These Lunch Box Items Could Leave Microplastics in Your Kids’ Food

A baby’s publicity to microplastics is a priority for a lot of dad and mom. Whereas it may be difficult to keep away from plastics totally, you can begin in smaller, manageable doses, like specializing in eliminating as a lot plastic as doable out of your child’s lunch field. 

From a spill-proof silicone bento box to a waterproof insulated lunch bag and varied equipment that match inside, like stainless steel condiment cups, it’s doable to pack your baby a plastic-free lunch. I exploit a number of of those lunch field gadgets beneath for my children, too, they usually begin at simply $8. 

Don’t Use Plastic Bento Containers

Plastic bento containers are generally created from polypropylene (PP) as a result of it is a sturdy, light-weight, microwave-safe materials. Nevertheless, this makes plastic bento containers a possible supply of microplastics, particularly after they’ve been washed or by means of basic put on and tear.

As an alternative, Use a Silicone Bento Field

Created by a mother of three, this bento field is created from 100% food-grade silicone, so there’s no concern for microplastics. It’s protected to make use of within the microwave, dishwasher, and freezer, and comprises three spill-proof, individually sealed compartments. After utilizing it for her son’s lunch for the previous 12 months, this shopper says, “It held up very well and was straightforward to make use of!” This cute bento field weighs only one pound and is available in eight completely different colours. 

Don’t Use Plastic Storage Containers

Though they’re handy and are typically inexpensive, plastic containers will expose your kiddo to microplastics. That is very true should you place sizzling or acidic gadgets (like pasta with marinara sauce) in them and with basic use over time.

As an alternative, Use Stainless Metal Containers

This Thermos container is a safer different to plastic ones as a result of it’s made with chrome steel. It even comes with a foldable chrome steel spoon that conveniently sits contained in the lid for safekeeping. As a result of it’s insulated, it retains meals sizzling for as much as 5 hours and chilly for as much as seven hours. My daughter loves utilizing hers, particularly once I fill it with macaroni and cheese for lunch. 

Don’t Use a Plastic Lunch Field

From Lisa Frank to Ninja Turtles and each animated character in between, many people dad and mom grew up with themed plastic lunch containers. Whereas cute and enjoyable, plastic lunch containers generally include Bisphenol A (BPA) and PFAS (often known as “eternally chemical compounds”), each of that are generally used within the manufacturing of plastic meals containers and are dangerous to human well being.

As an alternative, Use an Insulated Lunch Bag

Insulated lunch baggage not solely hold your baby’s meals contemporary, however additionally they don’t include the dangerous supplies that typical plastic lunch baggage do. The Bentgo Youngsters Lunch Bag is nice for youths as a result of it has a sturdy, waterproof exterior and is double-insulated to maintain meals cool. This additionally makes it straightforward to scrub, which one parent stated was a “large plus for busy mornings.”

Relying in your baby’s choice, they’ll carry it with the deal with, over their shoulder utilizing the adjustable strap, or clip it to their backpack with the built-in buckle. It additionally has loads of storage, together with house for a lunch field and utensils, and even encompasses a water bottle pocket on the facet. After utilizing it for 3 years to pack their baby’s lunch, this parent shared that this lunch bag is “properly made” and has held as much as each day use “with out points.” 

Don’t Use Plastic Condiment Containers

It’s greatest to keep away from plastic storage containers as a result of they’ll doubtless expose your baby to microplastics, particularly once they’re washed and used over time.

As an alternative, Use Stainless Metal Cups

I purchased these chrome steel cups for my household a number of years in the past, and we nonetheless use them regularly. First, I like that I don’t have to fret about microplastics with these as a result of they’re made with chrome steel. The colourful silicone lids not solely make mealtime enjoyable, however they’re additionally leak-proof, which is ideal for packing sauces, dips, or fruit in my children’ lunches. These cups are available a number of completely different sizes and all kinds of colours. 

Don’t Use Plastic Baggies for Snacks

Utilizing plastic baggies to retailer snacks just isn’t solely wasteful, however the price provides up. Plus, simply opening and shutting a plastic baggie can launch microplastics into the setting and onto your baby’s meals.

As an alternative, Use Reusable Silicone Baggage

Whereas it took me time to get used to utilizing silicone baggage as an alternative of plastic ones, I now admire the various advantages that include them. Nevertheless, not all silicone baggage are created equal, and in my expertise, Stasher baggage are one of the best of one of the best. They’re made with food-grade silicone and are protected to place within the dishwasher, microwave, and oven (as much as 425 levels). Plus, they received’t leak and might even be positioned within the freezer or used to sous vide your favourite meal. 

Do not Use Plastic Utensils

Whereas plastic utensils are inexpensive, light-weight, and handy, utilizing them can really result in unintentional plastic consumption. Over time, this may set off an inflammatory response in your baby’s physique. Researchers and scientists agree that by avoiding pointless use of plastic tableware, we will immediately contribute to the well being of our households and the setting.

As an alternative, Use Stainless Metal Utensils

My daughter likes to carry pasta, hen, and different lunch gadgets to highschool that require utensils. This chrome steel set from Bentgo is the proper match for her lunchbox, and I like that it comes with a case to maintain them from getting misplaced.