With back to school season just around the corner, it’s only natural that you start to scour through Pinterest for cute and creative lunch ideas or browse the grocery aisles for new go-to foods your kids will love all school year long. But along with these annual habits can bring lots of brown paper bags, plastic baggies and wrappers, throw-away bottles and pouches, plastic forks and spoons, and more wasteful packaging that isn’t so friendly to our planet. So this year, let’s do our part to change that!
Switching to more sustainable, eco-friendly lunch products is well worth the small investment. Not only does it allow us to do our small part to help the environment, but it saves us money in the long run. No more countless trips to the store to buy more lunch-packing supplies. Plus, it’s a great way to teach your kids about the little things we can do to be more sustainable in our everyday lives. Reducing your waste, saving your money, and all the options we’ve provided are adorable and timeless—what more could you want? Plus, switching to these more Earth friendly options opens up the door to discussing sustainability with kiddos. We know after that conversation they’ll be excited to do what they can to help.
There’s no shortage of eco-friendly products out there. All of your kiddo’s necessities, like utensils, containers, and more come in reusable options. What’s even better? Many come in great patterns that little ones will actually be excited to use again and again. Read on for some of the best eco-friendly lunch products for back-to-school that will keep both your kids and our Earth happy.
Bags & Containers
These easy-to-clean, leak-proof containers are the perfect packing option for everything from small snacks to bigger main meals.
Kiss plastic bags goodbye! These reusable bags are dishwasher, freezer, and microwave safe, and they come in various sizes for an easy lunch-packing experience.
Made from waxed organic cotton, each snack and sandwich bag is reusable for one year and is fully compostable—plus, kids will love the fun prints!
An easy, sustainable way to throw a snack sampler together if a ton of different containers isn't quite your thing.
2 colors available
Dishwasher and washing machine safe with a zipper seal, these bags are a must for plastic bag replacements.
7 patterns available
This bento box has ice packs that attach to the inside of the lid to keep everything inside cold and flexible. The inner linings allow for more food storage as well.
Stray away from individual packaging and use this ideal half yogurt, half granola container instead. It comes double insulated, too!
This leak-proof design keeps anything inside hot or cold for the entire school day with top-of-the-line insulation.
4 colors available
Utensils
Whether you have multiple kiddos or just one that loses things from time to time, this pack of four "silverware" sets is definitely worth it.
With a fork, knife, spoon, chopsticks, and a straw included, you can attach this set right onto their backpack or lunch box for ultimate convenience.
6 colors available
A customizable set with duck, car, and elephant detailing... who knew utensils could be this cute?
Whether your little one is just trying to learn or is already a pro, this standard spoon and fork set comes with easy-to-use (and adorable) chopsticks!
Water & Juice Bottles
This bottle comes with a straw lid for easy drinkability and insulation for a cold drink guaranteed.
4 colors available
This 12 oz bottle is insulated and built to last for the whole year.
many colors and patterns available
This is an ultra-durable option for your wildest little ones.
9 colors available
Thoughtfully designed for kids of all ages, S'well's S'ip line comes in two sizes (10 oz and 15 oz) and plenty of fun designs that your kiddos will love. Plus, its slim design means it fits easily into water bottle holders on backpacks.
many colors and patterns available