An engaging guide to the top 5 eco-friendly and sustainable adult lunch box brands for 2023. Ideal for those looking to bring their own meals to work or school while reducing their environmental impact.
Why Choose an Eco-Friendly Lunch Box?
Okay, picture this: You’ve made a major step by deciding to bring your lunch to work every day. Congrats! But if you're packing your lunches in plastic bags or using disposable utensils, you might unwittingly be adding to an already problematic plastic waste crisis here in the US. Yikes! That plastic fork, that throwaway container – yep, it's not great news for our planet.
But there’s an easy solution! By opting for a reusable eco-friendly lunch box or lunch bag,
every meal you have can contribute to a cleaner planet for everyone.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I'll receive a commission if you purchase through my link at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure here.
The Environmental Impact of Disposable Lunch Bags
In the US alone, an estimated 100 billion plastic bags from grocery stores and other retailers are discarded every year. Even worse, globally, up to 13 million tons of plastic makes it way into our oceans annually, harming marine ecosystems.
When it comes to lunch waste, Americans toss out an estimated 3 million tons of disposable paper bags, plastic water bottles, and polyethylene film (used for food packaging) yearly, according to sustainability researchers. That’s a massive amount of non-biodegradable waste from a single daily routine.
The cumulative impact takes a major toll on the health of our planet. From clogging waterways and choking wildlife to overburdening landfills and wasting natural resources.
By making small changes to our habits and transitioning to reusable, eco-friendly lunch box alternatives, we can significantly lower our environmental footprint. Small mindful decisions in our daily lives create massive positive change when multiplied by 7 billion people.
Health Benefits of Storing Food In Eco-Friendly Containers
Many traditional plastic lunch bags and boxes contain chemicals that can leach into our food, leading us to ingest potentially harmful substances like BPA, phthalates, lead, and other toxins.
Studies have linked the toxins in plastic to hormone disruption, developmental issues, cancer, and other problems. While experts continue researching, why not take extra precautions to avoid plastics near our food?
Reusable lunch boxes made from safer, non-toxic materials help us to avoid these potential health risks. Brands like LunchBots use food-grade stainless steel, Glasslock uses borosilicate glass, and TAKENAKA makes their products with BPA-free plastic which are all safer options for storing your food.
It’s reassuring to know your meals aren’t touching questionable chemicals. Your health is too important to risk! Especially when packing what you're eating for lunch every day. Eco-friendly lunch boxes give you peace of mind without worrying about nasty chemicals leaching into your food.
Beyond avoiding chemicals, reusable lunch boxes encourage you to eat fresh, healthy foods you prepare yourself. Packing nutritious lunches supports your overall well-being. It’s a win-win for health and sustainability.
With plenty of great options made from food-safe, non-toxic materials like stainless steel, there’s no need to settle for chemical-laden plastic options. Every positive change protects your health and that of the environment.
Even More Reasons To Opt For A Reusable Lunch Box
Save Money By Avoiding Single-Use Plastics
Packing your lunch in reusable containers will save you money over time compared to continuously buying disposable plastic wraps, bags, and containers. The payback period on a good-quality eco-friendly lunch box is surprisingly short! Who doesn’t want a few more dollars in their pocket?
Show Off Your Style
Afraid you might look dorky walking into the office with a child's lunch box? Don’t worry! Eco-friendly lunch boxes come in a wide range of materials, sizes, colors, and artsy designs. You can pick one that suits your personal style and has the features you need for easily toting your favorite hot foods to and from work.
Support Sustainable Businesses
There's something incredibly empowering about knowing where your money goes. By investing in a reusable lunch bag or box, you're often supporting businesses that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices.
By taking advantage of the convenience, cost-savings, and environmental benefits of reusable lunch boxes, you help drive positive change.
Our Picks: Top 5 Eco-Friendly Adult Lunch Box Brands for 2023
1) Most Durable: LunchBots
2) Most Stylish: EcoLunchBox
3) Most Customizable: PlanetBox
4) Most Compact: TAKENAKA Bento Bite
5) Most Affordable: Glasslock
Price
$$ Mid-range, typically around $15 - $30
LunchBots is a long-time leader in durable, plastic-free, eco-friendly lunch boxes. Based in Santa Monica, California, LunchBots makes creative, non-toxic lunch boxes made from stainless steel.
