Can your family meal planning be greener? With my free DGG meal planner templates and a repurposed document frame, not only can it be greener, but super easy and quick with great results!
Step 1: Gather your materials
Materials Needed:
An 8.5×11 document frame
Markers (Regular, not washable)
Meal Plan Template of your choice printed on 8.5×11 paper or cardstock (Get my free DGG Set HERE)
Optional Materials:
Eco-friendly Multipurpose cleaner (I use Poofy Organics All-Purpose Spray.)
Your family calendar or schedule
Repurpose if Possible
When you gather your materials to make your reusable meal planner, it is a great opportunity to repurpose an old document frame, if you have one already in the house. I pulled one I had just sitting around in a box, dusted it off and it works perfectly. It happens to be a “cheapy” with a plastic front and although it should give me quite a bit of use, I think a glass frame might work better and last longer. I wouldn’t run out and buy one just for the glass front, but if you have to buy a new one, choose glass.
Step 2: Prepare your frame by removing the previous document and cleaning it well, if it is repurposed.
Step 3: Insert your favorite meal planner
Choose your favorite meal plan template, create your own, or use one of my FREE templates. You can get and download all three of my simple meal planner templates from the subscribe form on this page and choose the one that works best for your family.
(My free set includes a Weekly Three Meal Planner, a Monthly Dinner Planner, and a Two Week Dinner Planner. I personally like and use the two-week dinner planner on the countertop and keep monthly “idea” planners in a binder to help me make meal choices for the week.)
Step 4: Consult your calendar and make your plan
Consulting your calendar or schedule might seem like an odd step, but it can make the difference between just having a meal plan and having a SUCCESSFUL meal plan! Planning for your life is really helpful and if you’re interested in reading more about why I recommend planning with your calendar in hand, check out my post, “5 Green Tips for Meal Planning Success.”
Tip: If you have a plastic frame, be sure to use regular markers and not washable or dry erase. On my plastic frame, the washable marker beads up and doesn’t write well. If you are using glass, you could try dry erase markers, but regular markers erase well from glass and are less likely to rub off before you want it to.
Step 5: Erase & Reuse!
With my plastic frame, regular marker removes OK with just a cloth, but it leaves a bit of a tinted color over the reusable planner. If it doesn’t bother you, you’re all good! But if you’re like me and want it to look fresh each week, I use a bit of Poofy Organics multi-purpose cleaner and it gets even the last streak off. I haven’t personally tried it, but a diluted vinegar solution might work well too, but from experience, regular water seemed to just make a bigger mess.
I hope you’ll give this reusable meal planner a try and don’t forget, I’ll send you all of three of my free DGG meal planning templates when you join my email list with the subscribe form on this page.
Happy Planning & May your week be blessed!
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