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Search Results for "lunch box"

Sep

11

SafeMama Review: Stainless Steel Lunch Box

Filed Under Eco-Mama, Green Mama, Product Reviews

nullWhile most kids are back in school, mine isn’t (and the day he climbs the bus to head to kindergarten, I will cry a lot and then I’ll promptly proceed to my nearest sofa, because HELLO free time!) but I didn’t want to be left out.  We currently use the Foogo stainless steel container when we go out because it’s great at keeping things warm if we know we’ll be out for awhile, but as my son gets older, we realize that it’s a little on the smaller size.  Not wanting to compromise my son’s safety by allowing food to sit in a plastic container all day, I sought for something else.

I found this two tiered stainless lunch box.  This is great for parents who are looking to avoid unecessary materials that will most likely rot in a landfill and contaminate the water supply.  It’s small enough to carry around and not be too bulky, yet big enough to hold a sandwich and a few snacks.  The only thing about this is that it’s not insulated so by the time my son was ready to eat his lunch, he had to eat his chicken cold.  You may be able to squeeze a hot or cold pack in there, but it would be a tight fit.   This is probably a better lunch box for an older kid, maybe one in high school, as I am going to venture to guess that it’s total utilitarian look isn’t going to appeal to the kid that wants the latest hot cartoon character or something a little more fun.   But it’s definitely form and function.

Get It: You can find this lunch box over at Healthy Kitchen Ware.  They also have a three tiered version as well as some great alternative options to plastic.

Search Results for "lunch box"

Mar

17

Review: Kids Konserve Lunch Sets

Filed Under Eco-Mama, Food Safety, Green Mama, Product Reviews

Now that my 3 year old is in pre-school, finding safer school supplies and lunch items came to the forefront of my life. I didn’t want to become part of the giant pile of waste created by disposable lunch containers and wraps so I went on a hunt to find better solutions that wouldn’t be a pain in my time-limited neck.

kitc_smallI got a chance to try out the lunch sets by Kids Konserve.  Their sets come with everything you need to take lunch with you and you come away with zero waste.  ZERO.  That’s something I’ve been working toward while keeping the materials I’m using safe.  The kit comes with a Velcro seal canvas lunch bag, a canvas place mat (this was great for me more than my 3 year old – especially at the park), a reusable sandwich wrap, 2 stainless steel containers for snacks, fruit or whatever really, and a stainless water bottle.. all in a stylish matching print.

I was really pleased with all the components and it works perfectly for lunch on the go.  The stainless containers seal air tight and keep things fresh, and the sandwich wrap miraculously kept my sons sandwich held together until lunchtime.  I’m trying to teach my son about helping the environment and keeping the planet clean so he gets a kick out of using this system and then bringing it all home to use again the next school day.

Kids Konserve has a bevy of other reusable lunch storage items like mini stainless tins (great for dips or condiments), insulated food thermos for warm or cold food,  and my favorite thing – party supplies.  The volume of waste created at parties is phenomenal.  They have sets of reusable party dishware for class parties, picnics or parties at home – all made of recyclable yogurt containers.  Cool!  Kids Konserve gets a thumbs up from SafeMama.com!

Get Kids Konserve: Pic up any of their items or lunch sets at KidsKonserve.com.  Bonus!  Save 10% off your order with the coupon code “safemama“.

The Earth Day Special for Schools:
Make money or save money – 25% off is for schools that choose to do a Waste-Free Challenge (either the school earns a 25% kickback or each family will save 25%, the school chooses.) Contact christy@kidskonserve.com to get it started.

Search Results for "lunch box"

Nov

27

CitizenPip Waste Free Lunch Kits (Giveaway!)

Filed Under Food Safety, Giveaways Coupons, Green Mama

Soup2Nuts2_415It is my absolute pleasure to introduce you to a company I just recently learned about, CitizenPip.  CitizenPip specializes in waste-free lunch supplies that are safe for you and the kids.  I know what you’re thinking, “Not another reusable lunch box“.  Ok yes but I really adore so many things about this product that I had to share it with you.

CitizenPip makes adorable (for kid or adult) insulated lunch bags made of all safe materials.  The “bag” which is more like a lunchbox shape is deeper than conventional lunch boxes (much deeper than our old Crocodile Creek) so it fits containers better and there is no shoving or smushing involved.  They have 3 cute designs with chic colors.  For review, we received a Lunch Bag and a Soup-to-Nuts kit to put it to the test.  I sent it to school with my almost 4 year old who really knows how to beat stuff up. Better yet, all the items are BPA, PVC, Phthalates, and Lead free so no worrying about any of that.

