Green Matters | Packing a Greener Lunch
September 17, 2015
And just like that, summer is over and school is in full swing. And so is lunch packing. Not only do we want to send kids to school with healthy lunches; we also need to consider how we are packing these lunches. Like many school districts, both Z & L's school has implemented a waste free lunch program. The kids are strongly encouraged as well as "rewarded" when they pack lunches that reduce their carbon footprint.
Here are a few ideas for how to green your lunch:
- Skip the brown bag and use a reusable lunch bag instead. Look for bags that are lead, vinyl/PVC, and BPA-free with insulated interior.
- Avoid single serve snacks. Buy in bulk and repack into single portions using reusable containers. Preferably not disposable plastic bags.
- Use cloth napkins instead of paper. Consider skipping napkins altogether if you know your child doesn't use it or pack only if the meal includes items that will either be unusually messy or juicy.
- Bring reusable water bottles. The kids are often allowed to bring water bottles into the classroom so I will send them to school with a straw water bottle and they can refill at their leisure.
While packing a waste free lunch seems to take longer; in the long run, not only does it save you money, kids eat healthier, and you get to reduce your impact on the environment. It's worth it in my opinion - a little more time for a lot of good.
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