PlanetBox! Lunch Transportation for the Green Generation

One of the least green parts of our day used to be my kids lunches. Between the packaging and the bags, I was not surprised to learn that the average kid creates ninety pounds of garbageevery year just from the waste from lunch. Now, I pack lunch for my kids in a PlanetBox, an ingenious design that makes it possible to pack a completely waste-free lunch. Even better - my kids LOVE their PlanetBoxes.

PlanetBox was created by Caroline Miros, who happens to be the sister of the talented and beloved children's performer Elizabeth Mitchell. Caroline was inspired to create a lunch box that was both good for kids and the environment. PlanetBoxis not only notable for it's waste-free design, but the bento-style compartments encourage kids to eat right-sized portions of fresh, healthy foods.

PlanetBoxes are easy to pack - no searching for the right sized snack bags or wondering what to put the yogurt in - "big dipper" and "little dipper" containers make sure everything from fruit to sauces has a place to go safely and without spilling everywhere.

The compartments are just the right size for healthy portions of food - including a wee little square in the middle for something sweet. I usually put in part of a chocolate granola bar, but sometimes I surprise the kids and throw a few chocolate chips in for a surprise treat. Another favorite is when I pack apple slices, strawberries, a banana (cut off at the ends, but still in it's peel), a few crackers and then fill the small dipper with Nutella.

The Planet Box Complete comes with a PlanetBox, 1 set of magnets (your choice of ten designs), 1 big and 1 little dipper, and a carry bag (your choice from five color options) for $59.95. The set isn't cheap, but it does last for years and is made of high quality food-grade stainless steel - free of BPA and other toxins. You can also buy the PlanetBox Basic for $34.95 and replacement Carry Bags ($14.95) and Dippers ($14.95).

Looking for more lunch inspirations? Great lunch ideas abound on Planet Box's Facebook page and also on the fantastic blog AnotherLunch.com. I love this Just Ducky lunch.

Anna Sandler is a contributor to Momtrends. She makes lunch for her kids every day in scenic New Jersey and blogs about all things mom at RandomHandprints.com.

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