Making Packed Lunches Eco-Friendly

Since the launch of Jamie Oliver’s show “Food Revolution” showing parents the unhealthy the options offered in many school canteens, many  concerned parents have been opting for their children to take packed lunches. However often times these packed lunches result in lots of waste so how about some tips on making school lunches eco-friendly, healthy and economical?

Skip the juice boxes and soda
Instead invest in a thermos or a reusable water bottle. Look for BPA free plastic or a stainless steel thermos. The same goes with a water bottle. Using the reusable items gives you more options. For example a thermos can be used for hot or cold drinks, fruit juice, milkshakes, soups, stews or chilli.

Sustainable cutlery
Pack stainless steel cutlery from home with the packed lunch. If you really must opt for disposables then look for biodegradable alternatives. Some disposable wares are now being made from corn plastics and biodegrade, but really reusable should be the aim here!

Buy in bulk
Skip the individual bags and opt to buy in bulk to avoid unnecessary packaging. Instead of having individual bags simply empty out one serving in a container for the lunch. Not only eco-friendly but economical too!

Ban the plastic wrap, baggies and foil
Instead opt for reusable items like BPA free containers. Many companies are making sandwich wraps and reusable lunch bags that are made from fabric, and therefore washable, great for the eco-friendly packed lunch! Look on Etsy for some great handmade selections or check out companies like Nubius
Organics and ReUsies. Alternatively get crafty and make your own!

Lunch boxes
Just like the thermos opt for BPA free plastics or look into stainless steel alternatives. Companies like laptop lunches offer bento boxes that are reusable, recyclable and contain NO phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), or lead. These are great lunchboxes for individual serving sizes and not only eco-friendly but they look great too!

Opt for fresh fruits & vegetables and organic
If you already buy organic produce at home then using organic for packed lunches just makes sense. Also packing your children s lunches ensures they are eating the same healthy wholesome food in school as well as at home. Packed lunches make sense for the eco-friendly parent, not only for eco reasons but they are great for kids with health issues like allergies.

These tips aren’t just good for your school lunches, you can use them for any occasion, including work, picnics and trips!

dalgal | My Bio & Articles