Eco-Friendly Lunch & Snack Sacks
Today, April shares her two favorite plastic bag alternatives: snackTAXIs and Lunch Skins. Read on for more information about these fabulously stylish and eco-friendly lunch and snack packing solutions, as well as to learn how to win a trio of snackTAXI and Lunch Skins products (entry closes at midnight, October 21):
From April:
“Before I had my daughter, I didn't use many Ziploc bags. I had always been conscious of the plastic waste before parenthood. But the pacifiers that must be kept clean, the tidbits and snacks for every trip out of the house, and the sandwiches and munchies that can overrun the life of a family with a child are staggering. I simply had no clue that we would contribute such a hefty amount to the 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags discarded globally every year. I cringe thinking about it. I had always been so careful before, but when I had my daughter I didn't feel I had options that let me curtail our usage while still doing what we needed to get out of the house.
When I came out of the fog after her first year, my more alert self was beyond a little horrified and we did some quick changing to more reusable containers. Thinking ahead a few years, we'll be staring daily school lunches in the face and after-school snacks on the go. Even now, our every outing requires a bag of snacks. That would be a lot of plastic if we didn't have an alternate plan. Thankfully it was easy to reign it in right away, especially since there are the wonderful reusable bag products by snackTAXI and Lunch Skins. Reusable containers are nice, but sometimes you need a bag -- something that folds flat and takes up no room when empty, something that fits the space you have available. And, as I found out, sometimes you need several kinds and sizes.
I still use plastic bags on occasion, but not without thinking if a snackTAXI, Lunch Skin, or reusable container would work better. It's really cut back on our use of disposable bags. It may not feel like a dent in the 500 billion, but at least we're contributing to the problem less than we were, and that makes a difference. As it is, we have several of each brand, so we usually have the right combo for what we need. I save the plastic bags for when I need their benefits the most—like transporting spill-y, gooey shampoo in my luggage. The rest of the time I go for the reusable as often as possible. Even if it's not 100 percent, it's an easy improvement on a huge global problem.
Here are our two go-to reusable bag brands:
This hand sewn bag (made in nearby Plainfield, MA) has a vertical Velcro closure, so you can fasten it tighter or looser, depending on the contents. I like it for all kinds of things, but especially for Cheerios and Rice Krispies and other little foods, since I can fasten it tighter and there's no gap for the contents to rain all over the inside of my bag. The outside of the bag is 100% cotton and the inside has a polyurethane coated nylon that is free from heavy metals and pthalates and other bad things. They have plenty of different designs, so each person can pick their own lunch or snack bag for the day.
Snack Taxis come in 6" x 4.5" (snack-sacks) and 7.5 "x 6" (sandwich-sacks).
This stylized bag is made from a printed white fabric that feels like smooth sail cloth. The white makes it easy to see if it's really clean or not. It has a horizontal Velcro closure. You can't change how loose or tight it is, but it's a very sturdy hold with a structured shape. It's not so great for tiny items (the aforementioned Rice Krispies that are a favorite for my daughter) that might want to sneak out of the fold-over top, but most food stays put. It's ideal for sandwiches because it fits them so well, a bit better than the snackTAXI. It's a snug but easy fit, so the sandwich is held together by the shape of the bag. No more sliding ham and cheese, or half-opened PB&J.
Best of all from Lunch Skins is their new snack size bag. It's the same size as the plastic Ziploc snack bags—a size we use often for quick trips and little munchies. This bag alone makes a major play in our lives. When you have 2 cheese sticks and a handful of crackers, you don't want to have to use a big bag. Or perhaps two chocolate chip cookies? They don't look so lonely in this small bag. These smaller bags are the perfect complement to their larger size.
Lunch Skins come in two sizes: 6.5" x 6", 6.5" x 3.5"
A couple of final comments:
First, regarding food quality, one thing that I have always hated about plastic bags is the general smoosh factor. You can have a gorgeous sandwich and in a plastic bag it's completely unprotected from its surroundings. The only thing it does is protect the surrounding from the inevitable mess. Both the snackTAXIs and Lunch Skins are slightly thicker and add a bit of armor to the food, without adding bulk or weight. The food is more intact. The cookies are less crumbled. And the sandwich? Well, it's far less demolished and dense, and therefore far tastier.
Second, the question I get the most from other parents and babysitters is how to clean them. It's the same for both: EASY. Reusable is nice as long as it doesn't get disgusting, right? Most of the time, a rinse out at the sink with warm water will be all they need. Every now and then, they need s little scrub to get a spot of melted chocolate off. When it's really bad, like after a fully loaded PB&J has stuck to the edges a bit or chocolate chips have melted from a cookie all over it, I just rinse it once or twice and put it on the top shelf of the dishwasher, opened over the spokes like a glass. Easy breezy. I do it without even thinking about it.”
