It’s back-to-school season, and rather than send your kids off to
school with the same old lunch box filled with plastic and paper, why
not upgrade their lunch boxes with and eye towards function with a bit
of flair and reduced (or even no) waste. We’ve rounded up our favorite
suggestions on how to build a better lunch box.
Goodbyn ($25)
The Goodbyn lunch system is a colorful BPA-free plastic lunch box that contains various compartments for all aspects of lunch. Several compartments of varying sizes hold sandwiches (even large bagels), salads, chips, yogurt, fruit (fresh and dried), leftovers, sauces, nuts, veggies, and even utensils. An 8.5-ounce bottle eliminates the need for juice boxes. Each Goodbyn comes with two sheets of sturdy stickers so kids can make each lunchbox his or her own. Dishwasher-safe, recyclable.
Bamboo Utensils ($12)
Cut down on plastic waste with these portable, eco-friendly utensils made with 100% bamboo – a highly durable & sustainable material. This compact set includes flatware and chopsticks that are heat- and stain-resistant, safe to use on non-stick surfaces and won’t impart or absorb flavors. Utensils are hand finished with natural, food-safe wood oil. The carrying case is made from recycled plastic bottles (PET) and features a carabiner on the back.
Happy Tiffin ($35)
Based on the stackable, stainless-steel lunch boxes used in India, these air-tight bento boxes are a perfect reuable alternative to those who are trying to avoid plastic, even BPA-free plastic. Tiffin bento boxes are offered in classic shapes (for grown-ups) or in fun shapes that appeal to kids. Dishwasher-safe.
Lunchskins (buy four, get one free $30)
LunchSkins Reusable Snack Bags are durable, eco-friendly solutions to the mounting challenges with disposable plastic bags. Made from a unique high-quality cotton fabric coated with a food-safe, thin polyurethane liner and manufactured in Europe by a family-owned business, LunchSkins use the same technology that bakeries and restaurants have used for years. LunchSkins are grease-proof and moisture-proof, making them ideal for messy sandwiches and snacks. LunchSkins are lead-, BPA-, and phthalate-free. Dishwasher-safe.
Organic Reusable Snack Bags (set of 3, $24)
Another alternative to plastic bags are these Graze Organic snack and sandwich bags. The fresh designs are suited for both kids and adults. Made of washable, durable organic cotton, they’ll last for countless uses and eliminate the need for disposable plastic baggies in most situations. Velcro closure keeps contents secure and fresh. Designs are suited for both kids and adults – original artwork is screen printed by hand with water-based ink. BPA-, PVC-, lead-free.
Gel-Cool Bento Box ($36)
Finally, a lunch container with the popular bento design that will also keep food cool for hours with the innovative Gel-Cool layer. The lid contains a freezable gel that keeps kids lunches cold. Perfect for kids’ lunches and picnics, these boxes contain adjustable compartments which makes them versatile and perfect for packing healthy meals with fresh fruits and vegetables. They can be stacked and held secure with a strechy band. BPA-free. Container bottoms are microwave- and dishwasher-safe.
Neoprene Lunch Bags ($30)
Pack it up in style with these stain-resistant, durable lunch boxes that are perfect for kids! With insulating material that keeps food at safe temperatures for hour, Dabbawalla lunch bags are ideal for packing lunch for school. Wide-zippers and easy-to-grab handles make them kid-friendly. Plus, kids and adults will love the unique, cute designs. (More designs available.) PVC- and lead-free.
What are your favorite, creative ways to pack kinds’ lunches with an eye towards eco-friendly convenience? What online resources help you to pack a better lunch? Please share your tips in the comments below.
But wait! There’s more!
For the next three weeks, we’ve lined up bloggers from our Clever 1000 network to write about their back-to-school challenges. Each week, they’ll present a different problem and look to you to help solve it. If you offer up the winning solution, not only will the blogger try it out and let us all know how it goes, but you’ll win $250 cash! Check back weekly for a new challenge!
“Clever Ideas for Mom Bloggers” Weekly Prize $250 Visa gift card:
Every Tuesday we’ll have a new post from a Clever 1000 blogger, asking for your help with a back-to-school challenge. You share your ideas in the comments, and she’ll pick the solution that works best for her family. Look for all of the details on the weekly posts.
“Back-to-School Tech Wishes Come True” Grand Prize $500 Best Buy card:
In addition to getting your ideas to help the three bloggers, we also want to help you get a jump on the new school year, and make your back to school wishes come true.
Maybe a new phone, an iPad, or a color printer would get your year off to a great start? Tell us about your back-to-school technology wish list in the comments of this post, and on September 15, 2010, we’ll pick one winner at random to receive a $500 Best Buy giftcard!
Click here for complete official rules.
See more from Clever Girls Collective:
Back To School 2.0 Enter to Win!
Tips for Killing Time at Soccer Practice
Save Money With Back-to-School Apps
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Clever Girls Collective is a social media marketing agency founded by women who wanted to use their deep marketing experience and broad social network relationships for good. We know that women who engage in social media are some of the most authentic, connected, trusted, and vocal influencers — not only online, but “in real life.” That’s why we’ve developed The Clever 1000: an ever-growing, beautifully diverse network of professional, thoughtful social media-connected, natural networkers and influencers who want to engage with and enhance their favorite brands.
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