We try and teach ourselves and our little ones to respect the earth, take care of our precious planet, and be more eco-friendly. But then back to school comes around, and there’s plastic everywhere. There are plastic bags, and plastic packages and disposable one-use wrappers just ending up in trashcans to go to the landfill. Finding ways that you can still prepare a lunchbox with ease while being eco-friendly is a great step-up for any household!

Making changes on the homefront can prepare adults and kids alike in what we take outside the home with us on our days. We hope these items will help bring solutions to the everyday garbage problems we’re all likely to face. Many will help us save money as well! Here are some of the top items we recommend for going more waste-free in lunches:

1. LunchBots Cinco

The LunchBots line seems to reign as champion in the most-loved year after year when it comes to stainless steel lunch containers, and with durability that should last your child through all school-years, we recommend the largest size they have with the Cinco container.

The only downfall of this container is that it’s not leak-proof. Not a problem with some solutions you can read on about. Divided well and perfectly portioned, these containers are great for kids and adults alike.

Buy it here: https://amzn.to/32t4BTm

https://amzn.to/32t4BTm PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON

2. YUME Reusable Thermal Bags

No zippers to fuss with giant bags to make fit into an already full backpack. These bags are trendy and practical, while also being the reusable and thermal bag you need.

Coming in a variety of designs, you can get the whole family set-up with one that suits their personal style!

Buy it here: https://amzn.to/2Be0rna

https://amzn.to/2Be0rna PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON

3. Reusable Food Bags

Forget the one-time use zipper bags of your past, these bags will replace them, and have you trusting food bags more than ever.

Food grade, freezer-friendly, dishwasher-friendly, with an airtight seal that will even hold soup or dressings, this pack will keep the whole family’s bags a lot cleaner.

Buy it here: https://amzn.to/3fPOrqI

https://amzn.to/3fPOrqI PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON

4. Bees Wax Wrap

When it comes to food wrap, you’re probably immediately thinking of a roll of plastic wrap you have sitting in the drawer. One-time use only, meaning a lot of extra stuff in the trash.

With these beeswax wraps, you can re-use them again and again, and safely wrap fruit, sandwiches, and other snacks in your lunchbox safely and eco-friendly!

Buy it here: https://amzn.to/3jdmHP8

https://amzn.to/3jdmHP8 PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON

5. Stainless Steel Water Bottle

These insulated, vacuum sealed water bottles are the kind you can pack in a backpack and not silently panic about it spilling all over their agenda.

Easy to use, durable, and of course colorful and fun, these water bottles are great for everyone!

Buy it here: https://amzn.to/2OBzhcY

https://amzn.to/2OBzhcY PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON

6. Condiment Canisters

Finally, you don’t have to be nervous sending a plastic container of ketchup, or waste-producing packets you got extra from the drive-thru.

These canisters are leak-proof and perfect for sauces, dressings, spices, jams, dips, and even small portion snacks like seeds!

Buy it here: https://amzn.to/2ZA2vPE

https://amzn.to/2ZA2vPE PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON

7. Fabric Sandwich & Snack Bags

Reusable and adorable, these little bags will be the perfect way to keep plastics and garbage out of your lunchboxes!

Designed for snacks and sandwiches, you can build a lunch that’s easy to access for little fingers.

Buy it here: https://amzn.to/2DTZNfx

https://amzn.to/2DTZNfx PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON

8. Compostable Sugarcane Containers

Listen, not all of us have the best of luck with lunch containers, and sometimes you need a good sustainable option that can be tossed after a single-use.

Enter the sugarcane compostable clamshell containers! They are microwave-safe and made from renewable resources. It comes in a case of 250, so you can guarantee they’ll last your household for a very long time.

Buy it here: https://amzn.to/3h2c2VA

https://amzn.to/3h2c2VA PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON

9. 4-piece Cutlery To Go

Cutlery is the worst when your kid loses the good pieces from home! Don’t stress over sending your “good” forks and spoons to school, instead, use these travel ones.

Complete with a fork, spoon, and chopsticks, you can send these day after day with a quick wash at night after using.

Buy it here: https://amzn.to/39axtRt

https://amzn.to/39axtRt PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON

10. Disposable Wooden Utensils

If you’re not into the idea of having your kids bring home more things to clean, try opting for a compostable and biodegradable flatware set you can replace every day.

This wooden set is reliable and easy for everyone in the family to use, and work great even for camping and parties!

Buy it here: https://amzn.to/3hb4eRn

https://amzn.to/3hb4eRn PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON

 

11. Eco-Friendly Ice Packs

These ice packs will help keep your cold stuff cold, and your lunch a little more food-safe!

Coming in a variety of designs, these ice packs are non-toxic and safe for everyone in the family to use. They also have the added bonus of being sweat-free so no moisture will be added to your food. Nobody wants soggy bread!

Buy it here: https://amzn.to/3fCzmc4

https://amzn.to/3fCzmc4 PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON

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Sarah Nicole

Since successfully losing 100lbs by changing her relationship with food and her body, Sarah has taken her passion for food and balanced it between cucumbers and cupcakes. When she's not bustling her way around a kitchen, you can find her working out or winding down at home with her 3 kids and pug. Follow Sarah's journey on Instagram @TheBirdsPapaya.

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