Healthy Zero Waste School Lunches | |
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by Gretchen Whitcomb
Before you even pick what to make for school snack and lunch there are questions about what to pack it all in to. We all want to avoid toxins in packaging like BPA, phalates and lead as well as eliminate single use waste but the options can be overwhelming. Prepackaged snacks and foods are convenient but we we can eat healthier and help the planet by packing our own in reusable containers.
We asked our community members for their favorite lunch boxes, water bottles, utensils and more so that you can feel as great about what you pack your lunch in as what is inside!
Lunch Boxes:
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EcoLunchBox- has a few styles of stainless containers, from nestable leakproof boxes to stacking tiffin styles which are popular with older kids and adults.. Leakproof and durable these boxes are made by a B-Corp and women owned business
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Planet Box-the classic stainless lunch box, comes in several sizes for different ages, dishwasher safe and hinged so you don't loose the lid these boxes are favorites for many families but note that the size is better for younger kids with smaller appetites.
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LunchBots - This pick was a favorite among members. Lunchbots offers a election of silicone and stainless bento boxes, thermoses, and dip containers. Accessories include snap on lids to color code lunches by child and insulated lunch bags that fit their containers. Members note the boxes are long lasting and durable.
Insulated Lunch Bags:
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Wildkin - BPA and phthalate free insulated lunch boxes. Their Lunch Box style easily fits LunchBots Large Cinco bento boxes. Add more space with a Double Decker Lunch Box
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Zipper Lunch - organic cotton and recycled PET lining that is machine washable! Comes in a variety of colors and patterns for all ages!
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So Young Lunch Poche - linen and cotton exterior with a removable insulated pouch for easy cleaning. PVC, BPA, phthalate, lead and This bag comes in a variety of patterns and is a great choice for older kids and teens with this minimalist design and larger size. They have many other sizes and options too!
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Simple Ecology - looking for a 100% plastic free lunch bag? This organic cotton bag is machine washable!
Water Bottles:
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Kleen Kanteen - variety of sizes of stainless steel water bottles with screw on lids, sports tops and straws. Families love that their straws are stainless too! Certified B Corp, 1% For The Planet member and Climate Neutral Certified
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Hydro Flask - colorful insulated water bottles with a variety of size and top options, you can even customize your water bottle with colors and engraving. Trade in your old bottle for $5 off a new one with their recycling program!
Wraps and snack bags:
- Beeswax wraps - there's several brands of these or you can make your own. Great for wrapping up sandwiches or snacks
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Stasher Bag - reusable silicone bags in a variety of sizes
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Lunchskins - replace plastic bags with reusable dishwasher safe sandwich and snack size bags. 1% For The Planet member
Looking for more ideas on healthy lunches? Check out our blog article on how to pack a filling and healthy lunch that you and the kids will both love!
The use of brand names and/or any mention or listing of specific commercial products is solely for educational purposes and does not imply endorsement by HMN nor discrimination against similar brands, products or services not mentioned. We were not compensated for these reviews and are solely sharing items community members use.
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Since 1992, World Breastfeeding Week has been celebrated the first week of August and here in the US since 2011 in we also celebrate August as National Breastfeeding Month!
This year's theme for World Breastfeeding Week is Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All. Holistic Moms Network has been supportive of breastfeeding moms from the beginning, many of our community members have sought out support from their community to find resources to help them in their breastfeeding journey but there is still a long way to go to ensure all breastfeeding moms get the support they need!
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Breastfeeding support comes in many forms, from mothers feeling welcome to nurse in the local coffee shop to access to lactation consultants for helpful tips to overcome breastfeeding struggles or government support through maternity policies enabling women to have paid time off and not choose between family and work.
Women everywhere have the right to feed their babies in the manner they wish and we can support them through our actions everyday. Can you help a friend by sharing a story about your breastfeeding journey or encourage a new mom to keep going when she hits a hard time?
We can all help ensure women feel able to breastfeed anytime, anywhere – and work to improve the position and of women at home, at work and in public life.
Share how you help support breastfeeding with us on our FB page here and find more resources to support you on our website!
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New HMN Chapters Launching! | |
Holistic Moms Network is excited to be launching new chapters and relaunching former communities this fall!
Berkshire County MA Chapter is a new community. After hosting several informal gatherings to collect ideas from interested parents, the chapter is excited to officially kickoff on August 22nd! They will meet monthly on the 3rd Thursday 10am-12pm at the playground in Stockbridge this fall and will announce their winter location soon!
Lake Country, WI Chapter is relaunching with new volunteers on Wednesday September 25th at 7pm. They are hosting a kickoff event and speaker focused on discussing liver detoxing as part of overall health. They will gather at the Hartland Public Library in Hartland, WI.
Ocean County NJ Chapter is excited to relaunch after finding new volunteers. They will meet the first Friday of the month 6:30-8pm starting in October at the Sailors Quay Marina in Brick, NJ. Join them for their kickoff October 4th for an introduction to HMN and create your own vision board or help the new community organizers build a vision board for the chapter!
Northeastern MA Chapter is relaunching their community this fall on October 3rd at the Whole Foods in Lynnfield where they will be compiling a holistic practitioner resource for members. They will be gathering the first Thursday of each month from 7:30-9pm at various area locations.
We hope to launch additional chapters later in the fall in VA, WV and RI. Check out our website to find chapters near you!
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In-person gatherings are at the heart of our HMN Communities. You can find the next month's events on our Facebook page. All are welcome to attend. Below is a sample of some gatherings happening soon:
Whether you are a future parent, have babies, children in school, or your children have their own children, you are welcome at HMN. 💚💙💚
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Looking to start a chapter or join an HMN team? We have areas identified to host new chapters and existing HMN Communities in need of volunteers.
- San Diego North County, CA
- San Jose, CA
- Temecula Valley, CA
- South Denver, CO
- Chicago, IL
- Twin Cities, MN
- Essex County, NJ
- Greater Princeton Area, NJ
- Sussex County, NJ
- Sayville, NY
- Chattanooga Metro Area, TN-GA
- Milwaukee, WI
Chapters have multiple volunteers, so if you know someone else who may want to become an HMN Community Organizer, please email us at
volunteer@holisticmoms.org or read more about becoming a volunteer community organizer on our website.
We make it easy to volunteer and provide all the resources and support needed to help build your local chapter. We are so grateful to each volunteer who reaches out and joins our HMN community and our volunteer community!
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead
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The Holistic Moms Network™ is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization connecting parents who are interested in holistic health and green living. We encourage moms and dads to trust their instincts, parent from the heart, use their innate sense of what is best for their children, live in balance with the Earth, and learn about the pros and cons of all healthcare and parenting options. DONATE HERE
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