Your Back-to-School Guide to Waste-Free Lunches

1. Ditch those Disposable Bags

Instead of plastic baggies or cling film, switch to reusable containers made from stainless steel, silicone, or BPA-free plastic. They’re durable, leak-proof, and perfect for everything from sandwiches to snacks.

2. Give Bees a Chance

Beeswax wraps are a flexible, washable alternative to plastic wrap. Great for wrapping fruit, cheese, or a half sandwich, they keep food fresh without waste.

3. Upgrade to a Reusable Water Bottle

Juice boxes and single-use bottles generate a significant amount of unnecessary waste. A stainless steel or glass bottle keeps drinks cold (or hot), saves money, and avoids all that throwaway packaging.

4. Clean with Cloth

Tuck a small cloth napkin into the lunchbox instead of using paper ones. They’re easy to wash, waste-free, and add a touch of style to lunch on the go!

5. Fresh > Pre-Packaged

Fruit cups, mini yogurts, and single-serve snacks often come wrapped in multiple layers of plastic. Whenever you can, opt for whole fruits or larger containers that you can portion out at home. This choice is usually more affordable, and almost always more nutritious.

6. Bulk it Up

On a similar note, pre-packaged snacks are convenient, but they come at a cost to your wallet and the environment. Buy snacks like crackers, trail mix, or dried fruit in bulk and portion them into reusable containers for convenient storage.

7. Label Everything (So It Comes Back!)

Reusable lunch gear only works if it doesn’t get lost. Add simple name labels to bottles, bags, and containers to ensure they return home safely.

8. Plan to Reduce Food Waste

Studies show that more than half of the fruits and vegetables served in school lunches are discarded — and in the U.S., up to 85% of cafeteria food is thrown away. To help reduce this, pack only what your child is likely to eat and involve them in choosing their favourite healthy options. Giving kids a say in what goes into their lunchbox encourages less waste and more mindful eating.

9. Say Goodbye to Plastic Cutlery

Pick up a set of reusable cutlery, such as bamboo, stainless steel, or foldable travel sets. No more scrambling for a plastic spoon!

10. Support Brands with Waste-Free Packaging

From nut butters to granola bars, more brands are stepping up with compostable, paper-based, or recyclable packaging. Choosing these options shows companies that we care about how products are packaged, not just what’s inside. You can also use these items in homemade lunches: cook with eggs that come in biodegradable cartons, portion out snacks from bulk items in paper packaging, or bake muffins with ingredients from sustainable brands. It’s a simple way to reduce plastic and create healthy, waste-free meals from scratch.