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Need tips! Plastic bag school lunch alternatives!

Hey team mom, there is a TON of waste that happens in our school lunches. I’d like to find some alternatives to plastic sandwich bags that aren’t Tupperware. The glass is too heavy for my six year old. And the plastic is still, plastic. Any tips that also keep food fresh?! Has anyone used something like in the pic? Thanks!!
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I recently got bees wax raps and i like them, i haven't used them for the kids lunch yet, but on my way, im hoping they last.

6 replies

Thank you! Someone just told me about Stasher bags as well. They pinch closed (big must for my girl) and are plastic free!

(And they come in multiple colors for kids who like a fun, visual lunch)

I use some bags similar to your picture but they have a zipper which is nice. They are lined with something, kinda a PUL. So veggies work in them. But also cracker and those type of snacks. I also have different sized ones all the way up to one that would fit a sand which easily. And they can be machine washed. I suppose it’s a mini wet bag, like what would be used for cloth diapers.

5 replies

Oooh! Do you know where you got them? My daughter is very adamant that things “zip” 😳

Well I’m in Canada, but the brand I use is Apple Cheeks, and there is also Colibri. Both a zippered cloth bag. I have both and like them very much! I’ll see if I can link the website that I use. Oh, Bumkins is a brand that also has similar type bags, although I’m not as much of a fan of the material.

I'm hoping reusable wrap and things become more widely available now people are getting more concerned about plastic. There seems to be a shift in reducing plastic in supermarkets fruit and veg x

1 reply

Totally! I dont bag any of my fruits or veggies at the market. I also know many markets that offer alternatives.

Just finished watching a few videos of how to make these bags. Very Interesting. But, I see that it can ( bee🐝) expensive. You get less than 6 for like 17 bucks. Too much money! If I can get more by doing it myself, buying all the products and what not, may just seem to be a better option.

So I know you said no Tupperware of any sort, buuuuut, have you tried these bento lunch boxes? Sooo neat and keeps the food fresh and not squished. Mine has an area where a little ice pack (came with it) attaches to, the sandwich with mayo doesn’t become compromised by any hot temperature. Then it has little compartments so fruits like watermelon doesn’t mingle with the plantain chips and make it soggy :( Super cute and reusable! Just sayin’....

2 replies

We just started using these! She loves it.

Definitely super fun to eat from. I can also make some make-shift lunchables of some sort, with my own ham, cheese, crackers, and dessert...but mine has veggies and the size is slightly more satisfying. Haha

Stasher bags!!

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/701089015/reusable-sandwich-bags?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=reusable+sandwich+bags&ref=sr_gallery-1-1&organic_search_click=1&frs=1&col=1

We use “if you care” brand paper bags and stainless steel bento boxes. Also bees wrap! Also the small glass bowls work nice too for wet items. If you have an easy lunch bag to put it all back in then it’s easy to bring home. I usually tell my kids to just put everything back in the bag and then they sort it when the come home from school. That way it’s easier to not have things thrown away.

1 reply

My daughter is getting *slightly* better at not leaving everything on the playground

We started looking at home goods, TJ maxx and Marshall’s for reusable, washable ziplock bags. We find 4 for $5 every now and then (2 sandwich/2 snack size).

Stasher bags! They’re re-usable, more sturdy zip bags. They can go in dishwasher and come in various sizes. I love them for marinating and for snacks.

Those reusable bags are so adorable and so convenient! I’ve never see these before! Now I’m going to search for them 😂❤️

1 reply

They are amazing!! I’m addicted

They make silicone ones too. They’re a bit more expensive but last forever (if they don’t get lost or accidentally thrown out ...).

Huge fan of the uconserve stainless steel containers. They are really high quality stainless dishwasher safe and last for ever . The bags like the ones the picture work great for snacks like crackers popcorn or sliced apples I find but not the best for sandwiches. They wind up getting smushed and seem to be a challenge for the little people to get out of the bag without smushing them

Lunchskins are great! They recyclable paper sandwich bags. We always bring them home and put them in the recycling. You can find them at target!

My friend made me a vegan wrap which is really cool. Similar to your pics. Can find them on etsy. Apparently it was really messy to make!

1 reply

Perfect cause I’m not the crafty type, I’m the find on Etsy type. 🤗

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Beeswax food wrap I've heard it's reusable and environmentally friendly! Worth a shot to look into it

Tesco’s have paper bags now!

Check nickisdiapers.com, they sell mini wetbags that we use as snack bags. They're pul lined on the inside which is water resistance. You can find them on Amazon too.

Bees wax ones. I don’t know what they are called. Reusable and recycling too

What about reusable sandwich bags? I think target carries them and also Amazon.

Stasher bags or ecolunchbox

I use these little bags from the brand thirty one and they work great. I wash them every night and my 4 yr old loves them as she cans take basically any type of finger food in them. 🤷🏽‍♀️

Itzy ritzy sells bags called snack bags that are food safe :)

I use paper bags from target and they also have reusable plastic bags that I put crackers in.

Stasher bags are the best... u can store food, and cook in them. They are silicone. I also love beeswax wraps. Mostly use them just at home but sometimes take things on the go with it.

I’d also like to see schools reducing waste by choosing reusable cutlery, cups and trays. There’s a lot of waste in school lunch.

Maybe bento boxes? I know they’re still plastic, but they’re useful!

Grove sells pretty affordable reusable bags and so does target. We use both and they work great

Stashers are a lifesaver!

Stainless steel bentos and stashers are great! They also have smaller dipping/snack size stainless steel containers too you can put inside the bentos for sauces etc.. bento - amazon Stashers - target (just make sure your child is able to open them on there own . I always have a hard time getting them open lol)

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Bento boxes there might be metal 1s

I have used these ones to take food on the go: IF YOU CARE 100% Unbleached Paper Sandwich AND Snack Bags, 48-Count Packages (Pack of 6) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003Y3D68S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_HtPHxIhoBmu9U

I sew reusable lunch bags! :)

Stashers for life!

Try reusable silicone bags, they are very good.

So glad to see parents being proactive towards waste reduction. Environmentally there is nothing wrong with using plastic if you buy a decent brand and keep using it for life. If you already have a plastic lunchbox use it. Just avoid the single use stuff. I have found the beeswax lunchwraps tend to wear out quickly with repeat use and can get squished in a bag. Tin will be more likely to rust. Glass to heavy and not safe for school. Reusable, BPA free plastic container is not expensive (Incase they loose it) and will seal well and hold its shape. Using an insulated lunch bag to store the sandwich and smaller containers for loose items (like cut fruit, nuts and seeds etc) will keep individual items from getting lost in the bag.

Depending on the age of your little one, bamboo lunch box could be a great alternative. My daughter’s one is secured by an elastic rubber band but she is 10 and can use it no problem. For my 5 year old I am using a reusable plastic lunch box for now as she won’t be able to handle the rubber band.

Get some stashers ;-)

Stasher bags. I think they can even go in the oven. And they come in different shapes and sizes!

You can buy a metal box instead.

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