Lunch Boxes
There are sustainable ways of storing or taking food with you – you don't have to think outside of the box!
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Why Swap
- Every year in England we use 1.1 billion single-use plates alone – add in takeaway containers and boxes that are handed out and delivered every day, and it becomes clear how big this mealtime plastic mountain is. Many of these are made from virgin plastics like polyethylene, which is derived from fossil fuels and which shed microplastics whenever they're used and washed
- Single-use options for wrapping up food can be difficult to recycle. Most UK local authorities don't accept cling film and aluminium foil needs to be scrunched into a ball the size of a tennis ball or bigger for it to be picked up properly by recycling facility scanners
- There are a variety of other single-use items like sandwich bags, disposable cups, and napkins which are needlessly produced and thrown out after just one use, filling up landfill and creating strain on recycling facilities
The Alternatives
The lowest impact option is to use the containers you already have. Making do with any plastic containers and takeaway boxes already in your cupboard is the best way to reduce waste and extend the life of materials already in existence. But if you're looking for a new lunchbox or container for taking food with you on the go, there are plenty of great reusable options made from recycled, renewable and biodegradable materials.
Plastic Lunch Boxes
While it's best to avoid plastic altogether as it creates demand for oil, a reusable plastic lunch box can help reduce the impact of using single-use tin foil and cling film (or even single use plastic containers) once it's been used enough times. If it's made from recycled or plant-based plastics, even better.
Reusable
Plastic-free
Industrially Compostable
Bamboo Lunch Boxes
Lunch boxes made from materials like bamboo are often Industrially Compostable and won't leave microplastics behind. They're also very light, making them great for throwing into a bag before leaving the house.
Reusable
Plastic-free
Industrially Compostable
Metal Lunch Boxes
Aluminium and stainless steel lunch boxes are durable and long lasting. They're very easy to clean and you can even get the metal scourer out without worrying about creating microplastics in the process. If you have hot food, metal containers like these are also excellent at keeping the heat in for a little while, compared with plastic.
Reusable
Plastic-free
Industrially Compostable