12 eco-friendly lunch products you need this school year

PHOTO: CARMEN CHEUNG

With the new school year just around the corner, shopping for supplies can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best reusable and eco-friendly lunch containers and gear your little (and big!) kids will love. From bento lunch boxes to a bamboo cutlery set, you’ll be able to check lunch gear off your list.

Bento boxes

Bentgo lunch box

Durable and leak-proof, Bentgo’s bento box features five organized compartments for portion-controlled lunches fit for a child’s appetite. It comes with all-around rubber coated-edges and easy-to-open latches to keep meals fresh and mess-free. Available in a variety of colours and designs to make lunch-time fun. $42, Fenigo.com

Little Lunch Box Co. 5-compartment

This cute bento box from Little Lunch Box Co. makes packing a balanced meal easy with five separate compartments for each of the different food groups. It features a child-friendly latch and comes in a variety of cool designs even big kids will love. $40, Indigo.ca

Dalcini little lunch combo tin

Free of BPA, aluminum and lead, Dalcini’s lunch set comes with one large stainless steel sandwich box, snack container and condiment jar. They are easy to use, clean and store away conveniently. All three containers can be used separately or as a bento box. $45, Well.ca

Yumbox mini-snack box

This super cute mini snack box features a pre-portioned illustrated tray guide to help you pack a healthy meal hassle-free. Yumbox’s container is lightweight, dishwasher safe and comes with an easy-open latch for little fingers. Available in multiple colours and designs. $30, Well.ca

Small lunch containers and bags

Re-zip 1 cup stand-up food storage bags

These reusable 8 oz stand-up bags are a great eco-friendly alternative to plastic baggies. They feature leak-proof double-lock closure seals for mess-free transportation and are made out of food-safe PEVA material. Plus, these bags are super easy to clean! Available in aqua, green, clear and orange. $14/2 pack, Well.ca

Sistema snack attack to go container

Sistema’s Snack Attack makes snacking on the go a total breeze. It’s microwaveable (without lid), dishwasher safe and phthalate and BPA free. Featuring easy-locking clips and a flexible seal, this container is perfect for little hands to open. $7, Canadiantire.ca

Etee food bag lunch set

Etee’s lunch set offers a greener alternative to throw-away plastic baggies. Handmade in Toronto of organic beeswax, these cute reusable bags (which come in three different sizes!) are non-toxic, eco-friendly and biodegradable. To clean, simply wash with cold water and gentle soap, hang to dry. $40 US, Shopetee.com

Sistema yogurt cup

Perfect for yogurt, small snacks or even dips, Sistema’s duo containers are super versatile. Phthalate and BPA free, these cups are durable and mess-free with easy to open lids to keep food fresh for longer. Available in a variety of colours. $16/2 pack, Amazon.ca

Parkland snack bag duo

Designed with sustainability in mind, this super cute pouch duo from Parkland is an earth-friendly alternative to traditional plastic snack bags. These adorable baggies are perfect for small snacks or lunches. And they are dishwasher safe for easy and convenient cleaning. Available in two fun designs. $18, Indigo.ca

Food jars and utensils

Thermos stainless steel food jar

This classic 10 oz stainless steel food jar features Thermos vacuum insulation to keep food cold for up to seven hours or hot for up to 5 hours. Its twist-off lid and spacious inside make packing lunches super quick and easy. To keep last night’s leftovers warm for longer, pour boiling water into the jar (and then dump it out) before adding food. Available in pink or blue. $18, Canadiantire.ca

Light My Fire spork

Designed by Scandinavian designer Joachim Nordwall, this handy spork, which is in fact a spoon, fork and knife all in one, is versatile for whatever you pack in your kids’ lunches. Spaghetti and meatballs, chicken noodle soup, tuna poke bowl—the possibilities are endless. $9/2 pack, Fenigo.com

To-Go Ware bamboo cutlery set

This reusable and lightweight bamboo cutlery set is perfect for back-to-school lunches. The convenient pack includes a spoon, fork, knife and set of chopsticks. For those who are passionate about waste reduction, you’ll be happy to know that the cute utensil holder, which is available in a bunch of colours, is made out of recycled PET plastic, giving plastic bottles a second life. $20, Fenigo.com