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Low-Waste Lunchboxes

Low-Waste Lunchboxes

“One of the hardest things we haven’t been able to tackle is our kids’ snacks: we still end up using a good amount of single use plastic wraps. Do you have any ideas?”

 

Citing convenience, ultraprocessed foods are often sold in single-serve packs. But such snack and lunch items are overpriced (you’re literally paying for that extra plastic!); they’re also often unhealthy for both people and the planet.

I get it: We’re overtired and overstressed, and packing wholesome foods can feel like yet another daunting chore. That’s why on today’s show I answer a listener’s question about how to pack low-waste lunchboxes without the extra stress (dozens of food ideas included!).

 

Here’s a preview:

[1:30] What recent research says about the health effects of ultraprocessed foods on human health

[7:00] The premiums we pay for foods packaged in single-serve plastics

[11:30] 5 quick tips for managing picky eaters

[17:30] The Bento Box route versus the traditional lunchbox: pros, cons, and gear recommendations

[24:00] 30+ low-waste lunchbox ideas

 

Resources mentioned:

 

Lunchbox gear that listeners love:

 

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Low-waste lunchbox ideas:

Mains:

– Last night’s dinner in a thermos
– Soup and a slice of a baguette
– Pasta or mac & cheese
– Avocado and hummus sandwich
– Blackberry or raspberry and cream cheese sandwich
– Grilled cheese
– Quesadillas
– English muffin pizzas
– Oatmeal in thermos
– Mini bagel and cream cheese
– Homemade pancakes or waffles
– Egg croquettes

 

Dips:

– Ranch dressing and broccoli/carrots/cucumbers
– Small round boiled potatoes and hummus
– Any veggie and hummus
– Pita bread cut into triangles with hummus
– Apples or bananas in nut butter or sun butter
– Granola and yogurt

 

Snacks:

– Hard-boiled eggs
– Fruit in nature’s packaging (banana, clementine)
– “Softer” fruits (pear, peach) wrapped in a tea towel
– Crackers and cheese
– Fruit cup
– Olives
– Miniature corn
– Popcorn from the bulk bin
– Homemade trail mix
– Energy balls
– Homemade cookies
– Homemade muffins
– Homemade granola bars

 

We're overtired and overstressed, and packing wholesome foods can feel like yet another daunting chore. On this episode of the Sustainable Minimalists podcast: how to pack low-waste lunch boxes without the extra stress (dozens of food ideas included!).

We're overtired and overstressed, and packing wholesome foods can feel like yet another daunting chore. On this episode of the Sustainable Minimalists podcast: how to pack low-waste lunch boxes without the extra stress (dozens of food ideas included!).

3 thoughts on “Low-Waste Lunchboxes”

  1. The link to Leeann’s webinar on the latest low-waste lunchbox podcast doesn’t seem to be working.
    Also in the podcast you mentioned there would be resources including “plate planning” and a long list of lunch and snack ideas that you got from readers. I really loved loved loved this episode and shared it with my group of moms and I know we would all really love access to those resources.
    Thanks again for such a great podcast. Your topics are always delivered in an approachable way and I truly appreciate that you ensure low or zero waste topics are obtainable no matter where your starting from.

    1. Thanks for the heads up! I’ve updated the link to Leeann’s webinar.

      I’m not sure which “plate planning” resource you’re referring to (perhaps the MyPlate graphic?), but I’ve added the food suggestions to the show notes for your future reference.

      Happy you’re listening to the show and receiving benefit!

      Fondly, Stephanie

      1. Thanks Stephanie!

        Yes, the myPlate graphic. I see now it comes up easily with a google search for anyone else interested.

        Much appreciated 🙂

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