Now that school is in full swing, it’s a good time to make an effort to pack a waste-free lunch for your kids. A typical American student generates 67 pounds of discarded school lunch packaging waste per school year. Making a few simple changes can have a big impact on cutting down the amount of waste generated in our schools.

photo provided by phase1foto

As your packing your child’s lunch or encouraging them to pack their own, try to incorporate as many items as possible that can be reused, recycled or composted. By following five simple tips you can be on your way to packing a waste-free lunch.

1. Pack in a reusable lunchbox or a cloth bag.
2. Pack your food in reusable containers.
3. Use a refillable bottle for your drink.
4. Add reusable utensils.
5. Include a cloth napkin with your lunch.

photo provided by David Belson

Not only are waste-free lunches good for the environment, they’re also healthier for your children and easy on your budget. Single-use disposable items may be convenient, but they’re expensive and in most cases, unhealthy.

It may take a little more thought and time to pack a waste-free lunch, but the benefits are huge and once you get into the swing of things you’ll feel good about it.

Laptop Lunches is a great resource for you as you start on your journey of packing waste-free lunches. They have great product suggestions, menu planning ideas, and information on implementing a waste-free lunch program at your child’s school.

Alana’s many words of wisdom about living green and other matters important can be found at Gray Matters.