Zero Waste Lunch Tips
Save the environment one meal at a time
Pack a zero waste lunch to reduce waste. Why? By eliminating trash, you will prevent pollution, conserve natural resources, save energy and make a difference in your environment. How? Follow these guidelines and it will be easy!
Which is the better option?
Paper sack or lunchbox/reusable bag?
Paper napkin or reusable napkin?
Plastic cutlery or reusable utensils?
Baggies or food containers?
Single serve drinks or reusable bottles?
Food scraps in trash can or compost pile?
Lunchbox/reusable bag!
Ideas:
- Fabric scrap bag – Cut pieces that resemble the sides of a paper bag. Sew the seams together. Attach a closure or velcro, and done.
- Blue jean bag – Cut the legs off a pair of jeans. Sew the leg holes shut. Attach an old belt or strip of denim for a handle. Sew the zipper shut. Velcro the opening.
Reusable napkin!
Ideas:
- Clean scraps of material
- Bandanas
- Worn out blue jean square
Reusable utensils!
Ideas:
- A fork, spoon or knife from home. Add a sharp sheathed knife if needed.
- A few mismatched utensils from the clearance rack, a yard sale, or thrift store.
Food containers!
Ideas:
- New plastic containers or those made from yogurt, margarine, or other empty food containers.
- Mason jars work well for salads and liquids.
- Reusable sandwich bags can be found in culinary stores, at Fort Collins Food Co-op, Natural Grocers, or online.
- Stainless steel containers are pricier, but durable.
Reusable bottles!
Ideas:
- Use tap water (filtered or not) rather than buying bottled water whenever possible.
- A reusable to-go container for hot drinks to fill at home or for filling at the coffee shop.
- Buy liter bottles of favorite drinks to pour into the reusable bottles.
Compost pile!
Tip: Pack your food scraps and take them home to either compost or put in a greencone.