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Congrats to winner Amy!
+ + + + +
Now, want to win a trio of snackTAXI and Lunch Skins products? Here's how:
Rules:
*One lucky winner (drawn using Random.org) will receive one snackTAXI sandwich-sack + snack-sack, and one Lunch Skins snack sized sack (set gender neutral patterns; $24 value).
Comments
would love this great product.
Posted by: Debbie | October 19, 2009 8:50 AM | Reply to this comment
Great bags!
Posted by: Mardi Fourreau | October 19, 2009 8:55 AM | Reply to this comment
Would love to try these!
Posted by: Katherine Lansdale | October 19, 2009 9:04 AM | Reply to this comment
To Whom It May Concern -
I would love to win some free snack taxis and/or lunch skins. I have always hated that I use the plastic zip-locs and would love another alternative!
Thanks,
Nicole Hanover
Posted by: Nicole Hanover | October 19, 2009 9:12 AM | Reply to this comment
These snack sacks are so cool! I hate using plastic of any kind & that these are washable fabric is totally ingenious. Also, my daughter has to put her snack each morning in a basket at preschool & has difficulty finding hers amidst the sea of ziploc bags. These beautifully designed sacks will easily stand out for her! :)
Posted by: Deborah K. | October 19, 2009 9:12 AM | Reply to this comment
This is a terrific idea! I didn't know there was an eco-alternative to Ziplocs outside of too-bulky to carry Tupperware. What a fabulous idea!
Posted by: Michelle S. | October 19, 2009 9:34 AM | Reply to this comment
Several friends use these... I've been meaning to get some for our family... and they are super cute too!!
Posted by: Janelle | October 19, 2009 9:34 AM | Reply to this comment
I've recently bought some of these for my family and have been amazed at how many compliments we get about them! They're fun and easy to use/clean.
Posted by: Kate Fichter | October 19, 2009 9:47 AM | Reply to this comment
These are genius!!! Would love the chance to try them out.
Posted by: Kerry | October 19, 2009 9:55 AM | Reply to this comment
waaaaay swankier than recycled bread-loaf bags.
Posted by: Sarah | October 19, 2009 10:00 AM | Reply to this comment
These are faboulous!
Posted by: Wendy T | October 19, 2009 10:08 AM | Reply to this comment
What a great idea! My daughter started kindergarten this year and this would be a great alternative to plastic ziploc bags
Posted by: Sandy | October 19, 2009 10:18 AM | Reply to this comment
Great idea!
Posted by: Amanda Steiman | October 19, 2009 10:25 AM | Reply to this comment
Thanks for letting us know there's an alternative to plastic containers! I've been working on being more "green" in all aspects, and have been trying to teach my kids as well. And if others see them in the lunchroom, maybe they'll want to try them too!
Posted by: Kathy S. | October 19, 2009 10:34 AM | Reply to this comment
Such a good idea. I'd love to have reusable bags. I currently reuse plastic bags - I'm sure this would be much easier. :)
Posted by: Sierra | October 19, 2009 10:45 AM | Reply to this comment
Very cute. Would like to try this product.
Posted by: Rosie | October 19, 2009 11:35 AM | Reply to this comment
what a neato idea!
Posted by: Laura M | October 19, 2009 11:55 AM | Reply to this comment
My kids would love to use these. They're cool and better for our environment.
Posted by: Denyse | October 19, 2009 1:09 PM | Reply to this comment
Unique and genius.... would love to have them.
Posted by: Rosann Van Lear | October 19, 2009 1:32 PM | Reply to this comment
Love, love, love them.
Posted by: caryn | October 19, 2009 2:01 PM | Reply to this comment
Saw one of these at lunch duty so cool!!!
Posted by: Mariannr | October 19, 2009 2:07 PM | Reply to this comment
I really need to invest in some of these. Tupperwares are so bulky! Thanks for the giveaway...
Posted by: Jen LF | October 19, 2009 3:25 PM | Reply to this comment
Very cool. Would love to try these!
Posted by: Joan L | October 19, 2009 3:50 PM | Reply to this comment
Thanks to reusable containers, we rarely use plastic bags but I've been wanting to try some reusable bags.
Posted by: Marla | October 19, 2009 3:55 PM | Reply to this comment
Awesome and a great idea!
Posted by: Vidya | October 19, 2009 4:13 PM | Reply to this comment
The snackTAXI and Lunch Skins are so stylish and eco friendly-
the best of both worlds-
Posted by: Nora McClymer | October 19, 2009 4:35 PM | Reply to this comment
I'd love to use these bags instead of the plastic baggies.
I really like all the fabric choices that are available. Much cuter than plain old baggies.
