Green Tip of the Day

November 12th, 2007

Filed Under Going Green |

Re-thinking how your child’s meal gets packed can reduce trash going to landfills and has some unexpected benefits.

Simple ways to pack a trash-free lunch:

  • Send food in re-usable lunchboxes instead of paper bags (Also, remember if using a soft lunchbox that contains “PVC”, consider testing the bag for lead).
  • Instead of plastic wrap, foil or baggies, pack food in re-usable plastic containers.
  • Consider buying foods in bulk or in larger boxes and packing a portion in re-usable plastic containers.
  • Send drinks in a shatterproof thermos, a re-usable drink container (some are available with ice cores built into the bottle) or send in bottled water and recycle the bottle when it returns home.
  • Try cloth napkins, or re-usable silverware that can be washed at home.

In addition to feeling good about reducing trash, a few added benefits are:

  • Parents save money. Individually wrapped goodies and drinks are premium-priced, often up to 50 percent higher.
  • Parents see leftovers. “Hmm, the healthy sandwich has one bite taken, and every cookie disappeared.” And, many kids snack on leftovers after school.
  • Healthier food choices. Your food and drink options are limitless when you pack in re-usable containers and don’t rely on pre-packaged items, which tend to be processed foods.

Tips courtesy Earth911.org


Comments

Name (required)

Email (required)

Website

Speak your mind