Happy Friday! After a chilly Summer, we’ve had warmer weather again this week. I’ve been trying to get out in the evenings and enjoy it while it is still here. Although I do have to admit that I am excited for Fall too – it’s my favourite season! I can’t wait for big sweaters, homemade applesauce, spiced candles and all the colourful leaves.
Despite the fact that it has been six years since I went “back-to-school”, I still think about it during this time of year too. New books, clothes, pens and pencils – and of course packed lunches. Sometimes I’ll splurge on a lunch out with the girls at work, but most of the time I bring a packed lunch.
I try my best to make my lunch as green as possible by using reusable containers and limiting waste. Here are my five favourite products that I use almost every day. Changing over to reusable lunch packaging is a great way to make your life (and your lunch) greener!
1. Dressing Containers
I spotted these Sistema Dressing To Go containers at a kitchen shop and picked up a pack of four. Theses BPA free plastic containers are the perfect size for packing salad dressing or condiments for lunches.
The caps screw on very tightly, so there is no fear of anything spilling out into your lunch bag. I’ve even used them as a carrying case for my vitamins when I’ve been away.
2. Snack Bag
With my peanut and nut allergy, I always like to have some snacks on hand in my purse, because I never know if I’ll get in a situation where I am somewhere that I can’t find food that is safe.
My friend gave me this awesome reusable snack bag from The Sling Sisters (a Canadian company!) for my birthday this year. It’s the perfect size for taking some carrot sticks or pretzels for a quick snack. I try to avoid using plastic bags when I can, so this is a great alternative for packing up some healthy snacks.
3. Glass Dishes
A few years ago I ditched almost all of our plastic containers and switched to Pyrex glass dishes. We have them in a few different sizes, which makes it easy to package up different food and snacks for lunches.
Garrett and I both like taking leftovers for work because neither of us really like sandwiches. I pack our lunches up in these glass containers while I’m cleaning up from dinner and then they are good to go for the next day. I’ll also prep our salads for lunches in advance and store them in these containers so that they are easy to grab (with one of those little containers of dressing too!)
4. Bamboo Spork
I laughed when my mom gave me this Bambu Spork because it just looked so funny, but it actually is quite handy to have! It’s reusable, so you are not wasting plastic cutlery and it is small enough to keep in your lunch bag or purse.
The spork is made of organic bamboo and is naturally stain-resistant and anti-microbial. There are no bleaches or dyes used.
5. BPA Free Reusable Water Bottle
On one of my trips to the Kingston Canadian Film Festival, I was given this awesome BPA free reusable water bottle. I take it with me everywhere now!
Regular disposable water bottles are not only detrimental to the environment, but also to your budget. I can fill this up 28 times for only 1¢! I’m lucky enough to live in an area that has clean, safe water to drink, but I know that isn’t always the case for everyone, so keep that in mind when you’re filling up your bottle.
Hope that helps give you some ideas on how to pack greener lunches for you and your family. Every little bit helps!
