Which Reusable Lunch Containers should you be using?

When it comes to eating healthy, you are likely going to want to take your lunch to work each day or packing lunches for your family members. Reusable lunch containers are a great answer!

This is a huge money saver, not buying your lunch each day!

You can also, protect your family members from unnecessary chemicals by using eco / natural reusable lunch contains.

What containers do you currently use?

Think about how you currently pack the food that leaves your house. Do you use plastic wrap? Paper wraps? Plastic containers?

I would urge you to reflect on the use of reusable containers and wraps in your household and move towards using these as possible.

Especially natural ones.

Why is this important?

Reducing the use of plastics used to wrap and contain foods is important for two main reasons.

The first is that you can reduce the nasty chemicals that are within these plastics and reduce the exposure to your family.

The second is about supporting the earth. Once plastic is created, it is here to stay. If everybody can reduce their need for plastic, we can collectively reduce plastic across our nations.

You may be thinking, but my one household cannot change the damage our nation is doing to the planet.

However, what if every single person who reads this article began to reduce their plastic use. This is where we would start making a difference.

Are you willing to make the start?

So what are your options for reusable lunch containers?

There are many different options out there now. We are very lucky to have these all at our finger tips, if you know where to find them. You may be able to find them locally, supporting locals is a great idea.

Be sure to read how the wraps and containers are made and what they contain. You don’t want to replace one issue with another one!

Reusable option one: Beeswax Wraps and Bags

Beeswax is certainly a very popular option and for good reason!

Benefits of beeswax wraps:

• allows wraps to be used over and over again
• can make your own
• little harm to the environment
• come in a range of sizes
• natural with no nasty chemicals
• Allows you to go plastic free

There is something about the smell of beeswax that just takes you back to nature. If you are interested in creating your own beeswax wraps, then Piwakawaka Valley have a very good method. If you are like me, and more interested in the cute patterns on already made items. Check these ones out!

Sandwich wraps
please click on the images for more information 

Reusable option two: Hot / Cold Carriers

I was very lucky to get one of these hot/cold carries for Christmas and I absolutely love it! It allows me to bring hot food items to work and they remain hot for 12 hours. I can also take cold items that stay chilled for 24 hours. Isn’t this technology amazing now days! We need to really utilize it for our health.

Benefits of Hot /Cold Carriers

• reusable
• don’t need a fridge at work for cold items
• don’t need to heat up your lunch for hot items
• BPA free (check individual)

Again, there is a huge range of hot/colds available:

Reusable option three: Glass containers

Did you know that glass is a natural product? Glass can be reused and recycled, which makes it a good option. It is also usually very safe to use with food products. You will need to be careful with glass and younger children.

Benefits of glass containers

• • reusable
  • can freeze (check individual)
  • can use in fridge
  • some are now microwave safe

Some great glass options:

 

Reusable option four: Metal or glass drink bottles

A few years ago I got given an insulated metal drink bottle and I would never go back! I put cold water in it and it stays cold for 24 hours. This is even true if you leave it in a hot car! It’s amazing!

I would suggest getting a big drink bottle if possible. Because it keeps your drink cold all day, you might as well load up and take a lot of cold water with you. In the Winter, I have a friend who puts hot water with a natural fruit tea bag in it and she sips away during the work day on it. This is a lovely idea too.

Benefits of insulated drink bottles

• you don’t have to buy water when you are out
• you have cold water all day long
• keeps your water warm in winter if you wish
• you no longer need to use plastic bottles! 

These are some of my favorite options:

Reusable option five: lunch bags

I have a really cute lunch bag that I love! I pack my eco wraps into it each day and sit it in our work fridge. This ensures that all my food keeps together rather than lots of little wraps and containers! Here are some really cool options:

Reusable option six: Lunch boxes

I know, a lunch box sounds like something only a child might use.

However, if you are looking for a sturdy quick option, a lunch box might be appropriate. Here are our picks:

Reusable Seven: Baby food bags

Making your own baby food is very reassuring because you know that you are making natural foods with no adding chemicals. It would then make sense to store your baby food in simple, natural options. Here are our top picks:

And a bonus – ever thought of bringing your own straws to the party?!

Summary

Think about the impact that you can have on the world around you. Are you making a positive impact? How can you increase this? Having a range of options on hand is very helpful!