packing a waste-free school lunch

[alison]

Dd's school would like us to pack a compostable and/or waste free lunch. Do you have any food containers that you like and are easy for young 4-yos to open? What about reusable snack bags? Dd's previous school had the kids use Reusies, but the Velcro wore out so quickly on them and the food wasn't secure.

TIA!

[Thirteen]

What about a bento box?
(Not to stereotype or anything).


We have stores here that offer many different styles and materials. I'm sure you could find similar options in your area.


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[SuzySunshine]

I got R a bento box that fits in his PB Kids lunchbox this year, he should be able to open it easily enough.

They also make those ones with the little snap sides - what are those called, the lid sits on and then you snap the sides down...

[spotty_dog]

What about a bento box?
(Not to stereotype or anything).

LOL, I was going to suggest bento and didn't even begin to think of it being cultural for M. XD

We have a Laptop Lunchbox bento-style container. Sometimes we pack sandwiches and sliced fruit in waxed paper bags in paper bags, which would be compostable I think.

DS really would like a lunch box with a handle, so I'm thinking of getting bento-style containers to go inside an insulated Crocodile Creek lunchbox.

[Sheherezade]

We have used the snack taxi reusable bags. http://www.snacktaxi.com/

[ladymoreta]

I've got a couple of these from Goodbyn, and I like them.
http://www.amazon.com/Goodbyn-Bynto-...6359584&sr=1-1

[alison]

Lol! I totally was aiming for a good bento box that opens easily. Have you seen some of the bentos that Japanese moms make for their kids?? Just google image search "bento box Japanese school lunch," and you'll feel like the sh!ttiest parent ever.

Thanks for the suggestions.

[SoonerTexan]

There is a Dr Sears brand one on Amazon we use and like

[spotty_dog]

Lol! I totally was aiming for a good bento box that opens easily. Have you seen some of the bentos that Japanese moms make for their kids?? Just google image search "bento box Japanese school lunch," and you'll feel like the sh!ttiest parent ever.

I've been doing just that in preparation for DS to have to pack his lunch 5 times a week, and I was starting to make frantic plans for where to purchase adorable food picks and fake grass and fancy shape cutters! How will my child manage without them??

[BonBon]

Lol! I totally was aiming for a good bento box that opens easily. Have you seen some of the bentos that Japanese moms make for their kids?? Just google image search "bento box Japanese school lunch," and you'll feel like the sh!ttiest parent ever.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Hah! I always feel like the sanest parent ever. Who has got time for that business?! I've also got the Laptop Lunches bento box/bag. Only some of the containers have lids. I like them. It's a mild pain to wash them out (times FOUR!) but I feel good that I'm not using plastic out the wazoo.

[alison]

My cousin in Japan posts pictures on FB of the bento she packs for herself for work. . She loves the artistic side of it, and while she doesn't do the fake grass dividers (hahaha!), she does make her food into smiley faces.

It's usually leftovers from dinner. They're not cooking up food to put into a bento box.

[Phoebe]

Our preschool provided the lunch boxes to provide a waste-free lunch.

[alison]

Has anyone used Lunchskins? They have Velcro across the entire closure and look pretty sturdy. I pack lunch the night before, because in the mornings we always have to hustle, so food doesn't keep very well if the liner in the sacks aren't very leak resistant.

[Deebs]

I have a variety of waste free containers. My DD has used a set of lunch skins for two years, and they're still like brand new. I toss them in the dishwasher, inside out, after every use. There is another set with a zipper. I'd have to look up the brand when I get home. They're a bit thinner and easier to get things in and out of, but they don't seem as durable. They were new in the spring, so they are still in good shape, but I wouldn't be shocked if they only last a year.

[GrayMatterWife]

Dd's school would like us to pack a compostable and/or waste free lunch.

WTF?

That is directive to solve a totally made-up problem. There is no such thing as an environmental threat due to Cheetos bags. Ha! I am pretty sure I'd be so pissed I'd send everything in double zippy bags, just to be a bitch.

But, back to the question: I'd just use the Ziplock containers--you know the ones--not tuperware but not disposable. Cheap but you can use them over and over. The caps have little lids with tabs. My four-year-old does fine with them. Oh, and she has a special little sandwich-shaped tuperware box for her sandwich. It has a picture of a little hungry monster licking his lips. Super cute. She loves it and wants to pack her own sandwich every day.