Buy a reusable lunch container.

A reusable lunch container saves resources. Over a couple years of use, imagine the one container vs. hundreds of throwaway pieces of paper and plastic. In addition to environmental reasons a reusable lunch container will save money in the long run. If you use a few plastic bags a day it adds up to a lot over time.

So how do you keep it clean and germ free?

It depends on the type of container. If there is an external carrying component it needs to be treated differently. Some of the carrying containers can go in the washing machine while others will get destroyed that way and need to be hand washed with dish soap and warm water. For the food containers themselves, it makes sense to get one that is dishwasher safe.

How to take care of odors:

Over time any container holding food will develop odors. This is especially true if your child didn’t eat the lunch and there is a virtual science experiment growing in the container after a few days. Don’t throw it away! There are some simple solutions for these cases. After a normal cleaning and drying, try spraying the container with a light bleach solution and allow it to dry. Another method is to use baking soda. This can be sprinkled inside and outside the container and then let to sit. Baking soda is a great way to remove odors.

Different types of reusable lunch containers:

The Lunch Bots product above is stainless steel so it does not leach chemicals unlike some made of plastic. This one is dishwasher safe in the top rack but is not watertight, and so it cannot hold liquids.

This bento box style container from Laptop Lunches is versatile and microwave safe.

Clean Conscience wishes everyone a safe and productive new school year!