You’d think that once you’re out of school, you’d say goodbye to lunchboxes, but it doesn’t seem like that’s the case!
Whether it’s for office lunches, kids’ lunches, snacks for training or even picnics, we still need containers, bags and utensils for lunches!
And as we become more and more aware of our ecological footprint, reducing waste is also an important concern.
Single-use plastic utensils, ziploc-type bags that we use only once to bring raw vegetables in our lunch, plastic water bottles and straws, paper towels that we use as placemats…. are becoming less and less common.
Here’s our top essentials and useful items for zero-waste lunch boxes.
Portable Travel Utensils, Reusable Silverware with Case for Fixing Tableware | Amazon *
It’s hard to beat the convenience of this case, which allows you to carry all the utensils you need to eat: knife, fork, spoons, straws, chopsticks and a straw cleaning brush. Its compact size makes it easy to fit in your office, lunch bag and even your purse.
Reusable Placemat for lunch / Zero Waste Waterproof | Etsy *
Rather than eating on your desk, on the dirty cafeteria table or on paper towels, opt for this pretty fabric placemat and easily washable.
As a bonus, it contains a zippered pocket to insert your utensils as well as cords to roll up and tie your doily so that it takes up less space in your bag.
Vintage rose organic cotton lunch bag | Simons
This lunch bag is way too cute. Not too big, not too small, it holds a water bottle and lunch in style!
Bento box* | Amazon
Bento boxes are so popular and there’s a lot of reason why! They are not only stylish but also soooo practical. You can bring a complete meal in a container without the food mixing.
This slick and modern model is made from organic wheat straw, so it’s safe both for human and nature, and comes with utensils and three trays, one of which is removable for heating food in the microwave. Bonus, it’s also dishwasher safe.
Bento boxes* available on Amazon
Citrus tango recycled plastic snack bags, Set of 3 | Simons
Let’s get rid, once and for all, of disposable bags to bring snacks, vegetables and sandwiches. Instead, let’s opt for these leak-proof, waterproof and easy to clean reusable bags (they’re dishwater safe). And more seriously, who can resist these cute lunch bags ?
Set of 6 Reusable PEVA Bags | Linen Chest*
Another option is this set of reusable bags. It stores snacks for lunches or excess food in the fridge. We also like their low price!
Flexible and reusable icepacks* | Amazon
Enough with the huge plastic ice packs that take up all the space in the lunch box!
Unlike the usual icepacks, these are flexible, so they can bend and shape according to the available space. Made with a fabric exterior, they also minimize humidity inside our lunches.
Flexible and reusable bags* available on Amazon
Abeego Beeswax Food Wrap Large Set of 2 | Amazon *
Let’s swap plastic wrap for beeswax food wrap. Not only are they reusable but they also protects food and lets it breathe. Your food stays fresh for longer.
Rice Straw Eco Smart Supply | Amazon *
I don’t know about you, but I hate cardboard straws (it gets soft and soggy too quickly). I’m also not a big fan of reusable plastic or metal straws. If you feel the same, you’re absolutely going to LOVE these biodegradable rice straws.
Made with rice flour and tapioca starch, you could almost eat them (it’s actually edible). And fear not, we have tested them, these straws do not add flavor to beverages and keep their shape for a very long time without melting.
Thermos Stainless Steel Food Jar with Spoon, 16-oz | Amazon*
We don’t always have easy access to a microwave to heat our meals, whether it’s due to a lack of appliances or long queues. But if you still want to eat a warm meal, like a soup, pasta or a stew, a thermos is super handy.
S’well Stainless Steel Water Bottle* | Amazon
In my opinion, stainless steel water bottles are a must! They keep drinks cold for several hours, even in direct sunlight, and hot drinks … hot! I also prefer to avoid plastic bottles, which end up giving a taste of plastic to the drinks they contain.
S’well Stainless Steel Water Bottle* available on Amazon