Walking around the school dinner hall, there is perhaps nothing more heartbreaking than seeing the vast amount of waste coming from those packed lunches.
Crisp packets, yoghurt pots, biscuit wrappers and drinks cartons. The list of potential culprits is never-ending. It is understandable why parents would go for the easy option, but is there something as quick and easy that supports a zero-waste approach, too? Here are some suggestions to help you.
Containers and Packaging
Before you even think about purchasing the food to go into packed lunches, you need to consider investing in some decent containers to ensure that your mission to have zero waste packed lunches goes smoothly.
Investigate the Bento style containers that are popular right now. These allow separate items to be packed neatly into small sections within one larger area. Alternatively, purchasing smaller reusable plastic tubs for items is an option. For meals that require cutlery, there are items you can buy which have special places to keep your knives, forks and spoons; some even come with them.
Foil and cling firm are a big fat no when it comes to zero waste packed lunches. Reusable wraps are an option, but it can be fiddly for younger hands.
The Main Part
Sandwiches are a staple for many lunches and there’s no reason why you cannot have one in a zero waste packed lunch. In fact, while it might be tricky not to wrap it in cling film or foil to keep everything inside, reusable sandwiches boxes are a brilliant and much more environmentally friendly alternative. If your child prefers a pasta or rice salad or something that requires cutlery, you may wish to try salad jars, which are very popular right now.
Extras
Next comes the most interesting part and most people’s favourite… the extra bits and pieces that go in a packed lunch. While it is so simple to grab a packet of crisps and put it in the container, there is a lot of waste, and you may prefer not to give that exact portion size either. Investing in a larger packet or tube of crisps might be a better option. For example, Pringles do small reusable plastic containers that you can put a few of their crisps into.
There is nothing wrong with yoghurt but given in the small tubs, they are so wasteful. Some people enjoy making their own yoghurt, but it can be a faff and certainly would not be as easy as buying some from the shop.
Instead of the individual tubs, try the larger ones and spoon some into an individual container, and perhaps add some fruit. For a fruity treat, avoid buying the ready-prepared plastic tubs of fruit. Not only are these wasteful, but they are also not always in the best condition.
If your child has a sweet tooth and school allows cupcakes or muffins, bake some using reusable silicone cases. Just remind your child to bring it home rather than throwing it away.
Takeaway
Invest in decent containers. Buy larger amounts of items and distribute them on a daily basis. Avoid buying ready-prepared fruit.