Families that rely on single-use plastics and prepackaged foods for their children’s lunches often overlook the tremendous amount of daily waste they generate. With a few easy swaps, lunch packing routines can be fun, eco-friendly rituals for the back-to-school season. By replacing disposable plastics with reusable alternatives and adding a few homemade snacks, parents can save money and safeguard kids’ health while reducing landfill waste. Here are some excellent options.

Reusable Containers, Wraps and Cutlery

  • Stainless steel lunchboxes
  • Compartmentalized bento boxes made of wood or stainless steel
  • Leakproof and dishwasher-safe silicone pouches
  • Cloth or compostable snack bags for dry goods such as nuts or pretzels
  • Repurposed glass jars with lids for drinks, hummus or applesauce
  • Stainless steel water bottles that keep liquids hot or cold for extended periods of time
  • Beeswax wraps or soybean-based “wax” paper to secure sandwiches
  • Reusable cutlery and chopsticks made of stainless steel and bamboo
  •  Biodegradable and compostable cutlery made of renewable starch sources such as corn or cassava

Bulk Foods and Homemade Snacks

  • Nuts and seeds, dried fruits, trail mix, crackers, healthy chips and granola from bulk bins
  • Sandwiches on whole grain breads made from scratch with fresh, healthy ingredients
  • Locally sourced, seasonal produce and bread from the farmers market for a lighter carbon footprint
  •  Easy parfaits made with milk- or plant-based yogurt, chopped fruits, nuts, flax or chia seeds and a drizzle of local honey
  • Wraps made with soft tortillas, lettuce or cabbage leaves, or nori sheets filled with yummy fresh ingredients such as sautĂ©ed or shredded raw vegetables, nut butters, bananas, Medjool dates, soft cheeses, olives or hummus
  • Homemade energy bars packed with healthy ingredients, including oats, protein powder, dark chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruit and maple syrup

Eco-Friendly Totes

  • Fun and colorful cloth totes purchased new or at thrift stores
  • Recycled insulated lunch bags
  • Organic cotton lunch bags

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