If living green is your thing, you’ve certainly changed your lifestyle to do as much as you
can for the environment.
You’re probably using energy efficient appliances in your house, have grown indoor or
outdoor plants, have installed artificial turf to cut down on water, electricity, and fertilizer
costs, and more.
Keeping these things in mind definitely does the environment a lot of good, but it’s easy
to overlook the small things- like your kid’s lunchbox!
Depending on the type of lunchbox and the amount of food wasted, you and your child could
be doing a lot of damage to the earth.
If you’re ready to change this, read on for some tips on packing a green lunch for your child.
Paper is Not Always Best
Packing lunch in a paper bag instead of a plastic lunchbox might seem to be the ideal thing to do.
However, think of the number of paper bags you’ll use over the years.
Buying a quality lunchbox or a lunch bag that can be reused every day will be a better option
instead!
Choose a Good Lunchbox
A lunchbox that has different compartments for the main lunch item and for other snacks will
be perfect for your school-going kid.
Further, lunchboxes are available in a range of colors and designs to suit your child’s taste.
Apart from the aesthetics and functionality, do ensure that the box you select is free from
phthalates, lead, BPA, and other harmful chemicals.
If your child carries lunch in a plastic bag, stop the practice and choose eco-friendly options.
Lunch bags made of cotton and lined with nylon are your best bet.
These can be easily washed by hand or in the washing machine or the dishwasher.
And Cutlery
Some lunchboxes come with a spoon and/or fork.
If your kid’s lunchbox doesn’t come with cutlery, buy it separately.
Just make sure that the forks and spoons you buy are free of toxic chemicals.
Consider Stainless Steel
If you want to avoid plastic completely, consider buying stainless steel containers.
Stainless steel lunchboxes are not only free of harmful chemicals, they are durable
and lightweight too.
What’s more, you’ll find plenty of designs to choose from!
Pair these lunchboxes with stainless steel cutlery and water bottles, and you won’t
have to worry about chemicals leaching into your child’s food and drinks ever.
Don’t Forget an Eco-Friendly Bottle
Chemicals can leach from disposable plastic bottles into your kid’s drinks too.
Buy a reusable bottle instead to save money and prevent plastic from ending up
in landfills.
If buying aluminum bottles, make sure the lining is safe.
Buy glass bottles instead of plastic or go for stainless steel ones–they are the safest
and are easy to clean.
Buy plain bottles or insulated ones in a style your little one prefers.
Use Reusable Napkins
Paper napkins and wipes aren’t eco-friendly so give your child reusable cloth napkins.
Cloth napkins are easy to wash by hand and you can also throw them in the washing
machine with your other clothes!
Pick the Right Foods
Buying organic fruits and vegetables not only does the earth good, it is also great for
your health.
By sourcing food from farmer’s markets and purchasing locally-grown produce that
is in the season, you can be sure that whatever you eat doesn’t contain higher
amounts of pesticides.
Additionally, make fruit juices and smoothies at home and pack them in reusable
bottles for your child.
Store-bought juices, yogurts, and other treats have lesser nutrients and an unhealthy
amount of sugars that should be avoided.
Shop Wisely
Whenever you go shopping for snacks and treats, buy bigger packs.
This way, you’ll not only get value for money, you’ll also cut down on the amount of
packaging waste you generate.
Make It Attractive
If your child tends to waste a lot of food, involve him when making lunch choices.
Do teach him the benefits of eating healthy and allow him to choose foods that he likes.
Don’t deny him unhealthy foods- just give him healthy alternatives to pick from!
When packing lunch, try to make it look attractive so that he eats it all up.
Look online and you’ll find several ways to do it!
“By keeping a few basic things in mind,
packing a green lunch for your kid
is child’s play!”
Conclusion
It’s easy to depend on convenient one-time use products such as lunch bags, paper napkins,
and plastic spoons.
But if you’re really trying to live green, incorporating healthy choices in your life as much
as you can make a huge difference!
With the tips mentioned here, you now know that making your child’s lunchbox environment-
friendly is possible.
Moreover, doing so isn’t a tough challenge.
By keeping a few basic things in mind, packing a green lunch for your kid is child’s play!
So get started on making your kid’s lunch green as soon as you can.
You can also use the tips given here to make your own lunch green!
About the Author:
Eva Hines is a lifestyle blogger who frequently writes about tips related to eco-friendly living, lifestyle and more. She is a travel enthusiast and is also associated with ForestGrass.com. Follow her @evaphines.
Photo: Lunchbots bento box
Photo: Dabbawalla Bags
Do you pack an healthy, eco-friendly lunch for your family?
What are your favorite tips for successful eco-friendly lunches?
Share your thoughts and comments with us.
Picking the right foods is so crucial. Paper bag lunches may be okay for field trips, but definitely not for everyday lunches.
Hi Deborah,
Another great post. I love all your tips and ideas. The reusable cutlery is a wonderful idea, having a environmentally friendly lunch box is is a great idea too. Every small step we do too stop waste and pollution is a giant step to helping us have a healthier world for our kids. Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays. Pinned & tweeted.
Great tips! I really like Japanese bento boxes and all the cute food designs! Thanks for sharing with us at the Merry Monday link party. I hope you’ll join us again next week. Sharing your post on Twitter!