Lunch meal prepping can become a time-consuming and wasteful process, especially when convenience is a top priority. Constantly searching for matching tupperware pieces and using disposable or plastic utensils can become frustrating and may at times make you even more aware of the alarming environmental crisis. Lunchtime is supposed to be a fresh and nutritious escape from the stress of the workday, but having the right lunch essentials is key to ensuring the best mid-day meal experience possible. We’ve used our data-driven algorithm factoring in best-selling buzz, editorial selections, and real user reviews to create a vetted list of the best eco-friendly items for packing your lunch like an environmentalist or a culinary pro. Our science-backed eco-friendly lunch essentials include a range of items that fit any budget, dietary need, or space capacity. Scroll through and shop functional travel utensils or sustainable and reusable beeswax paper from trusted brands such as Grub2Go, PackIt, Yeti, and many more! Opening image: amazon.com
Did you enjoy our 10 Best Eco-Friendly Kitchen Storage and Tools? Just wait till you see our 10 Best Direct To Consumer Home Brands!
July 17, 2019
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The Rankings
W&P Ceramic Porter Bowl Lunch Container
ECO-FRIENDLY BOWL
WHY YOU NEED IT: In addition to reducing water use and saving money on disposable options, this ceramic lunch bowl container features a snap-tight silicone wrap and is designed for gentle transit, ensuring your contents are always secure. Tote your favorite salad, grain bowl, or leftovers wherever life takes you.
FUN FACT: Each Porter purchase supports food education in public schools through its partnership with Edible Schoolyard NYC.
Grub2Go Stainless Steel 3-Layer Bento Lunch Box
BENTO BOX
WHY YOU NEED IT: The Japanese meal tradition takes on an updated approach with sleek details including a 100% food-grade stainless steel design, versatile interior, and signature secure-locking lid. A minimalist style and environmentally-friendly composition make this your new favorite lunch box.
HELPFUL TIP: This lunchbox features a bottom compartment and an integrated tray for snacks or utensils.
To-Go Ware Bamboo Travel Utensils
TRAVEL CUTLERY
WHY YOU NEED IT: In addition to being an Amazon's Choice product, this utensil set is the perfect option for those seeking to reduce their waste and to keep plastic out of landfills. The set holder is made of recycled bottles and includes a carabiner for easy transport.
HELPFUL TIP: Although finished with a top grade, food-safe wood oil and their dishwater safe composition, hand-washing is recommended for longterm use.
Utopia Kitchen Glass Food Storage Containers with Lids
GLASS TUPPERWARE
WHY YOU NEED IT: Revamp your tupperware game with these eco-friendly, easy open-and-close, and durable glass containers. This 18-piece pack includes 9 secure, four-latch polypropylene lids for air-tight, water-tight storage that is both oven safe and freezer safe.
BEST FOR: This glass container set is ideal for kitchens with limited storage space.
Yihong Stainless Steel Metal Straws
METAL STRAWS
WHY YOU NEED THEM: Ditch the environmentally harmful plastic straws for this sleek and handy, FDA approved alternative. Each straw is made with food-grade stainless steel that is dishwasher safe and includes two cleaning brushes for easy maintenance.
USERS SAID: "I do love these straws! They are plenty long enough for any of my tumblers. Both 20 oz and 30 oz. If I decided to get a 40 oz, it would fit that too. The bent straws are at a perfect angle. The straight straws are great too."
Yeti Rambler Stainless Steel Tumbler
TRAVEL COFFEE MUG
WHY YOU NEED IT: This best-selling rambler includes a signature MagSlider lid that uses the power of magnets to keep your favorite drink on lock. The stainless steel, BPA-free mug is also engineered with double-wall insulation to maintain your ideal beverage temperature no matter what.
LOVED FOR: These Yeti ramblers are made with a durable coat of color featuring a no-sweat design to make sure your hands stay dry.
PackIt Freezable Lunch Bag
CHIC LUNCH BOX
WHY YOU NEED IT: Sprinkle a little personality into your bland work refrigerator with this foldable, freezable lunch box in a variety of eye-catching colors. Using patented cooling technology, this lunch box features a zip-top closure and built-in freezable gel to chill food and drinks for hours.
HELPFUL TIP: This soft lunch bag features a non-toxic poly canvas for easy, spot clean care.
Bee's Wrap Reusable Beeswax Food Wraps
PLASTIC FREE WRAP
WHY YOU NEED IT: This sustainable, natural plastic wrap alternative is the ideal way to keep your favorite foods or snacks fresh and ready for your next craving. Organic ingredients like cotton and sustainably harvested beeswax ensure this wrap is eco-friendly and built to last.
FUN FACT: This brand is certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard.
Stasher Reusable Silicone Food Bag
REUSABLE BAGS
WHY YOU NEED IT: Stasher has perfected the world's first fully functional self-sealing, non-plastic bag using dishwasher and microwave safe food-grade silicone. The easy pinch-lock seal and BPA-free material ensure that your food's nutrients, flavors, and juices stay put.
FUN FACT: These bags are safe for use in boiling water and the oven up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Swell Water Bottles Stainless Steel Water Bottle
WATER BOTTLE
WHY YOU NEED IT: With a variety of colors, sizes, and designs, there’s no excuse not to be drinking enough water every day. S’well improves our health and wellbeing while keeping our hot drinks super hot and our cold drinks very cold.
FUN FACT: These versatile and visually stunning water bottles eliminate condensation, keeping your hands and bag dry.
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