As both a mom and the owner of a reusable goods business, you'd think I’ve got school lunches dialed in perfectly. The reality? I’m figuring it out just like everyone else. 😅 But the one thing I do have down is how to keep things low-waste and kid-approved — even during the morning chaos.
My son Porter Lee is in kindergarten now, and packing his lunch has become part of our daily rhythm. It’s not always picture-perfect, but I’ve found a handful of sustainable swaps that actually make lunch easier (and cut down on single-use waste big time).
🥪 Silicone + Washable Snack Bags for the Win
We use silicone reusable snack and sandwich bags every day. They’re leak-proof, dishwasher-safe, and easy for little hands to open — major mom win. And of course, we rotate in our Porter Lee’s Washable Snack Bags too. Porter loves picking a fun print each day, and I love that they’re machine washable and fold flat when not in use.
🍇 Kid-Friendly + Waste-Free
Porter’s lunch usually includes a mix of the basics: fruit, a sandwich, something crunchy, and a little treat. I keep it simple, but still pack everything in reusable containers or snack bags. No more tossing plastic baggies every day — and once you get in the groove, it’s actually easier.
🧃 Bye Bye Juice Boxes
We swapped juice boxes for a reusable water bottle. It’s better for the planet, saves money, and helps avoid sticky lunchbox disasters. Win-win.
🧼 Cloth Wipes = The Perfect Kid Napkin
Instead of paper napkins, we pop one of our Porter Lee’s Cloth Wipes into his lunchbox. They’re the perfect size for little hands, super absorbent, and way cuter than paper. Porter knows it’s his “special napkin,” and it makes him feel a little more grown-up.
🌎 Progress > Perfection
Every lunch doesn’t have to be perfectly zero waste. Some days are more put-together than others. But we try to stick with what works — and these small changes really add up.
If you're looking to make school lunches a little more eco-friendly (without the overwhelm), check out our Washable Snack Bags and Cloth Wipes. They're handmade in Portland, tested daily by my kindergartener, and totally lunchbox-approved.
Got your own low-waste lunch hacks? I’d love to hear them — especially if they’re picky-eater approved. 😉
xo,
Porsha
Porter’s mom & founder of Porter Lee’s Reusables