Gwen Leron: 50 Shades of Green

Jul
31
2013

Green School Lunch Gear Ideas

Eco-friendly lunch products both your and your kids will love

Green School Lunch Gear Ideas

As much as I hate to think about it, back-to-school time is just around the corner. Of course, just like every year, I will be buying the required school supplies and some new back-to-school clothes for the kids, but one set of items I don’t have to buy each September is new lunch gear because I buy reusable products that can be used year after year. Not only does it save us money, it also saves us from trashing these items at the end of each school year.

Here are some of my favourite picks:

Lunch Boxes

 

  Goodbyn Bynto

The Goodbyn Bynto is for the younger set since it is on the smaller side. It is made from BPA and phthalate-free plastic. A bottle that fits perfectly in the middle compartment can be purchased separately. $11.97

  Tiered Tiffin Lunch System

These stainless steel tiffin sets come in either two or three tiers and come apart easily. They are spacious, so they will fit more than enough food for your child’s lunch. $24.95 - $29.95

LunchBots Stainless Steel Food Containers

 

Each time I write an article that includes info about reusable lunch items, I have to recommend LunchBots because I LOVE THEM. Both of my children have each been using the same one since junior kindergarten and they are in perfect shape. They are made from 18/8 stainless steel and come in many different colours and configurations. $19.75 - $29.95

  Go Green Lunch Box Kits

Go Green Lunch Box Kits are made from BPA and phthalate-free plastic and come with a stylish carrying case, a stainless steel water bottle, and features a turn n’ lock system that keeps your child’s food fresh. $49.95

  Planet Box Stainless Steel Bento Lunch Box

The Planet Box is on the pricier side, but you will likely never have to buy your child another lunch box because it will pretty much last forever if it’s taken care of. They come in the different sizes and configurations. $34.95-$79.95 USD

Water Bottles

 

  Otter Stainless Steel Water Bottles

What I love most about Otter Bottles is their simplicity. They are not insulated, but they come in many stylish designs. They are lightweight and the lid is easily removed and closed by little hands. $14.99 - $18.99

Reusable Snack and Sandwich Bags

 

  Colibri Reusable Snack and Sandwich Bags

It's time to get rid of the one-time-use plastic bags and invest in some reusable snack and sandwich bags like Colibri reusable sandwich and snack bags. This is another product I always recommend because we have been using reusable sandwich bags for years. Colibri bags are Canadian-made by a couple of sisters in Manitoba! They feature a zippered opening, come in several designs, and clean up really easily. $7.50 - $8.75

Reusable Lunch Bags

 

  Beatrix NY Reusable Lunch Bag

There are many reusable lunch bags on the market to choose from, but Beatrix NY lunch bags are amongst my favourite because they are free from PVC, phthalates, lead, and BPA. Your kids will love them because of their bright and fun designs. Be sure that when you purchase a reusable lunch bag that it is free from PVC, phthalates, lead, and BPA as some bags out there do unfortunately contain these harmful chemicals. $37.99

  Eco Lunch Tips:

  • Send your children to school with reusable cloth napkins rather than one-use paper napkins.
  • Buy each of your children a set of stainless steel cutlery they can bring back and forth.
  • As convenient as they are, pre-packaged foods are usually not on the healthy side and they come in packaging that is not reusable or recyclable. Make lunches and healthy snacks at home as often as your time permits and pack them in reusable containers.
  • Pack sandwiches and snacks in reusable bags like the bags shown above or in recyclable parchment paper.

You can learn even more ways to get organized and transition from summer to school on our Back-To-School 2014 page.