There were so many great waste-free lunch tips left in the comments of my giveaway post that I've decided to share! Check out what the winners said as well as a few other great tips. (FYI - winners were chosen by random number generator)
The winner of the Graze Organic Lunch Kit:
Sarah - "I bring my own silverware and bring home whatever compostables I can. I use glass containers with my food in them and put my carrot tops and apple cores, etc. In them to bring home and throw in the composter."
Winners of the Kids Konserve lunch sack with coupons:
Lisa - "I use "real" spoons and forks and cloth napkins, and re-usable containers instead of plastic sandwhich bags. :)"
Ananda - "We don't use any individually wrapped items. We bake our own cereal bars... re-use small jars to make single serving apple sauces and we re-use baggies that we buy at the store - like the bread bag, or the bag rice comes in - in our lunches."
Jenny Smith - "I try and wash out lunch containers, wipe out bag etc. right when we get home, even just getting it all in a soapy water bath for a jump start, makes it much easier. I also like to send a small container of a yummy frozen veggie snack (we love peas, corn, or edamame, all organic choice) doubles as an extra 'ice pack' and is still nice n cool, but neither frozen nor mushy by lunch!"
Ashlee Krump - "Always be mindful of temperature, try to include one thing your kid loves, one thing new, and a balancing item. Make shapes/draw pictures with cheese/bananas/sandwiches, and leave them uplifting notes on napkin or post it."
Betsy (Eco-Novice) - "I store my reusable bags/ containers in a very convenient location in the kitchen, since we use them almost daily. We also pack cloth napkins for trips to the park, beach, etc. I put all disposables (paper towels, etc.) in inconvenient places (like a box in the garage), so that I have to make an effort to use them."
Other great tips:
"I buy a big tub of yogurt and fill my own containers for lunches each day."
"My favorite way to pack waste-free lunches for my daughter is to use a bento style box with silverware and cloth napkins."
"Waste free lunch tip: I stopped buying juice boxes and use thermos & send real utensils with the kiddos."
"My kids love that I made them cloth napkins, they pick out the one they want every morning before we pack lunches. They fit their personality and they don't go in the trash!"
"We use reusable containers for everything including to make our own "snacks". Yogurt, pudding, fruit cups etc. not only are cheaper that way (over buying pre-packaged varieties) but you don't have the wasteful packaging."
"I've also re-used bags from pasta, bread, etc. for sandwiches when I want a break from rinsing out containers. (I always keep the ink on the outside)."
Got another waste-free lunch tip? Feel free to add it in the comments!
We've been super happy with the reusable snack and sandwich bags from http://simplypractical.etsy.com
The fabric choices are excellent and the quality is fantastic. I also love that they are made by a local mom in Portland, OR, and not a large company. I love supporting the little guys when I can!
Posted by: Marnie | September 15, 2011 at 01:39 PM
Thanks for sharing Marnie - LOVE those fabrics!! And I agree, it feels good to support a small, mom-made business!
Posted by: Micaela | September 16, 2011 at 09:16 AM