Mama Jess Back to School Tip #4 – Safe and Eco-friendly Containers for Lunch

It’s what is on the inside that counts…but it sure helps to keep our food storage containers eco-friendly!

 

There are several options for lunch containers. Most involve a fabric outer lunch ‘box’ with inner plastic or stainless containers for your food. Stainless is the best option, but harder to find. My favorites are PlanetBox (bento type) and Lunchbots individual stainless containers with Clicks plastic lids (abesmarket.com). These both last forever which is good because they are an investment. Pottery Barn Kids sells some fun PlanetBox designs exclusive to PB, you can also purchase them through their website: planetbox.com

 

I do use some plastics – especially for dry foods. It’s important that these containers are BPA, PVC, phthalate and lead-free. To make your research easier…I just use the brands found at mightynest.com. They guarantee they have checked all those important things out! Pottery Barn Kids also has a nice selection of acrylic blend food storage containers which also meet these standards.

 

My most important requirement after the health standards (BPA, PVC, phthalate and lead-free) is being LEAK PROOF. I have one child that will absolutely refuse to eat anything that has been cross-contaminated with leaking watermelon juice. I don’t blame him either! I actually test all our containers with water before they pass into the ‘ready for school’ bin in our pantry. We had a couple from last year that were no longer leak proof due to chips in the container (the acrylic ones are susceptible to that).

 

My favorite container right now – practically designed for Mama Jess – is the PB Kids Spencer Clear Storage Container with circle center container. These are an acrylic blend that is BPA, PVC, Lead & Phthalate free. We LOVE to fill the center circle container with Mama Jess sauces to dip either quesadillas, wraps, cauliflower bread sticks, whole grain pita slices, etc. It’s also perfect for nut butters and celery, or hummus and veggies. A little disclaimer – it is a narrow container for dipping, so slice whatever you’re dipping on the thin side. Now go out and grab these – they are on sale!

 Quesadilla: Corn tortilla with cheese, quinoa & corn inside. Mama Jess Bien Good Enchilada & Pasta Sauce for dipping.

 

 

 

Happy Back to School shopping spree,

 

Mama jess

 

info@mamajess.com