We love the LunchBots Large Cinco Container and Thermos for their sizeable capacity and minimalist style.
Key Features
LunchBots are plastic-free and use stainless steel for all of their containers. Stainless steel is sustainable, non-toxic, and endlessly recyclable. The stainless steel construction means they are incredibly sturdy and built to last.
All of their lunch boxes are very leakproof, with tight-sealing lids and rubber gaskets. They also include their own integrated utensil sets, divided containers, and vacuum insulation to keep your hot food hot and cold food cold.
Considerations
Some LunchBots lunch boxes are microwave-safe, but not all of them. It is important to check the product description before purchasing to make sure that the lunch box you choose is microwave-safe if that is an important feature.
Price
$ Lower mid-range, typically around $15 - $35
EcoLunchBox is a woman-owned company that makes a fun, fashionable take on eco-friendly lunch boxes. Founded in Seattle in 2009, EcoLunchBox makes its containers from stainless steel and renewably-sourced plastics like bamboo fiber.
Their adult-oriented laptop lunch boxes are roomy enough for salads, sandwiches, snacks, ice pack, and more. Models like the Seal Cup Trio feature stackable nesting blows in chic color-block designs.
EcoLunchBox's Unique Designs
EcoLunchBoxes are mostly constructed from stainless steel, but some models include plant-based plastics made from renewable resources like bamboo fiber, making them incredibly durable and stain-resistant.
Their reusable containers are free from BPAs, phthalates, and lead. We did experience some leaks from time to time if we weren’t careful to keep our lunch box upright. Though their sealing lids weren't completely leak proof, they are very good at preventing leaks overall.
The Bento Wet Box has rounded corners and ergonomic shapes for easier gripping. Inside, divider trays let you specify sections for entrées, sides, and snacks. This keeps foods from mixing together into an unappetizing jumble. The broad bottom sections accommodate fruit salads or bags of chopped veggies.
Other boxes, like the Two Level Steel Bento Box, have a series of slim vertical compartments perfect for sandwiches or storing snacks in reusable silicone bags.
If you want to show off your style while avoiding disposable, recycled plastic bottles and paper waste, EcoLunchBox is the perfect solution. Their minimal modern design and contemporary color palettes will no doubt make a statement.
Considerations
Our main concern was the eventual wear and tear of the plastic lids, but their renewable materials and low-waste ethos make this a purpose-driven brand with a lot of appeal.
$$$ Mid- to high-range, around $35 - $50
PlanetBox is Climate Neutral Certified and makes unique bento box-inspired lunch boxes from stainless steel, aiming to eliminate disposable lunch waste through reusable, earth-friendly food products.
Their customizable bento boxes and smart compartmentalization system allow you to keep your salad dressing separate from your salad until you're ready to eat. You can customize your lunch box with whimsical magnets ranging from pink marble to a colorful retro terrazzo design.
We love PlanetBox lunch boxes because of their easy-to-clean lining and the fact they are dishwasher-safe.
PlanetBox's Focus on Recyclability
Part of PlanetBox's environmental mission is encouraging the recycling and reuse of their lunch boxes. They offer a TakeBack program for consumers to return well-loved PlanetBox lunch boxes that have reached the end of their lifespan.
This program aims to keep the non-biodegradable materials in PlanetBox lunch boxes from ending up in landfills. It also allows any reusable components to re-enter the supply chain.
Considerations
PlanetBox lunch boxes cannot be heated in the microwave and aren't completely leak proof. They are also relatively large and may be unwieldy to take to and from work.
Price
Price: $$ Average cost is usually around $25
Takenaka's bento box collection is all about aesthetics. Their rounded edges and fun candy-like colors make these little lunch boxes irresistible. They’re charming without being overly kitschy.
The Takenaka Bento Bite has a spacious top section and ample room, making it perfect to tuck in a sandwich or some leftover lasagna. Or it's deep enough to snugly fit a whole apple or peach. The lower tier is good for packing smaller snacks.
