Lunch and Take-out
Lunch Bags
When searching for an eco-friendly lunch bag that is good for the Earth and your health, you may come across “neoprene” lunch bags. They have beautiful fashionable shapes and patterns and they claim to be eco-friendly, but this is debatable, apart from their reusability. Neoprene is a petroleum-based product that is not biodegradable. Even worse, when it degrades, it tends to break down into dust-like particles that float in the air and can end up in your lungs. As far as we know, neoprene is not recyclable.
It appears the “eco-friendliness” of neoprene lunchbags comes from what they are not, rather that what they are. They do not contain lead or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). That’s great, but what about the chloroprene, a key ingredient in neoprene, and a known carcinogen? In our books, this is green-washing. We prefer products whose claim to eco-friendliness is about what they are—durable, natural, recyclable, biodegradable and healthy—rather than what they are not.
Apart from neoprene bags, the great majority of lunch bags or boxes are insulated with a layer of aluminum foil fused with expanded polyethylene foam material. The casing is often made of polyester. Be especially mindful that some cheap lunch boxes—generally from China—may have a PVC exterior, which may contain lead. None of these materials are realistically recyclable, and they are not easily repairable. Chances are, after a year or so of use, you may want to replace it and it will end up in a landfill.
The key is to use a durable lunch bag made of natural materials that is easily repairable and washable. A good option is a wool-insulated cotton lunch bag with metal zippers.
Our lunch bag
Utensils and Straws
Don’t forget to include stainless steel utensils in the lunch bag if the type of food included requires them. Metal utensils from home work just fine, as does a compact stainless steel “spork”—a spoon and fork in one.
A glass or stainless steel straw may be a good idea as well to prevent the temptation of getting a disposable plastic one at the cafeteria. Glass ones are much tougher than you may think, and generally come with lifetime replacement warranties. You can find stainless steel ones that come in a pouch with a handy brush for immediate cleaning.
Our plastic-free straw
Water Bottles and Coffee & Tea Mugs
What are the best plastic-free options for water bottles and coffee or tea mugs?
- Glass: The main pros of glass bottles and mugs are: they are completely inert so they do not leach any toxic chemicals (as long as the glass is lead-free, which is likely the case unless perhaps you’re drinking from a leaded crystal vase); they don’t impart any flavors; and you can see what you’re drinking through the glass. The major cons are fragility and weight (glass can be heavy, especially thick-walled bottles). Mason jars are wonderful and can be both a water bottle and mug (and food container!).
- Ceramic: Ceramic has the same pros and cons as glass, with the additional con of some extra weight and the additional pro of potential for unique artistic flair. They are often functional works of art, shaped and glazed by hand. You’ll want to be sure the glazes used are lead-free.
- Stainless Steel: For water bottles, stainless steel is our go-to choice hands down. And for many it’s the go-to choice for both water bottle and to-go mug. It’s light, tough and safe. Check out our stainless steel info page for more info on this material.
Our glass mug
Takeout
Here are a few tools to help make your takeout or restaurant experience plastic-free:
- Mason jars: Have mason jar, will travel. Hello takeout and leftovers. Versatile, uber-accessible and low-cost - the mason jar is always a winner.
Image credit: Ella Olsson
- Airtight glass and stainless steel containers: When you’re on the go, there can be nothing handier than an airtight, watertight container to confidently contain the saucy juices of your lasagna or balsamic and goat cheese salad. Whether round, square, rectangular or oval, they have a silicone seal and the lid either snugly screws on or clamps down tightly. There are glass options with stainless steel lids and you can easily find glass Pyrex containers with plastic clip-on lids (usually the relatively stable polypropylene #5). While the plastic lids are not ideal, these accessible containers can be a perfectly suitable option to eliminate plastic waste in transporting takeout and leftovers from restaurant to home. Just try and avoid the food touching the plastic lid.
Our airtight stainless steel container
- Insulated stainless steel containers: Can’t finish your lunch chowder or chili, but you want to keep it warm for a late afternoon snack? The best insulated stainless steel containers—which are double-walled and have a silicone seal for airtightness—keep foods and liquids (coffee perhaps?) surprisingly warm, or cold, for several hours.
Image credit: Klean Kanteen
- Tiffins: The Asian tiffin culture is legendary. These multi-layered stainless steel or ceramic tiffin containers have a built-in carrying handle making them an all-in-one food carrying case—no need for a bag. Plus, the separate compartments keep multiple items intact. A tiffin is a great option when you’re going to pick up takeout and want to be sure your dumplings won’t get too friendly with your egg rolls.
Image credit: ZeroWasteStore
- Bento boxes: Another cultural wonder tool, this time from Japan. These stainless steel or wooden or enamel boxes, with dividers to separate portions or items, work magnificently for things like sushi, tapas and fruits and vegetables, cheese and crackers transported in the same little container without mixing.
Image credit: here
- Reusable non-plastic wraps and pouches: These are a relatively new and wondrous phenomenon that make a splendid replacement for lots of takeout and leftover packaging materials: sinister PVC plastic wrap, aluminum foil, wax paper, paper napkins, paper or plastic bags. They are often made of a blend of hemp and organic cotton cloth that is infused with beeswax, tree resin and jojoba oil to allow the food to breathe while also being water resistant. They are easy to handle, soft and pliable, and smell like honey—don't eat them! The uses are endless, but in the takeout and leftover realm, picture a half-eaten burger, burrito or sandwich being wrapped up and snugly tucked in your purse. Just like plastic wraps, they are self-adhesive, with the wrap sticking to itself so you can create little sealed packages and pouches.
