Packing a Low Waste Lunch

Bringing your own lunch to work or school has a lot of upsides, especially if you are looking for another area in your life where you can implement some low waste living.  More often than not, packing your own lunch means a more nutritious meal too.  Like many areas of low waste living, it also can be inexpensive, easy, and kinda fun.  

When it comes to lunch, a reusable sack is a great way to keep your lunchtime accoutrement contained.  Made from vegan leather, they soften the more they’re used. Reusable snack bags are also an excellent way to pack a snack to take along with you as well. They’re handy, easy to clean, seal completely, and make it easy to see what you’ve brought along with you for the day. We personally love the extra big ones for storing frozen fruit, too.

If you do end up purchasing lunch for the day, save the container your meal comes in, if possible. Some of the best takeout containers have infinite uses.  Giving things a life beyond their first use is what low waste living is all about.  Lunch time is also a great time to put those beeswax wraps you made (or grabbed last time you were in store) to good use. They will wrap up everything from your delicious sando to cut veggies. Don't forget your reusable ice pack to keep everything chilled! (Pro tip: wrap your ice pack up in a bandana on a hot day for some easy, no waste, portable cooling!)

Having a reusable set of utensils in your bag or your car is another way to cut down on waste at lunchtime.  Also, if you happen to be a straw person, making sure you also have a reusable one of those too- it can help you reduce waste whether you’ve brought along the rest of your lunch or you’re ordering takeout. Also, ensuring that your reusable water bottle goes everywhere with you will encourage you to resist the temptation to buy a single use water bottle or other sugary drink in those quick moments when ya gotta quench your thirst. 

Lunch time, like most any time, is a great opportunity to make small changes that add up to bigger results.  Create less waste, reuse what can be reused if you purchase a lunch out and about, and be sure to pack home any leftovers you have to eat later, or compost properly at home if the option isn’t available to you where you are.  Share with us some of your favorite tips and tricks that help you enjoy your low waste lunch!