North Austin News

As the new school year approaches, parents and teachers prepare for the return to classrooms. Packing a child's lunch often involves single-use plastic bags, disposable silverware, wax-coated juice boxes, and other items that typically end up in landfills. For those looking to reduce waste this year, here are some suggestions for making lunches more environmentally friendly.

Two words: Bento Box. These multi-compartment meal boxes from Japan are an effective way to store snacks and treats without single-use zip-top bags. They feature dividers to keep different foods separate, catering even to picky eaters. Bento boxes are easy to rinse and reuse, with many being dishwasher safe.

For those reluctant to part with traditional snack bags, reusable options offer a viable alternative. With fun designs and colors tailored for children, these bags can ease eco-conscious concerns.

"Bee" Earth-friendly by replacing plastic wrap and aluminum foil with beeswax wrap. This alternative can be used for sandwiches or as a cover for lidless snack containers. Beeswax wraps can be hand-washed in cold water with alcohol-free soap for repeated use.

Simple swaps can make a significant difference when preparing school lunches. Opting for reusable silverware, cloth napkins, straws, and water bottles instead of single-use items is one approach. Additionally, children often enjoy having their own lunch box.

Buying snacks in bulk rather than single-serving portions can also reduce waste. Single-serving snacks frequently come wrapped in single-use packaging; purchasing in bulk allows portioning at home and may be more cost-effective.