It's wonderful to see more and more schools teaching our children the principles of sustainability and living lightly on this Earth. We've noticed a growing number of schools reflecting these values in the guidelines they provide to parents on packed lunches.

Perhaps your kids' school operates a zero waste policy, or has started to participate in an initiative to reduce lunchbox waste like "waste free Wednesday." 

Switching to a low waste lunchbox doesn't have to be difficult. It's a great way to embrace Earth-care values as a family. As with all low waste efforts, don't get stuck on perfection. Start with slow, easy steps one at a time.

(Header image by Ever Eco)

What is a Low Waste Lunchbox?

A low waste packed lunch is one that does not create additional waste. Food and drinks are packaged in reusable containers. All containers are resealable – so that any uneaten food can be eaten later or composted. Ideally at the end of the lunch break, the low waste lunchbox is empty and nothing ends up in landfill.

Why Opt for a Low Waste Lunchbox?

According to Waste Authority WA, Australia is one of the world's highest waste producers, with school lunches producing around 3kg of waste per student, per year.

If each student brings a low waste lunch to school, we can make a big difference in how much waste we produce as a country. Of course low waste lunches aren't just for students– anyone who takes a packed lunch out for work can also be part of the solution.

Here's why it's worth opting for a low waste lunchbox:

• Reduce food waste
• Reduce packaging and plastic waste
• Save money! (Low waste lunch boxes tend to be cheaper)
• Practical learning – a great way to embrace sustainability as a family
• Embrace plastic-free containers for a healthier lunch

These Stainless Steel Bento Lunch Boxes from Goodly Gosh make for awesome low-waste lunches.

Tips for Preparing a Low Waste Lunchbox

1. Buy in Bulk

Buy foods in bulk as far as possible to reduce packaging waste, and then make up daily portions in small containers or reusable snack bags. This usually works out cheaper than buying single portions.

If you're wanting to avoid packaging altogether, bring your own containers to a bulk / zero-waste store. Two of our favourites in the Vic Park area are Loose Produce and The Source. If it's your first time, read this awesome guide by Lindsay Miles on how to shop at bulk stores.

2. Make a Plan

Making time to sit down and plan out easy go-to lunch ideas can save you a lot of time in the long run. Figure out nutritious and delicious lunches that are easy to make with low-waste principles in mind. That way, when you're in a rush putting lunches together, you don't have to think too hard.

Here are some awesome low-waste lunch ideas to get you started:

Sandwiches	Buy good quality bread from a local bakery. Bring your own bread bag for zero packaging. Freeze slices to keep the freshness. As for fillings: go wild. Homemade hummus, dips and pestos make a good base. Often leftovers make good fillings too.
Veggie sticks	Buy carrots, cucumber and capsicum package free, and serve with homemade dips, hummus or pesto. If there are no 'nut-free' rules in place, you can also go for peanut butter (some bulk stores have a peanut butter machine, simply bring your own jar!)
Yoghurt, fruit & granola	Buy big tubs of yoghurt and portion into snack sized containers. Serve with fruit and granola. You can buy package free granola from most bulk stores, or make your own.
Muffins	Find a healthy muffin recipe and make ahead. You can freeze muffins so that they're ready and on hand whenever you need. Flour and additions like seeds, raisins and choc chips can be purchased from bulk stores.
Salad in a jar	Add your salad dressing first, followed by your salad ingredients. Put in the fridge and grab each morning for a healthy lunch. Can be made 2-3 days ahead.
Pasta salad	A great option for serving pasta cold. Add yummy bits like cheese and cherry tomatoes. Many bulk food stores sell package-free pasta.
DIY oat bars	Making your own oat or muesli bars is actually pretty easy. Make in bulk. When stored properly, they last quite a while. Buy oats, seeds, nuts, maple syrup etc from bulk stores.
Mini Frittatas	Make in a muffin tray and freeze extra lots for later on. Get your eggs from a local farmer at the Farmer's Market. Many will let you return egg trays to reuse. For meat, bring your own container to the butcher – many will be happy to place your order in there.

3. Make Snacks in Batches

To save time, bake and prepare snacks at home in batches and then freeze after cutting into portions. Grab from the freezer whenever you need.

4. Repurpose Leftovers

Leftovers make a great low waste lunch. Reheat leftovers and place in an insulated food flask for a hot lunch option. Some leftovers like roast veg, cooked meat and salad greens also make great sandwich or wrap fillers.

These 5 Compartment Bento Lunch Boxes from Ever Eco are made from stainless steel and silicone.

5. Go for Stainless Steel Lunchboxes

Stainless steel lunchboxes are a sustainable solution for school lunches - they last well and can be returned to the Earth at the end of their useful life. Plus, they don't come with the risk of chemical leaching or microplastics. Many are designed with separate compartments for lunches and snacks, making them convenient for low waste prep.

6. Embrace Reusable Snack Bags & Containers

Reusable silicone food pouches can replace single use plastic ziplock bags for dry goods like crackers, nuts or cookies. They're easily resealable, helping reduce food waste from staleness or spills.

Mini metal containers with silicone lids can be used to pack dips, yoghurts or sauces so they are easy to grab and go. A great leakproof solution for your favourite liquids snacks.

Stainless Steel Mini Containers from Ever Eco make it easy to pack dips, yoghurts and sauces.

7. Switch to Reusable Wraps

There are several different ways to pack a sandwich or wrap without resorting to single use plastic bags or cling wrap. Try one of the following to see what works for you:

• Silicone food pouches
• Beeswax wraps / Vegan Food Wraps
• Reusable sandwich wraps (made from cotton canvas) 
• Reusable cotton food pockets
• One Wrap

  (made from silicone)

 

Beeswax Wraps are a popular zero waste way to wrap sandwiches and snacks.

8. Pack Reusable Cutlery

If you're packing cutlery, go for reusable options.

Our favourites include:

• Metal Carry Your Cutlery Set
• Bamboo cutlery set with chopsticks
• Reusable coconut cutlery (no packaging)

 

Carry Your Cutlery sets by Retro Kitchen come in cute metal containers.

9. Use a Reusable Water Bottle

Insulated stainless steel water bottles are a great choice, allowing you to pack iced water during summer. Also great for adults who want to drink herbal teas or other warm drinks throughout the day.

10. Label All Your Containers

Label everything clearly to ensure that it comes home safely at the end of the school day!

Do you have any other tips for a low waste lunchbox? We'd love to hear them!