Litterless Lunch – The Basic Supplies
Did you know that the average school-age child in North America produces over 66 lbs of garbage at lunch time each year? It’s easy to change those numbers by getting the right supplies Lunch Box for Women B07XSHSZMQ.
A Lunch Bag or Box
There are a lot of available styles to meet different needs. Key factors to consider:
- How big is the bag, and what does it weigh when loaded? Can you fit all the containers?
- Is the bag easy to spot clean, or can it be put in the washing machine?
- Do you want an insulated bag or not?
- Upright orientation or lift-up style lid?
- Do you want the bag to have multiple pockets?
- Ensure the bag or box is not made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC or vinyl), and that it doesn’t contain lead, cadmium or phthalates (you would be surprised how prevalent these harmful materials are in everyday products!)
Reusable Drinking Bottles
Once you’ve decided to stop purchasing plastic water bottles and juice boxes, you need a container to transport liquids. There’s a huge variety of affordable water bottles on the market – stainless steel, plastic, and aluminum. With plastic, it’s important to make sure they are BPA & phthalate free. Avoid #3, #6 & #7 plastics. If you must use plastic, ensure it’s got a polypropylene #5 triangle on the bottom, which is certified food safe. And despite manufacturers’ claims, don’t put hot beverages in the plastic or put the plastic in a microwave.
If you have an aluminum bottle, once you’ve dropped it or banged it, there is the possibility that the epoxy coating may leach chemicals into the water. Our favourite option is stainless steel. Most bottles either come with a loop top or “sports lid”. (Sports lids are easier to drink from, but may leak.) Think about how much fluid your kid drinks. Can they refill from the water fountain if they carry a smaller bottle?
Reusable Containers & Wrappers
Materials – Containers can be silicone, stainless steel, glass, cloth replacements for baggies, or plastic. The same cautions with plastic apply as above. If your child likes liquids, you’ll need a leak-proof container that can keep things warm.