Non-Toxic Living: Kids’ Lunch Supplies
"Exposure to toxins during critical periods of development can have lifelong consequences on a child's health."
—Bruce Lanphear
When it comes to kids' lunches, the materials used in their containers and utensils can have a significant impact on their health. Plastic containers, commonly used for packing lunches, often contain harmful chemicals like bisphenol-A (BPA) and phthalates. These chemicals can leach into food, especially when exposed to heat or acidic contents, posing potential risks to children's health.
Repeated exposure to these chemicals from daily use of plastic containers can contribute to an accumulative toxic burden in children. Studies have linked exposure to BPA and phthalates with various health issues in children, including developmental delays, hormonal disruptions, and reproductive problems. Furthermore, children are more vulnerable to the effects of these chemicals due to their smaller body size and developing organ systems.
Choosing non-toxic alternatives such as stainless steel or glass containers and silicone or stainless steel utensils can help minimize children's exposure to harmful chemicals in their daily lunches.
Here are the lunch supply items that we’ll tackle today:
The lunch box container
The bento box
Thermos
Individual food containers
Cloth napkins
Utensils
The water bottle
Non-Toxic Lunch Supplies for Kids
Lunch Box Container (to hold everything)
Wildkin is a reputable brand whose products are,
“Rigorously tested to ensure that all parts are lead-safe, BPA-free, phthalate-free, and conform to all rules and regulations set forth by the Consumer Products Safety Commission.”
Top Picks:
Individual Food Containers
Top Picks:
Silicone food containers
Stainless steel containers
WeeSprout condiment containers (although we use them for so many things beyond condiments for the kids)
Reusable silicone bags
Eating Utensils
Silverware set (for older kids)
Silverware set with built-up grip (for toddlers)
EZPZ tiny spoons (babies)
The Water Bottle
The goal is to get high-quality water to the mouth but it’s the materials that this water touches along the way that tends to be the issue. Stainless steel and glass are the best options for vessels. When it comes to the straw to get it to kid’s mouths though, the best options are silicone and polypropylene (PP) plastic tops. The general consensus is that silicone straws are safer than PP because silicone is inert and less likely to leach chemicals. PP plastic, however, comes in a close second, especially if it's labeled PP#5, indicating a safe type of plastic. Avoid any lids that don't have a recycling symbol or lack specific material information, as these might contain potentially harmful plastics.
Top Picks:
Stainless Steel with Silicone Straw
Stainless Steel:
Glass
