How to Pack a More Eco-Friendly Lunch

Taking lunch to work or school every day is not always sustainable. By making some small changes to your routine, you can easily reduce waste, cut down on plastic use, and make healthier choices. Here’s how you can make your lunch more sustainable.

Reusable Containers

One of the easiest ways to make your lunch eco-friendly is by ditching disposables and look for reusable containers. Stainless steel, glass, or BPA-free plastic containers are great alternatives to plastic. Bento boxes are also a great option for portion control and keeping different foods separate without needing extra packaging. Not only are materials such as glass reusable and recyclable, they are better for your health, without concerns of chemicals leaching into your foods or exposure to microplastics.

Plastic Wrap Alternatives

Instead of using plastic wrap or aluminum foil, try eco-friendly alternatives like beeswax wraps, silicone food covers, or cloth sandwich bags. These reusable options not only cut down on waste but also help keep food fresh longer.

Use a Reusable Water Bottle, Straws, and Utensils

Single-use plastic water bottles and cutlery contribute to a massive amount of waste. Bring a reusable water bottle made from stainless steel or glass, and pack a set of bamboo or stainless steel utensils instead of using disposable plastic ones. Bring a reusable mug to work if you drink coffee or tea throughout the day. Reusable straws are also good to have on hand if you prefer to drink with a straw.

Pack Your Own Snacks

Pre-packaged snacks usually come with excessive plastic packaging. Instead, put together your own snacks at home, such as granola bars, trail mix, or hummus with veggie sticks.

If you buy store-bought items like yogurt, dips, or juice, consider buying in bulk and portioning them into reusable containers rather than purchasing individually packaged servings. This reduces plastic waste and saves money in the long run.

Choose Locally Sourced and Organic Ingredients

Whenever possible, pack your lunch with fresh, locally sourced, and organic ingredients. This helps reduce your carbon footprint and supports local businesses. Local fruits, honey, and other ingredients are usually fresher and healthier.

Recycle Containers and Compost Food Scraps

Even with careful meal planning, there may still be food scraps left behind. If your workplace or school has a composting program, use it to dispose of food waste responsibly. If not, consider bringing food scraps home to compost in your own bin. If you use containers that can be recycled, such as a yogurt container, bring that home to recycle if your workplace does not offer recycling.