You've probably noticed how much plastic surrounds our daily food: packaging, disposable plates, cups and utensils, lunch boxes, bags… it doesn’t need to be so. Our challenge is simple, but perhaps not that easy: make your next lunch out plastic-free.

Plastic being ubiquitous nowadays, we’ve realized that some concessions needed to be made. A stainless steel water bottle such as Klean Kanteen is one: with the exception of gourds closed with a cork top, we haven’t found one water bottle alternative that doesn’t come with some plastic (here, it would be the cap, but at least it’s PBA free, and the bottle is reused over and over again). So, allow yourself one, perhaps  two exceptions of that kind but no more. Also, don’t try to substitute paper for plastic. The point of this challenge is to not pollute with disposables, plastic being the worst one.

Utensils:

You can either bring your own metal fork, knife or spoon, or purchase reusable “to-go” ones made of bamboo. Don’t forget a cloth napkin, too.

Containers:

Go for glass storage containers, such as Pyrex (with a reusable plastic lid- which may be one plastic concession). You may also use a stainless steel one. If you are using a plate, use stoneware, wood, or even compostable.

As for drinks, the plastic water bottle being banned, as well as plastic coffee mugs (even reusable ones, too much plastic for this one), your only choice seems to be the drinking fountain or a stainless steel bottle if you are outdoors, or a good old glass if you are eating at your work lunch room.

Lunch box:

Those thermal lunch boxes are really bad for the environment, being made of plastic and neither recyclable nor biodegradable. As an alternative, you may choose the classic cotton canvas bag, or a tin/ stainless steel box.

Happy plastic-free lunch!... and don’t forget to share your experience with our Green Community!