What if you could save the planet, be healthier, and save money all at the same time? Too often we see green living as expensive and inconvenient when in actuality living greener just means living more simply, more naturally which is also good for our bodies and our wallets.
According to wastefreelunches.org, on average a school age child using a disposable lunch generates 67 pounds of waste per school year. That equals to 18,760 pounds of lunch waste for just one average-size elementary school. ECOlunchbox did a study and found that a typical family wastes about $450 and creates thousands of pieces of garbage at lunchtime every year. That is a lot of waste that ends up in already overflowing landfills.
So how can we reduce waste with our packed lunches? It is pretty simple: Say no to any packaged, processed food and reuse and recycle everything you can.
Here is what you need to get started:
- The food – fresh foods low in sodium and sugar to reduce risk of obesity and high blood pressure
- Reusable lunch carrier –Check out Bentology or ECOlunchbox
- Reusable containers – stainless steel or glass or an alternative wrap like the Bee’s Wrap in place of plastic or foil
- Reusable water bottles
- Stainless steel utensils and cloth napkins
Here is a more detailed comparison between a typical lunch and litterless lunch including cost difference. Click here. While the thought of having to wash out all those containers every night might make you groan out loud, it is a small price to pay for a healthier life. So, what is in your lunch box?