Eating out can be a fun treat but there sure is something nice about a homemade packed lunch. The Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) found that 70% of our plastic waste comes from plastic packaging. With a fact like that, making the effort to pack your lunch makes it feel twice as nice. In honor of Earth Day 2022, we’re helping you make your packed lunch more sustainable. From reusable sandwich bags to eating seasonally, here are 4 ways to make your pack lunch sustainable.
1) Use Reusable Sandwich Bags
Packing your lunch is a great first step but to really make the option sustainable from start through post-consumption, ditching the plastic sandwich bags is essential. Reusable sandwich bags are not only great for the environment but they’re super convenient. Is there anything worse than realizing you’re out of sandwich bags? Never run out again with reusable sandwich bags.
2) Use Reusable Stainless Steel Containers for Solids and Liquids
Stainless steel reusable containers for liquids and solids? Yes! Stainless steel lunch boxes are an eco-friendly option for traditional plastic containers. Stainless steel helps to maintain the temperature of your food and is easy to clean up any messes or spills. For those that don’t believe in a singular season for soup, stainless steel containers for liquids help to maintain the yummy warmth everyone loves about soup. The best part about stainless steel containers? They’re dishwasher safe!
3) Pack Seasonal Fruits and Veggies
Not only is eating seasonally tastier, it actually has some benefits for our environment. Our Global Food System accounts for 26% of our greenhouse gases. While we love being able to eat strawberries in the winter or aspargus beyond spring and summer, these out of season produce choices are not without impact. Choosing seasonal fruits, even if they are shipped in is a great way to reduce your environmental impact and get the nutritious vitamins and minerals you need for each season.
4) Use Biodegradable Utensils
No worse feeling than realizing you forgot your spoon or fork for lunch. If your physical therapy clinic kitchen doesn’t have enough space or the facilities to keep reusable silverware then try biodegradable options. From bamboo to recycled sugar cane by-product, there are tons of biodegradable utensil options out there.