Back to school is already here! If you’re a parent and feeling the environmental dread that comes with packing school lunches (hello plastic-waste-wonderland), worry no more. This month we want to shine a light on some earth-friendly options for getting those snacks packed without the never ending supply of wrappers and single-use waste. Think sustainable and convenient, without the environmental sacrifice.

So what are my Snack Packing options?

If you haven’t heard of Lunchskins, they are a stellar brand that offers multiple options to swap out the single-use plastic when it comes to packing lunches! Currently, they offer compostable ziptop bags in a snack, sandwich and gallon size, plus paper sandwich bags. But what are compostable ziptop bags? Let’s break it down, literally.

Lunchskins compostable freezer-safe sandwich bags are made from polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), a certified compostable polymer that naturally breaks down under composting conditions, along with plant-based materials like polylactic acid (PLA) and cornstarch. This composition helps reduce reliance on fossil fuel-based plastics while ensuring responsible disposal.

                       
Unlike conventional plastic, which can take 500+  years to degrade in a landfill, compostable bags are designed to break down under the right conditions within a matter of months. Lunchskins PBAT material is certified for both home and commercial compost!

And those paper sandwich bags? Lunchskins Compostable Sandwich Bags are naturally grease-resistant paper bags are certified compostable. Perfect for: sandwiches, snacks, treats, and much more. Apply re-sealable stickers to seal in freshness. Use it at home or on the go!

Last, but certainly not least, the reusable snack pack! Stasher bags are great options for a snack bag that can be used and re-used time and time again. They are made from food-grade platinum silicone with no BPA, BPS, lead, latex or phthalates. They are leak-free (these make perfect bags for the beach to pack snacks, phones, or anything else you want to keep sand free) and are dishwasher, microwave and oven safe up to 425 Fº. You can even label them with any non-toxic dry erase or chalk marker!

                       

Will it really make a difference?

Yes! When you choose compostable or reusable materials, you keep one less piece of single-use plastic from ending up in a landfill. Some of the major benefits of choosing composable materials are:

• Being made from renewable resources instead of fossil fuels
• Break down faster and more safely than traditional plastic
• Reduce micro-plastic pollution
• Encourage composting of food scraps and green waste

While compostable bags aren’t perfect (they need the right conditions to break down), they’re a major improvement over conventional options.

Final Thoughts: Small Switch, Big Impact

Is it possible to reduce plastic waste while also packing school lunches this year? Yes! Choosing compostable ziptop bags, or even reusable snack packs, can support a broader zero waste lifestyle. Thankfully, these alternatives are helping us take a practical, meaningful step toward reducing our dependency on plastic and keeping harmful materials out of landfills. So don’t dread packing lunches this year, you have options!