Tag: Munch

Non-toxic Lunchbox Accessories

Published on by Vanessa GregoriaLeave a comment

When I was growing up I can’t remember anyone talking about non-toxic containers for lunches and food storage. However, we now know how dangerous plastics can be for our hormones, especially when microwaved. BPA often comes to mind, but other toxins may still be present in plastic, which are just as dangerous to our health. Luckily there are many safer options available now. You can find containers made of stainless steel, glass and safer plastic that doesn’t contain BPA, Lead, Phthalates, and PVC. Although they often cost more they do last longer and can often be recycled. I think this is a better investment in our health and the planet.

One dilemma I did come across when researching containers and also lunchboxes is that most weren’t microwave safe. I don’t use a microwave at all. I actually have a small oven instead of a microwave at home. However, my partner does use the microwave at work, as much as I tell him not to. I try to prepare meals that don’t need to be microwaved or but sometimes he just doesn’t want to eat his meal cold. We use round Pyrex glass containers or Decor glass containers with BPA-free air vent lid. When possible he doesn’t use the lid. However it is a difficult situation when using a shared microwave, so I always make sure the food isn’t touching the top.

A product that was recommended to me by a store assistant at Biome is the Charles Viacin Lilypad lids. Unfortunately, I haven’t convinced him to take one of these to work. They are made of silicone and are microwave safe and BPA Free. From what I have read on this subject BPA free, food grade Silicone (often used in bakeware) has no definitive studies proving that it is unsafe. Plastics, on the otherhand has counterless studies proving that they are very dangerous to our health and the planet. I would love to know what you think?

I guess my conclusion to this research is to continue to use and purchase these safer non-toxic lunch box alternatives, use glass for reheating, thermal for warm foods (that will be eaten within the hour) or cool food and where possible prepare foods that don’t need reheating.

If your interested in some lunchbox meals that don’t need to be reheated here are some great ideas from 101 Cookbooks , Oh She Glows and Buona Pappa (for the little ones).

In this article I have included non-toxic lunchbox accessories, that can purchased in Australia, such as:

For more lunch products  you can buy in Australia, check out my article Non-toxic Lunch Bags and Lunch Boxes.

If you have any thoughts or recommendations feel free to leave a comment!

 

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Non-toxic Lunch Bags and Lunch Boxes

Published on by Vanessa Gregoria4 Comments

These days cute and stylish lunch boxes and bags for kids and adults have become the norm. No more brown paper bags, when you can eat lunch in style. However many of these insulated lunch bags, plastic containers, and lunch boxes are full of harmful substances, such as BPA, Phthalate, Lead and PVC. Now with so many eco-friendly and non-toxic options, there’s no need to eat your lunch out of toxic vessel.

A study done by the Center for Health, Environment and Justice (CHEJ, La Weekly 2012) found that many vinyl lunchboxes and other back-to-school items had high levels of phthalates. They stated that children are most at risk, since “their developing brains and bodies, their metabolism and behaviors make them uniquely vulnerable to harm from toxic chemicals”. These chemicals have been linked to various problems such as ADHD, birth defects, asthma, diabetes. Other studies have also demonstrated that substances such as BPA, PVC, lead are also dangerous for our health, causing disruptions to hormones, behavioural problems and linked to cancer.

There are so many great brands making products that are eco-friendly and non-toxic. So here are some of the best ones I have found available to Australian consumers.

The products I have researched include:

I have previously written up a list of Non-Toxic Diaper Bags, Toddler and Grade School Backpacks that will complement your non-toxic lunch bags and boxes. Stay tuned for another post featuring more lunch box accessories, such as containers, water bottles and ice packs.

 

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