Packing children’s lunch boxes for school (or the big kids lunch boxes for work) is one of those daily things that has to be done, and there are so many convenient snacks at the supermarket to make it quick and easy. But, with convenience also comes a lot of waste.

Individually wrapped chip or biscuit packets, yoghurt tubs or pouches, cheese and crackers, muesli bars, the list goes on. Each of these packaged items creates more waste every day, and they aren’t the healthiest of options either.

So there are multiple reasons to look at reducing the packaging that goes into your child’s lunch box. While much of the packaging can be recycled, the reality is that most of it will go in the rubbish bin, and the most effective way to manage waste is to not create it in the first place. Avoiding packaging as much as possible is the best way to reduce waste and to help reduce our impact on the environment.

Nude food is on the rise, with many schools encouraging, or even banning, packaged items in lunch boxes.

It takes a few small changes, and a bit of organisation in the beginning, but then you are set for the rest of the year, and the years ahead.

Here are some tips to help create a nude food lunch box:

• Start by choosing a sturdy lunch box that will last, with compartments, or room for some small snack containers. Stainless steel is a great option, as it will last forever. Insulated bags are great too, to keep lunch items cool during the day.
• Some lunch boxes come with a drink bottle inside, which can be frozen to keep food cool in the hot summer weather. Either way, a reusable drink bottle is a great investment to save buying bottled water and other packaged drinks.
• Think about what your kids like to take for lunch and how it can be packaged without using cling wrap or disposable ziplock bags. If they take sandwiches, wraps or rolls, you could try beeswax wraps, which are also great for carrot sticks, dried fruit and other snacks.
• Small containers are great for yoghurt, cut up fruit or other loose snacks, and can be washed and used again.
• Pack reusable cutlery instead of plastic cutlery that will be thrown away, bamboo or stainless steel cutlery are great alternatives.
• Try to avoid individually packaged foods like packets of chips and biscuits – this will not only reduce waste but will also be healthier.
• Fruit is a great option which needs no wrapping at all!
• When buying snacks – see what can be bought in bulk. Some supermarkets have a bulk food section, or there are lots of health food or bulk food stores around that you could try too. You can take your own bags, jars or containers to save on plastic packaging. A handful of snacks can then be taken to school in a reusable container.
• If you have the time, baking is a great option to avoid packaging. Buying ingredients in bulk avoids a lot of plastic and packaging, meaning a waste free lunch box AND waste free ingredients. And you know exactly what is going into the food too.

Even just one or two of these tips can make a big difference to helping reduce waste caused through packing lunch every day and create a sustainable lunch box. And they will most likely result in a healthier lunch box too!

We hope these tips help you on your way to creating a nude food lunch box!