ZERO WASTE LUNCH TIPS AND TRICKS

Here are some things you can do to make packing a zero waste or low waste lunch for your child a little easier.

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• Use reusable containers or sachets to pack all foods that require one. 

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• Buy snacks at bulk stores in large amounts, using your own containers, and separate into smaller containers for the week ahead.

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• If time permits, set aside some weekend time to make a zero waste snack for the week. Bake muffins, make granola bars, or put together a delicious hummus that is plastic-free!

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• Encourage your child to bring home their uneaten food from school. This way you can learn about their preferences and also compost things such as apple cores and sandwich crusts.

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• Remind your child to store their leftover, uneaten food in an empty container to avoid a messy lunch bag.

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• Pack a lunch high in veggie and fruit content to make it healthy and waste-free!

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• Leftovers, leftovers, leftovers! Invest in a good thermos and send last night's macaroni and cheese to school!

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• Send only water (in a reusable water bottle) to school. It avoids the waste and mess of juice boxes and also is the best thing for your child to be drinking!

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• Pack your child's lunch the night before. When you aren't rushing, you can make better decisions.

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• Encourage your child to pack their own lunch, and act as a guide to help them make healthy and low waste decisions.

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Don't forget to be kind to yourself and do what you can manage in the day. You want to create a routine that is sustainable for you and your family, otherwise there is no point!