Posted by: lace | October 19, 2009 5:11 PM | Reply to this comment
Awesome idea! I have been looking for just this kind of thing to pack my daughter's lunch. Thanks for the info.
Posted by: Jen C | October 19, 2009 5:40 PM | Reply to this comment
A good friend of mine uses the snackTAXI and it's so cool. So environmentally friendly! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Sue | October 19, 2009 5:42 PM | Reply to this comment
Would love to be eco-friendly in my use of storage containers/lunch packs. Great idea and product!
Posted by: Julia | October 19, 2009 6:16 PM | Reply to this comment
how cool are these mverno@roadrunner.com
Posted by: susan varney | October 19, 2009 6:29 PM | Reply to this comment
these are cool.
Posted by: Shannon Baas | October 19, 2009 6:40 PM | Reply to this comment
I have been wanting to get some of these bags. Great giveaway.
Posted by: K Anne | October 19, 2009 7:02 PM | Reply to this comment
I've really been wanting to try these, but wanted to see them in person first! Would love the chance to reduce our use of plastic!!
Posted by: Meka | October 19, 2009 7:03 PM | Reply to this comment
these look really fun! I use tons of little tupperwares - which gets to be quite a mess in my drying rack!
Posted by: Serena | October 19, 2009 7:53 PM | Reply to this comment
I think I should buy these.
Posted by: Cris J. | October 19, 2009 8:41 PM | Reply to this comment
Would love to win this. What a wonderful idea. So much better than big, bulky lunch boxes or paper bags!
Posted by: Robin Rathmell | October 19, 2009 10:36 PM | Reply to this comment
I would love to try these! I am guilty of using way too many plastic ziploc sandwich bags.
ljatwood at gmail dot com
Posted by: Lori A. | October 19, 2009 11:01 PM | Reply to this comment
I hadn't thought about how they may help prevent smooshing. Things get piled on if you're among the first to put your lunch in the fridge at work and it just doesn't look as appetizing.
Posted by: Jess D | October 19, 2009 11:56 PM | Reply to this comment
I think you have the world in the bag!!!!Great
Posted by: Peter B | October 20, 2009 12:15 AM | Reply to this comment
I always wondered how easy they are to clean. so cute too
Posted by: Noreen | October 20, 2009 3:26 AM | Reply to this comment
These are great. I hate using the plastic baggies because they seem like such a waste. Am always looking for more eco-friendly alternatives - love these!
Posted by: Melissa | October 20, 2009 8:11 AM | Reply to this comment
I definitely need these! Thanks for the article and giveaway!
Posted by: Lisa | October 20, 2009 8:30 AM | Reply to this comment
These are great, but why aren't people washing and saving plastic bags?
Posted by: Catherine MB | October 20, 2009 9:52 AM | Reply to this comment
These look great!
Posted by: Melissa | October 20, 2009 10:40 AM | Reply to this comment
This wouild be great for the kids school lunches.
Posted by: Denyse | October 20, 2009 11:30 AM | Reply to this comment
This is a great idea and very stylish. It would be great to not have to use plastic baggies.
Posted by: April J | October 20, 2009 11:35 AM | Reply to this comment
My daughter takes her lunch to school-these would be perfect for her
Posted by: Julie | October 20, 2009 12:08 PM | Reply to this comment
very cute
Posted by: evelyn | October 20, 2009 12:30 PM | Reply to this comment
They are Chic,Eco Friendly and come in fun colors and styles. Thanks very much for the chance.
mogrill@comcast.net
Posted by: Monique Rizzo | October 20, 2009 12:45 PM | Reply to this comment
I think this is a great idea! So much is wasted in packaging, we should be reusing them.
Posted by: Lo | October 20, 2009 1:40 PM | Reply to this comment
What a great wayto be stylish and be eco-friendly. Love them!
Posted by: Val Lohse | October 20, 2009 2:00 PM | Reply to this comment
I think these are a great idea, especially in a world where we're trying to be more eco-conscious.
Posted by: Anne-Marie | October 20, 2009 2:02 PM | Reply to this comment
Would love to add to my arsenal of "go to" snack holders! Thanks!
Posted by: Amy Catalogna | October 20, 2009 2:55 PM | Reply to this comment
I love Snack Taxi's. They work wonderfully, but I could always use some more. Thanks for the giveaway.
Posted by: Mary A | October 20, 2009 3:18 PM | Reply to this comment
I think these are so cute, and a great eco friendly option! hope i win!
Posted by: whitney | October 20, 2009 3:49 PM | Reply to this comment
This would be perfect for my kids.
Posted by: Erma H | October 20, 2009 3:53 PM | Reply to this comment
Ooo...pick me, pick me!!!
Posted by: Coasting anon | October 20, 2009 4:30 PM | Reply to this comment
This would be perfect for hubby who takes his lunch everyday.
