The fast pace in which we live our lives calls for quick fixes and easy access to on-the-go products, which consequently produce a huge amount of waste during lunch time. We know that all pre-packaged options like mini yogurts and snacks in a bag might seem like the perfect grab-and-go for lunches, and that’s why we wanted to talk about eco-friendly lunch options. Not only for kids, but also for all young adults in schools! The following tips apply to anybody who makes a lunch, either it be for school or work.
If you’ve already started making zero waste efforts, then you already know that you cook more, you make things from scratch and you try not to buy wrapped items. I was talking with my cousin the other day and she was telling me that she buys the biggest “Gold Fish” crackers bag she can find and then splits it in snack size portions with her reusable snack bags for her 3 kids. So maybe you can’t find it all in bulk, but there are other options offered in large retail stores, such as Costco, that produce less waste.
If there’s one thing the internet is loaded with, it’s how to make your own homemade snacks recipes (like granola bars, hummus, applesauce etc.) and when you cook/bake more you not only save money by doing it but you also eat a lot healthier, knowing exactly which ingredients go into your recipe.
I do believe that a bit of planning, a few reusable items and a handful of tips go a long way in reducing the waste we generate. We might not have kids yet, but we’ve been full-time students and even today as two adults working full time, we know it can be tempting to go the easy route when it comes to food.
So here are our top zero waste tips to add to your lunch-making routine:
- Bring your water bottle!! Ok I think we’ve said this enough and that this has been integrated for most.
-
Bring your coffee cup. It makes me so sad to see all the coffee cups in the trash or along our sidewalks, it’s the easiest of all the tips, no excuses!
-
Ziploc bags…You can wash them out and reuse them, but there are wonderful green alternatives available now that are perfect for snack time.
-
Make your own snacks and freeze them (Madame Labreski’s cookies are easy and healthy)
-
Cook more! I know… it takes more time, but it’s so worth it!
-
Bring your own reusable utensil and napkin to avoid the single-use ones. (Actually, just always have it with you, they are quite useful ;)
-
Beeswax sheets are a great alternative to plastic wrap. You can use it to wrap a sandwich or anything else you want, and simply wash it out. They are very convenient and you can even compost them once they’ve been used to their full extent!
- Use reusable food pouch for homemade compotes, smoothies or yogurt.
By doing even 1 of these above-mentioned tips this year, you’ll be making a huge difference, and you’ll inspire people around you!
Have a great start to the new school year!
