Pack a lunch with a green theme!

School is back in session. Mornings come early and time is at a premium. While it is convenient to purchase pre-packaged items for lunches, the price of convenience is high.

The power of one family reusing lunch bags, washable containers and drink bottles adds up quickly.

Your family can save over $245 per person by packing your own waste-free lunch.

• Did you know that the average child throws away 67 pounds of lunch waste each school year?
• Research shows that we throw away between 4 to 8 ounces of lunch waste each day and packaging makes up 1/3 of our waste.

How to Pack a Waste-Free Lunch

• Step 1:  Reusable lunch bag (cloth bag, lunchbox) = NO throw-away bags
• Step 2:  Reusable washable containers = NO plastic wrap, foil or Styrofoam
• Step 3:  Thermos or Beverage Bottle for drinks = NO single-use cartons or cans
• Step 4:  Cloth napkin to wash and re-use = NO paper napkins
• Step 5:  Silverware to wash and re-use = NO plastic forks and spoons

Note, A reusable freezer pack Lunch-Box should be used to keep food safe. Freeze juice, sandwiches (no mayo), and yogurts the night before and pack frozen.

Why Waste-Free Lunches Save You Money (while reducing trash)

Check out the cost comparisons below for common lunch items.

Example #1 Doritos, 100 Calorie Packs Versus Doritos in a Bag

Example #2 Goldfish Crackers, 100 Calorie Pouches Versus Goldfish in a Box