Bento Boxes and Reusable Lunch Bags

Super Grover lunchtime superhero http://www.vegetarianzen.com

Problem: Due to the synthetic nature of plastic, sandwich bags, drink bottles, and “sporks” do not biodegrade, and thus will be cluttering up our planet for a very, very long time. (1)

Solution: Ditch the disposable plastic bags and bottles!

 

Problem: Some plastics (still) contain chemicals such as BPA, which may seep into foods and produce negative health effects, particularly on fetuses, infants, and older children, as well as on adult blood pressure. Heat from microwaves and dishwashers may cause BPA seep into foods at a higher rate. (2)

Solution: Lose the BPA-laden plastic food storage!

Bento boxes and reusable lunch bags  http://www.vegetarianzen.com

To replace disposable storage bags and bottles, consider the following options:

  • Reusable Sandwich and Snack Bags

Reusable bags are made of a lightweight fabric and have a BPA-free moisture-proof lining. They are generally dishwasher-safe and will replace many, many disposable plastic bags over their lifetime.

While there are many brands, Lunchskins and Blue Avocado are two of our favorites. They come in multiple sizes and closure options (velcro, zipper) and have lots of fun patterns and colors.

Click image to shop for Lunchskins reusable sandwich and snack bags on Amazon
Click image to shop for Lunchskins reusable sandwich and snack bags on Amazon

 

Click image to shop for Blue Avocado reusable sandwich and snack bags on Amazon
Click image to shop for Blue Avocado reusable sandwich and snack bags on Amazon

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  • Bento Boxes

The Wikipedia definition of bento is “a single-portion takeout or home-packed meal common in Japanese cuisine. A traditional bento holds rice, fish or meat, with pickled or cooked vegetables, usually in a box-shaped container.”

In recent years, bento boxes have become a popular option for carrying lunches to school and work. Most bento box sets are made of plastic or stainless steel. We personally prefer stainless steel like those made by ECOlunchbox, but if plastic is more your style, make sure to choose a BPA-free option. Bentology has some really cool options.

Click the image to shop for ECOlunchbox on Amazon
ECOlunchbox has some great stainless steel bento options. Click the image to shop for ECOlunchbox on Amazon

 

Click image to shop the wide variety of Bentology products on Amazon
Click image to shop the wide variety of Bentology products on Amazon

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Need a little bento inspiration? Check out this video, “Bento Box Lunches | Healthy & Vegan!” from Mind Over Munch:

[youtube id=”XGBbKJmfzr0″]

 

[reminder]How do you pack lunches for work or school? If you use reusable bags, bento boxes, or any other eco-friendly methods, be sure to share in the comments below.[/reminder]

Resources:

(1) How long does it take for plastics to biodegrade?

(2) What is BPA, and what are the concerns about BPA?

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