In the world of reusable lunch containers, I'd say at least 90% of them are plastic. That's just a random guess on my part, but you get the gist. If you are the type who prefers to keep plastic at a minimum in your life, then you may be wondering if a good plastic-free lunch container even exists because it sure is hard to find!
I'm happy to tell you that it does exist - and I want to introduce you to a relatively new company that makes excellent, reusable lunch containers without a trace of that petroleum-based material we call plastic. LunchBots are reusable containers made from 100% stainless steel. They are durable, lightweight, top-rack dishwasher safe and do not leach chemicals like plastic might. The tight-fitting lid is powder coated with a brightly colored, non-VOC finish.
There are 2 versions of the product: The LunchBots Uno, which is just the right size for a sandwich and the LunchBots Duo which is divided into two compartments and is just the ticket for packing snacks and other small items. The company sent me a LunchBots Duo to try out at home and I've found that it's perfect for my older son's lunches because he likes to bring more than one thing to eat, instead of one big sandwich. It is also easy for him to open, unlike some plastic containers.
Would you like to try a LunchBots container for yourself? I've got a LunchBots Uno to give away to one Mindful Momma reader! For a chance to win, just leave a comment on this post telling me what you like about LunchBots. The contest will run through midnight, central time on Friday, May 29th (only one entry per person please and you must have a U.S. shipping address.)
The LunchBots company is just getting started, so unless you live in California, you probably won't find them at a store near you. But you can help spread the word by letting your favorite, local retailer know about LunchBots. Meanwhile, if you can't wait to give LunchBots a try, use the code FREESHIP09 to get free shipping on your order!
And the winner is....Stephanie V who was interested because "LunchBots are top rack dishwasher safe" and "they pamper our mother earth."
Whooopsy! I accidentally closed this giveaway one day early....but I had already picked and notified the winner. Sorry to anyone who tried to enter on the last day. :(
Well, this may sound silly, but I like this container because it's not plastic, but also not breakable. :-)
Posted by: Amanda | May 22, 2009 at 02:55 PM
I like that it's devided so you only need to take one container instead of two
Posted by: Condo Blues | May 22, 2009 at 03:36 PM
Oh, I love this! My husband takes his lunch to work everyday..in a plastic container (ick), usually a leftover cottage cheese or yogurt container. Often, he skips the leftover veggies, and just takes the main dish, in favor of only taking one container(he also takes the bus, so having fewer things in his bag, the better), so the dividers are wonderful.
Posted by: Beth | May 22, 2009 at 03:51 PM
I like this because I've been looking for one for my daughter's lunchbox. I don't want her taking the glass containers I use. I so want to win! :)
Posted by: Naturallycheryl | May 22, 2009 at 04:26 PM
I like it because it's compact and not plastic.
Posted by: froggylady | May 22, 2009 at 04:37 PM
i like the fact that it's NOT plastic! =)
Posted by: Keri | May 22, 2009 at 04:50 PM
I like that it's not plastic *and* is dishwasher-safe. Also that it's entirely not plastic. I have some metal bento containers with plastic lids, which are already (after one school year of use) showing wear -- and I doubt if I can replace the lids. 100% metal = durability (I hope!).
Posted by: JessTrev | May 22, 2009 at 05:18 PM
Any product that is good for the Earth and for my family is a winner. Period. I've been using glass and stainless steel products for many things - baby bottles, sippy cups, water bottles, etc., but don't have a good, lightweight, and unbreakable container for stowing our lunches to work. This would be the perfect green solution that I've been looking for! Oh, and the compartments are an added bonus. I can't wait to tell my friends about this!
Posted by: Mama J | May 22, 2009 at 05:45 PM
No plastic. Whats better than that? The company offers discounted product for school fundraisers which links so nicely with green school initiatives!
Posted by: JDP | May 22, 2009 at 08:06 PM
What a wonderful idea! This LunchBots Uno looks good and is eco-friendly. I like that
it is made from stainless steel and is reusable! This takes away the need for plastic
bags and other containers. Another important factor to me is that it is dishwasher safe.
Many thanks, Cindi
Posted by: Cindi | May 22, 2009 at 11:19 PM
Non-plastic, can be washed in the dishwasher?! Sounds AWESOME.
Posted by: Rebecca | May 23, 2009 at 08:01 AM
Awesome giveaway. I've never seen these. They look great!
Posted by: Lisa | May 23, 2009 at 09:49 AM
I love that they are stainless steel. And they look like they're a great size!
Posted by: Cate | May 23, 2009 at 09:57 AM
Can't wait to try it!
Posted by: Beth | May 23, 2009 at 11:24 AM
I've had my eye on one of these because I'm trying to reduce our plastic usage. Just bought some reusable snack bags and really like them.
Posted by: Kate | May 23, 2009 at 06:16 PM
Oooh, I was just researching this very thing, as my almost 10 year old dd (who is becoming very savvy in all things green) has been on me about "the wastefulness of using baggies for our weekly picnics"! So, how lucky am I to have discovered not only exactly what will bring more joy to my lovely and wise daughter, but also to have found YOUR wonderful blog?!
Posted by: PlantJoySeeds | May 24, 2009 at 10:58 AM
i love that they are stainless steel and compact!
Posted by: ecky | May 25, 2009 at 04:43 AM
I love that this won't be leeching chemicals into our lunches!
Posted by: Katie | May 25, 2009 at 06:20 AM
I love that they are lightweight. The stainless steel drink bottles & thermos sometimes are too heavy for my preschoolers. I would love to try these.
Posted by: J Mason | May 25, 2009 at 06:31 AM
I like the fact that they are light weight but still sturdy. One of these containers would be great for keeping my little guys crackers from getting crushed. Thanks for the giveaway.
Posted by: Mary A | May 25, 2009 at 11:37 AM
LunchBots are top rack dishwasher safe -- great! And they pamper our mother earth.
tvollowitz at aol dot com
Posted by: Stephanie V | May 25, 2009 at 01:15 PM
I love that it is stainless steel!
Posted by: Christine | May 25, 2009 at 08:09 PM
I like the LunchBots container because it is not plastic and it is lightweight. It also looks easy to wash. I would love to send my son to school with his lunch in a LunchBot!!Thanks Micaela!
Posted by: Terry | May 25, 2009 at 09:37 PM
This looks great. I'd love to have one.
Posted by: Krista | May 26, 2009 at 09:48 AM
I love that they're reuseable, cutting down on lunchbox waste! And that they're dishwasher safe!
Posted by: Annmarie | May 27, 2009 at 05:15 AM