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 options is 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 on 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?
Read on for some of the best product finds for back-to-school lunches that will keep both your kids and our Earth happy.
Bags & Containers
3-Pack Stainless Steel Food Containers
These easy-to-clean, leak-proof containers are the perfect packing option for everything from small snacks to bigger main meals.
6-Pack Reusable Back-to-School Lunch Bags
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.
Snack and Sandwich Bags
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 that are available!
Silicone Bento Box
An easy, sustainable way to throw a snack sampler together if a ton of different containers isn't quite your thing.
2 colors available
4-Pack Reusable Snack & Sandwich Bags
Dishwasher and washing machine safe with a zipper seal, these bags are a must for plastic bag replacements.
7 patterns available
Multi-Flex Bento Box with Ice Packs
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.
Granola and Yogurt Container with Ice Pack
Stray away from individual packaging and use this ideal half yogurt, half granola container instead. It comes with an ice pack, too!
Kids' Insulated Food Jar
This leak-proof design keeps anything inside hot or cold for the entire school day with top-of-the-line insulation.
7 colors available
Utensils
4-Pack Portable Cutlery
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.
Bamboo Travel Utensil Set
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
Personalized Silicone Cutlery Set
A customizable set with duck, car, and elephant detailing... who knew plastic and disposable utensils could be this cute?
Fork & Spoon Set with Training Chopsticks
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
Kids Wide-Mouth Bottle
This bottle comes with a straw lid for easy drinkability and insulation for a cold drink guaranteed.
8 colors available
Simple Modern Kids Water Bottle
With so many different designs to choose from, your kid will definitely find one they love.
20+ colors and patterns available
Rambler Kids Reusable Bottle
This is an ultra-durable option for your wildest little ones.
7 colors available
Mackenzie Insulated Water Bottle
Adding your kid's name and letting them choose their favorite design is so much cooler than using a plastic water bottle.
3 patterns available
