The typical child generates 67 pounds of lunchtime trash per year. With more families trying to save money by brown bagging it that's a lot of waste - and money - going into the trash. Creating a waste-free lunch kit is smart - and it's one of the easiest ways to significantly reduce your consumption of use-and-toss items and save money (about $371 annually) - we've created this buying guide and video to help you build your perfect kit. For more facts on lunchtime waste, see our Top Facts.


 

Our store offers tons of smart reusable lunch items! - see them here.
 

Packing a  Waste-Free Lunch

We've been obsessed with safe, sustainable lunch options since day one - which is why we've dedicated so much time and energy to seeking out the best options for your waste-free lunch kit. Here are some ideas to help get you started.
 

Choosing a Bag

Styles:

What are you looking for in your lunch bag? Something simple you can fold up and tuck away after lunch? Something insulated that will keep your food fresher longer? Check out some of our options:
 

• Insulated lunch bags - our lead-safe, vinyl/PVC-free insulated and thermal lunch bags help keep your food cold and fresh.
• Cloth lunch bags - 100% lead-free, lightweight and compact.
• Kids lunch bags - safe, fun & colorful - gets your kids involved in making their own lunches and they'll be eating healthier in no time.
• Lunch boxes & bento boxes - skip the bag altogether with our selection of smart, colorful lunch boxes.
   

Sizes:

To assist with choosing the correct lunch bag size, we've divided our lunch bags into the following general sizes: Small, Medium & Large. Under each size are just a handful of suggested items that the bag will hold.

Small = comparable volume to a brown paper lunch bag.

-1 sandwich (Wrap-N-Mat or sandwich bag)
-1 small reusable bottle
-1 small piece of fruit or snack bag
-small utensil set
-reusable napkin
-non-toxic reusable ice pack

Click here to view our Small lunch bags.


Medium = about 1.5 times the volume of a brown paper lunch bag.

-large sandwich bag or wrap
-small or medium reusable bottle
-piece of fruit
-snack bag
-small utensil set
-reusable napkin
-small food container

Click here to view our Medium lunch bags.


Large = about 2 times the volume of a brown paper lunch bag.

-large sandwich bag, wrap or stainless steel container or a Bento Box
-thermal food jar or snack container
-medium or large reusable bottle
-utensil set
-reusable napkin
-non-toxic reusable ice pack
-lots of extra room for fruit, veggies, etc.

Click here to view our Large lunch bags.
 

Choosing a Bottle

Styles & Materials

We've earned a reputation as a respected source for safe, high quality reusable bottles. Our 100+ styles are durable, BPA-free and recyclable.
 

• Stainless steel bottles - Durable, non-leaching and easy to clean.
• Aluminum bottles - Incredibly lightweight, safe and durable.
• Safe plastic bottles - Economical & dent-proof - no-frills alternative to use-and-toss bottles.
• Kids bottles - From sippy cups to bottles for high schoolers we've separated all our smaller bottles & colorful designs into this category
• Flasks, bladders & canteens - Our most uniquely-shaped bottles and containers - slim silhouettes for easy packing.
   

Sizes:

Small (10-18oz)- ideal for grade school kids and small lunch bags
Medium (20-28 oz)- for teens, adults and medium/large lunch bags
Large (32-64oz) - great for the office and for larger lunch bags

Don't forget extra caps, cleaning supplies and a bottle sleeve to insulate and protect your bottle.