TAKENAKA Bento Bite lunch boxes are made from 100% recycled PET bottles, which is a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic lunch boxes. The lunch boxes are also dishwasher safe and BPA-free, making them a great option for food storage.
Their minimalistic design is compact and lightweight, making them easy to transport.
Considerations
Opting for a plastic-free lunch box option is the most ideal as the plastic isn’t the most durable and is prone to scratches over time. We wouldn't consider these lunch boxes dishwasher safe.
TAKENAKA Bento Bite lunch boxes are not as durable as stainless steel lunch boxes, but they are still a good option for people who are looking for a sustainable and eco-friendly lunch box. The lunch boxes may also warp slightly over time with heavy use.
Price
$ Inexpensive, usually under $20
While not technically a lunch box or lunch bag, Glasslock containers offer a great non-toxic, sustainable option for meal prep, snack containers, and school lunches.
Their glass containers are made from durable borosilicate glass, which is recyclable and won't leach chemicals or heavy metals into your lunch. Their leakproof lids are made of BPA-free plastic, so you don’t need to worry about nasty chemicals making their way into your food if they come in direct contact with the lid.
The shatter-resistant glass is durable, freezer-safe, and heat-resistant, so no problem to use it in the microwave.
The Glasslock 14-cup container provides ample room for salads, noodles, and soups. The divisions in their 3-cup container keep foods separate.
Considerations
As glass, Glasslock containers are heavier than plastic options. And the simpler glass shapes lack compartments.
How to Care for Your Eco-Friendly Lunch Bag or Box for Longevity
Cleaning Your Lunch Box Without Compromising It's Integrity
Use mild soap and water. Harsh chemicals can damage the materials of your eco-friendly lunch box and shorten its lifespan.
Avoid using abrasive scrubbers or scouring pads. These can scratch the surface of your lunch box and make it more likely to harbor bacteria.
Rinse your lunch box thoroughly after washing. Any soap residue can leave a film that can attract bacteria.
Dry your lunch box immediately after washing. Moisture can encourage the growth of bacteria.
Avoid using harsh chemicals, such as bleach or ammonia. These chemicals can damage the materials of your lunch box and shorten its lifespan.
Avoid using abrasive scrubbers or scouring pads. These can scratch the surface of your lunch box and make it more likely to harbor bacteria.
Storage Hacks to Extend the Life of Your Lunch Box
Store your lunch box in a cool, dry place. Heat and moisture can damage the materials of your lunch box.
Avoid storing your lunch box in direct sunlight. Sunlight can fade the colors of your lunch box and make it more brittle.
Avoid using your lunch box to store acidic foods, such as tomatoes or citrus fruits. Acidic foods can corrode the materials of your lunch box and make it more likely to leak.
Avoid using your lunch box to store hot foods for extended periods of time. Heat can damage the materials of your lunch box and shorten its lifespan.
Avoid dropping or banging your lunch box. This can damage the materials and make them more likely to leak.
Reusable, eco-friendly lunch bags and boxes offer many benefits over disposable options. They reduce environmental waste and plastic pollution. They minimize exposure to harmful chemicals found in plastics. And they empower each of us to make small, daily choices supporting sustainability.
We’ve explored 5 top eco-friendly, non-toxic brands, including the stainless steel LunchBots, phthalate-free EcoLunchBox, eco-friendly PlanetBox, affordable Glasslock, and GOTS-certified Fifty/Fifty make it easy to transition to green lunch packing. Their durable, non-toxic designs accommodate a variety of foods while reflecting our personal styles. Choosing products made from recycled, renewable materials also supports purpose-driven businesses.
By investing in a quality adult lunch bag or box, you leverage convenience, cost savings, and health for yourself while driving positive environmental change. Just imagine the collective impact if we all simply switched from plastic bags and bottles to reusable alternatives!
When it comes to building a sustainable future, every mindful decision counts. We vote with our dollars every day. Do your part by packing smart with an eco-friendly lunch box.
What sustainable swaps will you be making in your daily routine? Share your solutions and success stories below!
Like this post? Share on Pinterest!
Leave a Reply