Posted by: Happi Shopr | October 20, 2009 5:22 PM | Reply to this comment
Very cool product these are awesome!
Posted by: Lisa | October 20, 2009 6:41 PM | Reply to this comment
Would love to try these...what a cool idea!
Posted by: Jacqueline Strawder | October 20, 2009 9:48 PM | Reply to this comment
My son carries his lunch to school every day, (picky eater, haha). So this would be perfect for him!
Posted by: kristi blackstone | October 21, 2009 2:42 AM | Reply to this comment
This would be great for those days we don't make bentos.
Posted by: Dddiva | October 21, 2009 6:07 AM | Reply to this comment
Much cuter than ziplocks!
Posted by: Lisa | October 21, 2009 11:39 AM | Reply to this comment
My family has been trying to simplify and get away from so many plastic bags and such- what a great idea in reusable bags!
Posted by: Tanya | October 21, 2009 2:32 PM | Reply to this comment
Great way to cut down on the ziplock bags!
Posted by: Judy B | October 21, 2009 2:34 PM | Reply to this comment
I would love to cut down on my plastic baggie usage. I know they are bad for the environment and I just can't bring myself to wash and dry them so they can be reused!
Posted by: renee | October 21, 2009 2:44 PM | Reply to this comment
I love the waste-free lunch concept- we are trying to cut down on our use of plastic bags, and I think this would help alot!
Posted by: Gus and Clay's Mama | October 21, 2009 2:45 PM | Reply to this comment
What a great idea! I'd love it to use for my husband's and daughter's lunches.
Posted by: Gloria | October 21, 2009 4:08 PM | Reply to this comment
I would love to win! Thanks for the opportunity, these look like a wonderful product to cut down on waste.
Posted by: Rebecca C | October 21, 2009 4:25 PM | Reply to this comment
What a wonderful idea! I'd love to get some of these, thanks for the chance!
Posted by: Angela Winesburg | October 21, 2009 4:32 PM | Reply to this comment
I really like all the fabric choices that are available.
Posted by: dawn | October 21, 2009 4:35 PM | Reply to this comment
These would be great, loess waste
harborlad@optonline.net
Posted by: lorene | October 21, 2009 5:06 PM | Reply to this comment
I actually have a reusable sandwich wrap already, but is ancient and on its last legs. I'd love to upgrade.
Posted by: Wehaf | October 21, 2009 5:14 PM | Reply to this comment
I have never done very well at being green, especially since I have so many kids. I think this would really help me get my act together!
Posted by: Sarah | October 21, 2009 6:54 PM | Reply to this comment
sounds great, we need to reduce waste
Posted by: susan smoaks | October 21, 2009 8:23 PM | Reply to this comment
These would be great for school lunches
Posted by: DanV | October 21, 2009 9:36 PM | Reply to this comment
How great for all of the "picnic" lunches that my daughter has with her friends. I'd love this!
Posted by: xenia | October 21, 2009 9:50 PM | Reply to this comment
Please enter me :)
Posted by: Gianna | October 21, 2009 10:00 PM | Reply to this comment
I love the snack taxis- they would come in so handy. I hate using plastic bags.
Posted by: Christina | October 21, 2009 10:25 PM | Reply to this comment
Thank you for the AWESOME GIVEAWAY.. Please count me in :)
Posted by: kathy pease | October 21, 2009 10:43 PM | Reply to this comment
I'd love to use these bags instead of the plastic baggies.
Posted by: rajee | October 21, 2009 11:16 PM | Reply to this comment
Great idea! I wish the product was around when my kids were little
Posted by: Sabine Blanch | October 21, 2009 11:17 PM | Reply to this comment
This is great!! I love it! :)
kristygordanier @ yahoo.com
Posted by: Kristy | October 21, 2009 11:20 PM | Reply to this comment
Please enter me into the contest. Thanks!
Posted by: Lily Kwan | October 21, 2009 11:27 PM | Reply to this comment
I've been looking for an alternative to ziploc and plastic!
Posted by: zmama | October 21, 2009 11:41 PM | Reply to this comment
What a great idea!
Posted by: Sand | October 21, 2009 11:42 PM | Reply to this comment
I really like the snackTAXI sandwich-sack and snack-sack and Lunch Skins snack-sized sack they
would be so much more economical
and I would feel like I am helping the planet.I dislike
plastic so much and I refuse to use the bags at the grocery store
so I bring my own.Thanks for a
great giveaway
Posted by: Charlene Kuser | October 21, 2009 11:43 PM | Reply to this comment
They are such a good idea.
Posted by: Donna K | October 21, 2009 11:53 PM | Reply to this comment
Looks great - I can't believe how many ziplocs I am going through now with my 7 mo-old on solids.
Posted by: Carey B | October 25, 2009 11:19 AM | Reply to this comment