impossible to completely avoid plastic, but taking the time and effort to start is what is truly admirable. Even the people who live zero waste now started somewhere, so start today! We will be here to support you through your zero waste journey :)

Customers like Jennifer Dirking have already experienced the benefits of this innovative shopping model: "Grocery shopping simplified! We are so lucky to live near a deluxe bulk store, Byrd’s Filling Station in San Mateo, California. We can get groceries without paying for plastic packaging—much better for our health and the planet’s. I can break up with plastic overnight!”

Step 6: Spread The Word! 

Habits are hard to change, but we feel more motivated to change when we are doing it together. Encourage your family and friends to join in on your sustainable journey and bring them to the Byrd’s Filling Station store to learn more! You can also involve your kids in the process by having them come and refill their favorite snacks. If you teach your kids sustainable habits now, it’ll make it easier for them in the future!

Customer excitement and positive reactions to the store have been overwhelming since our opening. Many shoppers have expressed delight at the store's welcoming atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and extensive selection of eco-friendly products. Community members have found themselves inspired by the store's commitment to sustainability and feel empowered to make positive changes in their own lives. Whether it's the joy of discovering a new plastic-free alternative or the satisfaction of knowing they're supporting a local, woman-owned business, patrons consistently rave about their experiences at Byrd's Filling Station.

We at Byrd's Filling Station are poised to expand the stores influence and continue to serve as a beacon for sustainable living. We invite YOU, the parental community, to join in our mission to eliminate waste and make sustainable shopping accessible to all. Whether you're a seasoned environmental advocate or someone exploring eco-conscious living for the first time, we invite you to join our community and discover the joy of shopping with purpose. 

For more information about Byrd's Filling Station and its initiatives, please visit https://byrdsfillingstation.com/. 

Thank you to Byrd's Filling Station for preparing this blog post!

Contact Information:

Byrd's Filling Station at 219 South San Mateo Dr., San Mateo CA 94401

Email: info@byrdsfillingstation.com 

Phone: (650) 242-1976

Website: https://byrdsfillingstation.com/

FB/IG/TT: byrdsfillingstation