School Lunches + Plastic Reduction

A new school year is around the corner as is packing lunches for not one but two kids this year! I always start out energetic and hopeful about packing lunches with nutritious value and by the end of the year I’m throwing in all the processed goods. I can’t promise that this year will be any different but I am making a more conscious effort to use less plastic and more recyclable and reusable goods. I had a few reusable lunch containers but doubled my collection this summer after taking the Plastic Pledge at work.

The Plastic Pledge Is National Geographic's multiyear effort to raise awareness about the global plastic trash crisis. I started this effort along with many colleagues in July and I’ve completely eliminated my use of single-use plastics. This mostly boiled down to water bottles but straws and coffee cup lids also played a role. The challenge was a great intentional way to get me to make me more conscientious and it made me feel good about my choices.

I continue with the same habits at work today but am slowly incorporating them into my home starting with school lunches. This will mostly focus on the packaging of foods (i.e. reduce single packaged snacks) and ensuring that food is packed in reusable containers. Read on for my TAKE on all the reusable products perfect for school lunches!

Lunch Boxes

We have a variety of lunch boxes but the Skip Hop Zoo Kids insulated lunch box is my favorite. Sure, it comes in adorable designs but my favorite feature is really the interior pocket that is the perfect place to stash an ice pack or silverware.

Water Bottles

In many schools kids are allowed to have a water bottle in the classroom with them. It’s less disruptive that visiting a water fountain and keeps them hydrated throughout the day. Our favorite brands are CamelBak and Klean Kanteen as they come in kid appropriate sizes and easily fit into the mesh side pouch of our backpacks.

Thermos

I use these insulated food jars to send items like mac n cheese, pasta and soup with the kids to school. They love the designs and the spork that comes with the set but if you’re looking for something a little more grown up the brand DaCool has a well reviewed thermos with a folding spoon. Regardless, of what kind insulated container you use, if you’re trying to keep the food warm my number one tip is to heat it with boiling water (I use my tea kettle) for a minute or two before placing the food in the container. This keeps the food warmer longer just don’t forget to dump the water before adding the food!

Plastic Containers

Sistema Klip It food storage containers are my favorite for lunches. I have a variety of pieces but this design is my favorite. It’s multi use and is used almost daily! With the addition of George’s lunches this year I had to add to my collection. We commonly use this design for a half sandwich and fruit, cheese and crackers, or half a slice of banana bread and goldfish. If you’re into bento box style containers I’ve heard great things about Yumbox Lunch Box containers.

Reusable Bags

Aside from our lunch boxes I have to admit that I’m newer to using reusable snack or sandwich bags but this school year I’m trying the following: Bumkins reusable snack bags, Lunchskins recyclable paper sandwich bags and reusable Beeswax food storage wraps. This will take some education on the kids parts as to not throw in the trash but rather recycle or bring home…the one thing working in my favor here is that they’re not very good about throwing trash away, in the first place!

Straws

The banning of single use plastic straws is on the horizon and if paper straws aren’t your thing why not use reusable? I don’t mind paper straws but I don’t love how they become soggy after a little while so to combat this I’ve invested in a handful of options. If you’re drinking smoothies this glass set of straws by Hummingbird is well recommended but maybe not the best for school. For school lunches this reusable silicone straw works best!

Silverware

There isn’t always a need for silverware at school but I prefer to send some along with the kids if they have items like yogurt or pasta in their lunch. This eliminates the need for them to grab a single-use plastic spoon from the cafeteria. Re-Play is my favorite brand recycled silverware. While they may be geared towards toddlers they are completely appropriate for elementary children and bonus they’re made of recycled milk jugs!

While starting to make a bigger effort in the home, we’re also educating the kids to try and be more conscious of their choices and actions with the book, What A Waste: Trash, Recycling and Protecting our Planet. It’s eye opening and there are some facts and graphics that really capture the kids attention.

I hope these products help make your school lunch process run a little bit smoother and make it a little more eco-friendly!