Most cafeterias’ trash cans are filled to bursting with plastic wrap, styrofoam containers and milk cartons. Send less trash to landfills and reduce your carbon footprint with these tips on more eco-friendly ways to pack lunch for yourself and your family.

1. Use recycled (and recyclable) food wrap and containers

Wrap sandwiches in recycled aluminum foil or unbleached, recyclable parchment paper. If you use plastic baggies or zip-top bags, get your child in the habit of bringing them home again so you can rinse them out, dry them and reuse them a couple of times. Better yet, invest in a few sets of reusable eco-friendly food-storage containers in various sizes that you can use every day. And if your kids brown-bag it, use recycled paper lunch sacks and ask your family to bring the bags home so you can use them again.

2. Take a cue from the Japanese

The Japanese often pack their meals in a bento box, a compartmentalized food container that is often elaborately filled and arranged with a contrasting array of foods. Young kids in particular will love eating out of a cleverly designed box with its many compartments. Traditional bento boxes can be purchased online or at Asian supermarkets. Or try a reusable stainless steel food to-go container, a different take on the same idea that’s easy to clean and plastic free. For a more modern look for kids, check out Laptop Lunches (thanks Samantha!). (more…)