Packing a waste-free lunch for yourself or for your children is healthy, eco-friendly and more economical than buying prepared, to-go food.
- Replace your disposable lunch bag with a reusable lunch bag or carrying case.
- Replace aluminum foil, plastic wrap and plastic bags with reusable containers, sandwich wraps and snack pouches. Avoid prepackaged food whenever possible.
- Use a refillable drink bottle.
Juice pouches and some juice boxes are not recyclable. They also cannot be resealed, so much of the drink ends up in the trash. Packing water in a refillable bottle is far more economical and allows you or your child to rehydrate throughout the day. Also water spills are easy to clean up.
- Use a cloth napkin instead of paper
- Pack reusable utensils instead of disposables or bring your stainless steel from home. Stainless steel travels well in a cloth napkin, just rewrap after use for an easy clean-up at home.
- Reduce the amount of disposable waste you pack
- Pack Reusable products
- Recycle anything you have left over
- Rot-Start a compost pile at home, work, or school. If you are low on space, opt for a worm bin.
How can I pack a waste-free lunch?
Packing a waste-free lunch may take more time but,given the benefit, it's well worth the extra effort. Here are some tips for making it work:
- Pack lunches in the evening and store them in the refrigerator overnight.
- Maximize leftovers. Prepare extra servings for dinner. Pack the leftovers in lunch boxes in the evening while you're cleaning up.
- Stock your kitchen with fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other nutritious foods.
- Keep nuts and dried fruits on hand.
- Buy from bulk bins to reduce costs.
- Buy from a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program or Farmer's Market.
On The Go?
Pack waste-free meals for:
- School
- Work
- Air Travel
- Car Trips
- Play Dates
- The Park
- Family Outings
- Field Trips
- Picnics
- Day Hikes
The Healthy Cottage carries the following products for a waste-free lunch:
- Reusable cotton lunch bags by EcoBags
- Laptop Lunch products (systems, Bento boxes, accessories)-non-toxic ice packs and lunch jars.
- Wrap-N-Mat sandwich wraps and Snack pouches
- Stainless Steel water bottles by Green Bottle, Laptop Lunches or EcoUsable
- Cloth napkins by Happikins or Fabkins
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