As more schools promote "litterless" or "boomerang" lunches, coming up with quick, creative ways to make your own or your child's lunch more waste-free and sustainable can be challenging. There are plenty of easy, pre-made lunch snacks in the grocery store, but there are also many inexpensive, waste-free, and healthful ideas for packing an eco friendly lunch at home!
How Do You Make a Lunchbox Sustainable?
The idea behind a litterless lunch is no waste, garbage, or rubbish left. Even if your child’s school doesn’t have such a policy, boomerang lunches are healthier, community-building and more environmentally friendly, as food packaging and waste are immense problems.
Most children are enthusiastically supportive when teachers and parents implement the waste-free lunch program. If you make this concept a family affair, you can set a good example for your kids. Although it takes planning and finding the right eco friendly lunch container, it’s worth it. Here are some helpful tips to help you make it happen.
Ditch the Single-use Plastic Containers
There are other environmentally friendly ways to store your sandwiches and snacks besides single-use plastic zippered bags and cutlery. Merely carrying flatware from home or setting aside a specific set for school use can decrease plastic waste! While you can store your lunch munchies in empty sauce, yoghurt, or mason jars, getting a suitable container set for your and your family's needs can be immensely convenient.
Find a Good-quality Lunch Box
You can find a wide range of lunch boxes, bags and containers online, making it challenging to pick the right one for your child. While there are some super cheap options, it’s best to avoid those, as they often employ suspicious materials, you aren’t sure how long they’ll last and usually aren’t leak-proof. Opt for non-toxic, durable lunchboxes free from BPA, PVC and lead. After all, you’re choosing in the name of sustainability. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the correct lunchbox for your child.
Consider the Type of Lunch Your Kiddo Loves
If your kid loves eating a full-sized sandwich, you need a lunchbox that easily holds one. But if they’re more of a picky eater or grazer, you’ll need an option with multiple compartments to pack various foods, like fruits and veggies, granola bars and cut sandwiches.
How Much of an Appetite Have They?
If you’re lucky and have a big eater who doesn’t get distracted easily, you need a large bento box that can hold lots of food so they aren’t hungry. However, if your child eats slowly and prefers to play more than eat a big lunch, you can get away with a smaller option.
Will You Pack Wet or Hot Food?
If yes, getting a premium-quality leak-proof container is your best bet. If you pack dips or thick yoghurt regularly, a separate reusable pouch is an excellent alternative.
If your kid loves hot dishes, consider buying an insulated jar or a lunch bag. Insulated lunch bags are an overall choice, as they often come with several compartments, including ice packs. These help keep the food fresher and cooler for longer even when the weather isn’t too hot. Instead of packing their lunch and snacks in various boxes or one large overpacked box, you can pack them in the different compartments of a lightweight, ergonomic lunch bag.
Consider Ease of Use
You want a container that kids can effortlessly open and close without getting help if you have younger kids. Opt for chunky latches and clips, easy for tiny hands to manage.
While most lunchboxes are dishwasher-safe, check the specs and care instructions before buying one if dishwashing is the only option. Also, some boxes come in a single piece, while others have a removable tray and two or more parts to wash.
Use a Reusable Water Bottle
Australians purchase over 15 billion plastic bottles annually, many winding up in our waterways or landfills. Additionally, you need three litres of water and 250 ml of oil to manufacture one litre of bottled water. This makes purchasing bottled water costly for the environment and us.
After learning about reusable water bottles, many people who had previously only ever drank bottled water quit. Bringing one to school is one of the most convenient ways to reduce waste. Choose a reusable water bottle your kids will adore to avoid using plastic water bottles completely.
Swap Animal Produce for Plant-based Foods
Since livestock need a lot of water, land, and crops to produce, animal products like meats, eggs, and dairy have high carbon footprints. Not to mention the greenhouse gas emissions the shipping and processing of these goods bring. You can reduce your carbon footprint even if you replace animal products once a week with plant-based alternatives! A pound of beef requires about 7000 litres of water, whereas a pound of black beans only requires 1135 litres.
Hummus and crackers instead of cheese and crackers, and a chickpea salad sandwich instead of an egg salad are a few of many delicious, nutritious and eco-friendly swaps.
Pack Local and Seasonal Fruit and Veggies
Purchasing in-season and local produce minimises your carbon footprint because it travels less distance to your grocery store. You can avoid the middleman by shopping at your neighbourhood farmers market for in-season, fresh vegetables. Consider freezing or preserving some of your favourite summer fruits and vegetables to preserve them for the winter. That will ensure you enjoy them year-round.
Portion and Meal Prep to Avoid Food Waste
Packing the ideal amount of food can be challenging, so talking to your kids about how much and what foods they enjoy eating is essential. You want to ensure your kid will finish that chickpea salad sandwich and not throw it in the trash!
Prepare your grocery list following the meal plan and prevent wasting food by sticking to the portion sizes and your preferred lunch items. You can complete lunch prep at the start of the week to streamline packing and prevent wastage. For instance, pack precut vegetables in reusable containers in convenient, healthful, and environmentally friendly grab-and-go slices!
