I don’t know about you but packing lunches is one of the easiest times to get lazy with my sustainable living ideas and any commitment to healthy eating and living. I’m either packing them in the morning, rushing out the door, or if I’m really on my game, after a long day, tired and longing for the couch, a good episode of Emily in Paris (yay for new episodes!), and a loong cup of tea (or wine).
Having a few ideas in mind has made it easier to pack a lunch that’s as healthy for my toddler as it is for the environment. Here are a few tips to get you started on packing a zero-waste lunch for your kiddos.
Pack Everything in a Reusable Lunch Bag
This is your chance to infuse some fun by finding a lunchbox with your toddler’s fave… like Thomas the Train in our case. Look for lunch boxes made from sustainable materials like bamboo, stainless steel, and recycled materials.
Pack sandwiches in reusable wraps, and put other sides and snacks in glass storage containers like this one.
If your toddler is anything like mine they love Uncrustables. I bought a set of these sandwich cutters and sealers to make their favorite sandwiches, crust free, without the waste each individually wrapped sandwich comes with.
Bento boxes are another great option. This Bentgo box is all the things. It has five leakproof compartments, are BPA-free, and is dishwasher safe. These little compartments make it easy to pack foods that don’t require single-use packaging, like cut-up veggies, fruits, nuts, seeds, or sandwiches.
They can even handle wet foods like yogurt or applesauce, which has helped me switch from single-use pouches of yogurt and applesauce to larger jars—saving money and lots and lots of single-use plastic pouches.
Include a Reusable Water Bottle or Thermos for Drinks
I love, love, love these BPA-free, recycled plastic, dishwasher-safe, no-spill sippy cups. These things are so well made. The tops never break even with a toddler gnawing on them all day.
Switching to a reusable water bottle or thermos saves you money. This switch also reduces the single-use plastic carbon footprint on the environment. Win-win.
Pack Snacks in Reusable Bags and Pouches
This is a small trade for a big impact. Using reusable plastic baggies reduces pollution in our forests and oceans, saves on the energy it takes to make these bags, saves money, and reduces the individually packaged snacks you purchase.
I’ve made a habit of buying snacks like dried fruit, trail mix, or crackers in bulk to send in a reusable baggie like this one. Homemade granola, energy bites, and granola bars are great snack options for these bags.
Start your reusable baggie collection by purchasing a variety of sizes. They are super easy to clean. Just throw them in the top rack of the dishwasher or wash them by hand easy-breezy.
A Few Last Ideas for a Zero-Waste Lunch
Here are a few items to include (and cut) from your lunch packing to reduce your family’s carbon footprint and work towards a zero-waste lunch.
- Use reusable cutlery instead of single-use plastic forks, spoons, and knives
- Pack reusable ice packs
- Include a cloth napkin instead of a disposable one
- Skip using a straw, or use a reusable one
- Pack your own dips instead of relying on single-use packets
After becoming a mom, I realized how important it is to be mindful of our consumption. Toddlers can feel like black holes for wasting food and resources. So much of what is designed for them makes it more convenient but also more wasteful. Having eco-conscious tips top of mind has made it easier for me to infuse sustainable living habits into our family’s routine.
Let’s pack lunch together on TikTok. You can watch me use several of the items I listed above. And, you can see just how much my toddler can chew a sippy cup, ole!
Yes, hi, that’s me. In all of my ‘just woke up and packing lunch to get out the door’ glory 🙂
the home sustainable 
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