Kids’ lunch boxes can rack up a surprising amount of plastic waste — cling film, juice cartons, disposable straws and single-use bags all add up over a school year. If you’re looking for simple, practical swaps to make your child’s lunch box more eco-friendly, this list is a great place to start.
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As families become more conscious of the plastic used in the home, lunches are one of the easiest areas to tackle. Every swap away from single-use plastic — even a small one — makes a difference over time.
We had a scout around to find eco-friendly products that work well for everyday kids’ lunches.
10 Practical Products to Make Your Child’s Lunch Box Eco-Friendly
#1. Reusable Sandwich Bags
These reusable sandwich bags from Reuzi.ie are handy and eco-friendly. Use them to carry sandwiches, bagels, buns, sliced meat, cheese slices, sliced fruit and more. They’re machine washable too, which makes them easy to keep in regular rotation.
Also available in other patterns: Bloom, Geo and Stars.
#2. Planetwise Reusable Sandwich Wrap
Sandwiches and snacks — ready, wrap, go! These reusable sandwich wraps from Earthmother.ie are a great alternative to plastic baggies or tin foil. The Planetwise sandwich/snack bags are the perfect size for fruit, snacks, a sandwich or leftovers.
Made with food-safe materials and a leak-resistant design, they’re ideal for keeping school or crèche snacks fresh. Also available in other patterns.
#3. Bamboo Cutlery
This bamboo cutlery flatware set from Amazon contains two sets of bamboo cutlery. Each set includes a knife, a fork, a spoon, a pair of chopsticks, a straw and a cleaning brush.
Each set comes in a cloth pouch — handy for travel, work or camping — and each utensil has its own compartment so they don’t rattle around together. The cutlery is durable and easy to clean.
#4. Metal Lunchbox
If you want to go completely plastic-free with your child’s lunchbox, this stainless steel lunchbox from Littlegreenshop.ie comes with a mini container included.
The oval stainless steel lunch box has a clip closure and a separate mini container that fits neatly inside — ideal for an “on-the-go” balanced lunch of, say, a salad or sandwich, fruit and a snack, all in one container.
#5. Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Another plastic-free option is this double-walled stainless steel bottle from Home Store and More, designed to help keep drinks cold or hot for longer.
Available in blue, purple and black.
#6. Food Flask
The Mummy Cooks food flask is great for sending in a warm, nutritious lunch. It holds 300ml of food and has double-wall vacuum insulation to help retain temperature.
It also has an extra-wide mouth for easy filling, serving and cleaning, and is made from stainless steel and BPA-free plastic. It comes with stickers so your child can personalise their own flask.
Also available in Pink, Blue and Green.
#7. Smaller Glass Jars
Save your glass jars once you’ve finished with them and repurpose them for lunch containers. A small jam jar is great for holding snack items like carrot sticks or dips.
If you’d rather buy a new set, this set of six preserve jars with flip lids from Nisbets.ie is a good option. The clip top and rubber ring form an airtight seal, and the jars are dishwasher safe.
#8. Drink in the Box Sippy Cups
Instead of sending in cartons of juice, these Drink in the Box sippy cups from Amazon are a handy reusable alternative to disposable juice boxes.
Made from durable, chemical-free Tritan, they’re easy to clean, mess-free, and suitable for all ages, with an easy-open lid and a soft, bendy straw.
#9. Bamboo Straws and Straw Cleaner
Plastic straws are one of the easiest single-use items to swap out of a lunch box.
These bamboo straws from Thekind.co are made from sturdy bamboo, a fast-growing and highly sustainable material. They come with a cleaning brush to keep them fresh between uses.
#10. Compostable Paper Snack and Sandwich Bags
These paper snack and sandwich bags from Reuzi.ie are made from the unbleached pulp of Scandinavian spruce trees — a natural, renewable resource. The bags are non-greasy and fully compostable in a brown bin or compost heap.
They’re perfect for an apple, some rice cakes, or a mini-baguette or sandwich with butter, mayonnaise or oil, as they won’t leak through. The bags are also microwave-safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are reusable lunch box products dishwasher safe?
Many of the items above, such as stainless steel lunchboxes, water bottles and glass jars, are dishwasher safe — but it’s worth checking the care instructions for each individual product, as fabric wraps and bamboo items usually need hand washing or a gentle cycle.
Do eco-friendly lunch products cost more than disposable ones?
There’s often a higher upfront cost for reusable items compared to single-use plastic, but because they’re designed to be used again and again, they typically work out cheaper over the course of a school year.
How do I stop reusable sandwich bags and wraps from smelling?
Rinse them as soon as possible after use and let them air dry fully before storing. A regular wash with your usual dishes, or an occasional soak in warm water with a little baking soda, helps keep them fresh.
Are bamboo cutlery and straws safe for young children?
Bamboo cutlery and straws are a natural alternative to plastic, but as with any lunch box item, keep an eye on wear and tear over time, and choose a size and shape that suits your child’s age.
What’s an easy first swap if I don’t want to change everything at once?
A reusable water bottle or a reusable sandwich bag is usually the simplest place to start, since they replace one of the most frequent single-use items in a typical lunch box.
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