Packing a Waste-Free Lunch
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Try packing a healthy, earth friendly lunch for work or school. Not only is it good for the environment, it will save you money too.
How to Pack a Waste-Free Lunch:
- Pack lunches in a reusable cooler or bag
- Pack bulk food in reusable containers instead of purchasing pre-packaged foods
- Use a reusable stainless steel water bottle instead of disposable juice boxes, juice pouches, cans and plastic bottles
- Pack reusable utensils and cloth napkins
Quick & Easy Tips:
- Keep a list of all the main and side dishes you enjoy. Circle a week of lunch menus and shop on the weekend to ensure needed foods are in the house.
- Make extra portions for dinner and pack them for lunch.
- Pack lunches in the evening and store in the refrigerator overnight.
- What's In Season? Get the most of your money and taste buds. Use
our
Fruit & Veggie guides to buy in season.
Saving Green by Going Green:
| Eco Friendly Lunch |
Cost (one time) |
Disposable Lunch |
Cost (per year) |
| Reusable stainless steel water bottle |
$10 � $20 plus the cost of juice |
Juice box or bottled water |
$62 - $312 |
| Lunch Cooler |
$5 - $15 |
Paper lunch sack |
$25 |
| Microwavable container for dinner leftovers |
$3 - $5 plus the extra dinner portion |
Frozen lunch or eating out |
$750 - $2,000 |
| Sandwich container |
$1 - $3 |
Plastic sandwich bags |
$20 - $25 |
| � cup sized containers |
$10 - $15 |
Plastic snack bags |
$15 - $20 |
| Cloth napkin |
$10 for four |
Paper Napkin |
$3 |
| Inexpensive silverware |
$15 set for four |
Plastic spoon and fork |
$20 |
| Total One Time Investment |
$54 - $83 |
Total Annual Cost |
$895 - $2,405 |
Source: www.wastefreelunches.org