22 Aug Pack A Healthier, Eco-Friendlier School Lunch

It’s that time again…another start of a school year. So how do you pack a healthier lunch and “green” the lunch box?  There are many options that don’t involve as much plastic anymore!  There is also ways to having a more no-waste school lunch too.

Studies show that children who eat a nutritious lunch will learn in school better. In addition, children who have healthier diets tend to be healthier—thus missing less school and enabling them to gain a better education. 

Eco-tips for creating a healthier school lunch:

• Add splashes of color.  Use colors from all-natural foods such as carrots, cucumbers, blueberries, cherry tomatoes, strawberries, etc to name a few.  Don’t forget to pick these up if possible at your local Farmer’s Market. Apples, oranges, bananas, and other fruits and veggies are healthy, waste-free snacks that come with their own compostable wrapping!
• Pack a “finger food lunch.” Most kids like sandwiches to be cut and fruit to be pre-peeled.  Try triangle sandwiches or pizza squares (cut up pita bread with hummus or cheese).  Use a melon baller for some fruit.  You can also include sugar snap peas, zucchini, or carrots that are sliced.
• Re-create the famous Lunchables.  Use whole-wheat crackers, organic meats and cheese cut into squares and a healthy dessert snack like a homemade granola bar or organic yogurt cup.
• Include a healthier dessert snack. Let’s face it—kids love sweets. So just be creative when it comes to sugary snacks.  Bake(that way you can include only mom approved ingredients) homemade cookies, mini banana/blueberry muffins, or even Rice Krispies treats made with peanut butter instead of marshmallows. 
• Use your leftovers!  Use leftovers in a new way.  For example, last night’s whole wheat pasta can be tomorrow’s pasta salad.
• Get them involved.  Offer them choices like PB&J or tuna salad sandwich with your choice of trail mix, pita chips, etc.  Doing this will help in keeping them eating their packed lunch rather than trading their food off as often.
• Keep them hydrated. Pack a water bottle with a filter system. Encourage your child to drink often throughout the day.

You can help pack a more no-waste lunch by not usinga brown bag which creates about 100 pounds of waste a year.  Make the switch to reusable bottles, bags and lunch bags! Can’t keep completely away from plastic containers?  Don’t worry, there are better options out there too.

Green solution tips for lunchboxes and accessories:

• Reusable sandwich bags. You can help reduce waste impact by eliminating the use of plastic sandwich bags.  Use them for sandwiches, crackers, fruit, cookies, etc. They come in fun colors, designs and many sizes.  They are practical—the inner lining is water resistant nylon.  Cleaning is easy—wipe it with a damp cloth and wash every so often (don’t dry them).
• Reusable Plastic Containers. You can still be green and use plastic containers. Choose non-toxic products that are BPA and Phthalates free.It’s good for your health, good for your family, and great for the planet.
• Reusable Cutlery.  There are many that are made from 100% recycled plastic or bamboo, dishwasher safe, and toxin-free.  Most come in a reusable canister containing forks, knives and spoons.  When products are made from 100% recycled materials, its saves energy and natural resources.
• Reusable napkins.  Try using tree-free reusable napkins. You can have fun and choose from many colors and designs too.  
• Non-Toxic Ice Packs and Sweat-free Covers.  There are non-toxic gel packs that come in covers made from plastic bottles.  Pop them in the freezer then place in your lunch kits and/or insulated lunch sacks for a colder lunch.
• Reusable lunch bags.  With dozens of great options from lead/vinyl/PVC free, to American made, 100% organic cotton – there’s an eco-friendlier lunch bag solution for everyone!  Again, they work just as well as your typical lunch bag.  They are fully insulated, water resistant lining included, and machine washable.

Reduce Your Impact. Cut down on waste, consumption, and create your own unique lunch system!