5 alternatives to kids' lunch box plastic

Plastic is hazardous to your health. Plus, it's not just about BPA anymore. There are at least 700 studies on the dangers of different plastics. Plastic is everywhere. It's even in your water supply. Most kids that pack lunches for school use waterproof plastic containers, plastic bags and plastic water bottles. Is there another way? What other materials can you use to pack kids' lunches in?

1. Start by brown bagging it.

Skip the cutesy little plastic containers with all the nifty compartments. They're not as cute as you think. They can give off toxins, especially if scratched or worn. Why not go old school? Brown paper bags are cheap and contain no plastic toxins. It's not about what the food comes in. It's about what gets in the food.

2. Wrap sandwiches in brown paper or aluminum foil.

Both are recyclable. Plastic is recyclable to a certain extent, but it's toxic to begin with. Boycotting it sends a clear message. Manufacturers can use alternatives or go out of business. With a little practice, you can wrap sandwiches airtight. Skip the plastic containers. Skip the plastic wrap. Skip the plastic baggies.

Note : Did you know they now make cloth bags and baggies? Sweet!

3. Skip prepackaged fruits.

Isn't it nice how they package convenient sizes of cut up fruit in cute little plastic cups? Don't be so sure. Any plastic container can leach chemicals into your food. How long has that fruit been sitting in that plastic? You're better off cutting up your own fruit or placing whole fruits in kids lunches.

4. What about drinks?

How can kids carry drinks to school without plastic containers? Well, no offense, but what did your grandparents do? They used mason jars or other lidded jars. Yes, they're breakable. Kids would have to be cautious. Still, mason jars are quite thick. It takes some effort to break them.

5. Check the grocery or department store for eco-friendly alternatives.

Did you know there are newer plastics made from natural products, not petroleum? Some contain paper pulp. Others are made from food starch. All are biodegradable and safe for food content. They do no harm when they break down. If more purchased green plastic alternatives for kids' lunches alone, think of the difference it would make to the environment.