How to Pack a Non-Toxic Lunchbox for a Healthy Day!

If you are getting ready to send the kids back to school or looking for a healthy way to keep your clean eating habits strong at work or on the go, there are several keys to packing a non-toxic lunchbox!

This article was originally featured in It’s Your Life magazine. You can check out the full article there along with a wealth of valuable natural living tips, strategies for raising healthy children and more!

Packing a lunch for school or work can be a great way to make healthy choices and reduce non-nutritious temptations while also saving money! To help ensure focus, concentration and energy to get you and your child through the day, consider some of my favorite Simple | Pure | Whole^TM tips for packing a healthy, non-toxic lunchbox!

Lunchboxes, beverage bottles, utensils and napkins are some of the many options to transport and accompany a healthy lunch. Unfortunately, you may be stuffing that organic apple into a chemical-laden case! For example, a report found high levels of lead in vinyl lunch bags, especially in the lining which is in contact with food. Even low repeated exposures to lead can cause learning problems, attention issues, behavioral problems, stunted growth and other impacts on children’s health. Soft plastic PVC lunchboxes also commonly contain phthalates, chemicals may disrupt hormones and contribute to other issues.

While what you place inside your child’s lunchbox is crucial for their energy and health, it is also important to consider the lunchbox itself and other lunchtime essentials. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to keep your lunch supplies clean, green and healthy!

The Lunchbox

Choose a lunchbox that is free of toxic materials like BPA, PVC, vinyl, lead paint and antimicrobial chemicals. Some healthier options include:

• Unpainted, stainless steel containers
• Organic cotton lunch bags printed with low-impact AZO-free dyes are easy to wash and keep clean

Food Storage

To keep sandwiches, wraps, fruit, veggies and other lunch items intact and ready to eat, there are some safer and more eco-friendly alternatives to disposable plastic bags.

• Use unbleached parchment paper to wrap up food
• Stainless steel food containers in various sizes are healthier for your kids and the planet!
• Organic cotton sandwich wraps save money, avoid plastic touching your child’s food and reduce waste! 

Beverage Bottles

To avoid waste and plastic contamination of water and other beverages, choose a safe, reusable option. Avoid BPA and other plastics as well as disposable bottles. Choose a reusable beverage bottle made of glass or stainless steel.

• A glass bottle with a silicone sleeve is safe and easy for little hands to grip. Choose a size that works for your child’s needs.
• Stainless steel bottles are available with different types of spouts, such as a convenient, BPA-free sport cap for kids on the go!

Utensils

Disposable plastic utensils can unnecessarily fill up landfills. Make sure to remind children to avoid throwing away reusable utensils as you transition to this more sustainable option.

• Use stainless steel utensils from your kitchen or a compact fork and spoon set

Napkins

Choose reusable options made from sustainable materials like organic cotton. These are easy to wash and reusable!

• Choose colorful organic cotton napkins
• Repurpose some organic cotton tea towels to use as lunchbox napkins

And fill your healthy lunch box with some of these allergy-friendly Simple Pure Whole recipes!

What are your go-too healthy lunchbox options?

Do you have any tricks or tips for healthy eating on the go?

For more ways to live a natural, eco-friendly life check out these Simple | Pure | Whole^TM solutions and join my free Insider’s Community for wellness resources, news and opportunities along with a special free gift!

NOTE: this post contains affiliate links for products that I use myself and frequently recommend to my clients. These products and the information provided should not be considered medical advice. AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Amazon offers a small commission on products sold through their affiliate links. Prices are exactly the same for you if your purchase through an affiliate link or a non-affiliate link. Thank you!

This post was shared with: Summer Family Fun Party, Waste Not Want Not Wednesday, Create & Share DIY Recipe Party, Plant-Based Potluck, Full-Plate Thursday, Create It Thursday, Weekend Retreat, Family Fun Friday, Crafty & Delicious, Friday’s Five Features, Real Food Friday, Motivation Monday, Tuesday’s Table, Two Cup Tuesday, Fat Tuesday, Allergy-Free Wednesday