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[1] 

•   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 sautéed 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[2] 

•   Organic cotton lunch bags