How to Make a Sustainable Lunch
If one of your goals for 2021 is to move toward a more sustainable lifestyle, you’ve come to the right place!
As we become increasingly aware of negative climate changes, our desire to turn to an alternative lifestyle is growing. We’ve talked about the importance of green living, but how can you make your lunches, in specific, more sustainable?
We have some fantastic tips to make lunchtime green!
Bento Boxes
You’ve probably seen these at stores or online, but Bento Boxes have become the new eco-friendly way to pack a lunch. Instead of resorting to several toxin-filled plastic containers, Bento Boxes are easy to use and made with quality materials that won’t compromise your health. They also help keep your meal nutritionally organized and perfect for meal prep.
No More Plastic
Plastic is a material we need to cut down on. It takes thousands of years for a single piece of plastic to naturally break down, and it releases toxins in the process. Check out our previous article about the dangers of black plastic, a common material used to store food.
If at all possible, buy from local farmer’s markets and bring a reusable tote. Avoid buying pre-cut fruits. Pre-cut fruits require more plastic. Finally, before heading off to the grocery store, grab your reusable tote(s). Keeping some in your vehicle ensures you never leave home without one.
Reusable Stainless Steel Bottles
Instead of relying on single-use plastic bottles everywhere you go, opt for a reusable one. Not only are stainless steel bottles better for your health, but they keep your water cold. You just take your bottle on the go! Refill when you need to. You’ll save money while reducing plastic. What can be better?
Reusable Sandwich Bags
Plastic bags are one of the leading sources of waste. Again, it takes thousands of years for plastic to break down on its own, and in the process, it releases toxins into the environment. Often when making lunch, people use lots of small baggies that quickly get discarded. Safe and reusable plastic is slowly taking the place of standard plastic bags and baggies. Switch over to reusable sandwich bags!
Buy Locally
Contribute to your community by purchasing fresh produce from the nearest farm or market. Shopping locally not only sustains the local economy, but it’s healthier than buying mass-produced food that contains pesticides. You’ll feel better about the quality and helping local farmers. Additionally, buying local reduces packaging waste.
Start Composting
Not many people know how to compost, but the good news, it’s easy! Simply separate the scraps of organic food products and discard them in different trash. Research your city or town’s recycling policy for composting. You’ll be helping by separating trash from organic material. Composting is great for the environment and simple to start: you just need a trash can!
Implementing these small changes in your life will have a drastically big impact on the environment and your health.