The Soup-to-Nuts set comes with 4 airtight BPA Free plastic containers, one of which is the right size for a sandwich. THANK YOU CitizenPip.  One of my biggest peeves about these new reusable lunch systems out now is that they hardly ever come with a container to fit a sandwich!  In my son’s lunch I fit a full sandwich, a cut up apple, grapes and some Annie’s Bunny Crackers.  It also fits a big stainless water bottle so I got everything in there without any trouble.  The Soup-to-Nuts kit also comes with an insulated food jar perfect for warm or cold foods, a stainless set of utensils, and a set of 4 cotton napkins.

What I loved the most: Deep lunch box, perfect size food containers, stylish, and safe (All items are BPA, PVC, Phthalate and Lead Free!).  Even better is my kid liked it too.  A couple of the teachers that supervise after school lunch-bunch stopped me to say how much they liked his lunchbox and wanted to know where to get it.  Thumbs up!  We’re CitizenPip kids here now!

Get

You can purchase a CitizenPip Waste Free Lunch Kit on CitizenPip.com.  And from now through 12/31/09 use the code “SAFEMAMAgives” on orders over $50 and get a free fork+spoon set (just add them to your cart before checkout).

Give

Citizenpip will plant one tree in partnership with Trees for the Future for every $10 spent.  AND, Citizenpip will donate $300 on behalf of the blog/site with the most coupon codes redeemed between now and 12/31/09.  How cool is that?  We can choose from one of these green non-profit organizations:

  • Trees for the Future
  • Environmental Working Group
  • Healthy Child Healthy World

Win

One lucky reader will take home a CitizenPip Square Meal Kit!  Here’s how to enter:

Visit CitizenPip.com and tell us in a comment on this entry which lunch kit you like the best! (We have the “Eat” lunchbag and we love it!)

For extra entries (leave a separate comment for each extra entry, leave links to your tweets/buttons):

  • Follow @CitizenPip on Twitter
  • Follow @SafeMama on Twitter
  • Re-Tweet this Giveaway: Win a CitizenPip Square Meal Waste Free Lunch Kit from @safemama (http://tinyurl.com/yjtfot7)
  • Add our SafeMama button to your blog or website

Giveaway Closed!

Search Results for "lunch box"

Aug

4

Cheat Sheet: Safer & Eco-Friendly Lunch Gear

Filed Under ** Cheat Sheets!, Food Safety, PVC Free

A while back we did a quick write up of safer alternatives to lunch boxes when all that “lead in lunchboxes” hoopla went down.  Since then there are so many great alternatives to lunch boxes available that it totally warrants a new cheat sheet. Lunchboxes are perfect for little and big kids and help reduce waste that’s clogging up our environment.  Whether stainless steel, canvas or recyclable plastic is your thing – there is a lunch system for you.  No matter what age.  Note: This is not a comprehensive list – if you think a brand should be on here please let us know and we’ll verify it! (Last Updated August 26, 2010)

Lunch Boxes, Bags and Lunch Systems

We looked high and low for lunch boxes and gear that was free of BPA, PVC, Phthalates and either claims to be lead-free or meets CPSIA testing standards for lead.  I’ve noted which brands claim what regarding lead. All of our picks are also free of Microban.   Here are our picks

Lunchable Storage Containers

I also encourage you to download the CHEJ 2010 Back to School PVC Free School Supplies shopping guide and the EWG Back to School Guide for more ideas on having a less toxic school year.

Great places to shop for lunch/food storage gear:

Search Results for "lunch box"

Aug

3

SafeMama Picks Safer Lunch Box Alternatives

Filed Under PVC Free, product finds

Crocodile Creek Lunch BoxIt’s hard to believe that back to school shopping is in full swing. I suppose that having a toddler makes it feel as we still have a little longer until summer is officially over, and if it’s anything like last summer, we have until at least November. I’m not complaining….much.

But for those of you that have school aged kiddos, you’re probably counting down the days until school starts. And let me say, I’m with you in spirit.

We’ve gotten quite a few requests from SafeMama™ readers out there regarding lunch boxes. Conventional lunch boxes from your local discount chain are most likely constructed of PVC and riddled with lead paint. You’d think after a year of listening to nothing but lead paint recalls and phthalates in PVC, these chains would get with the program. But unfortunately, I think we’re far from seeing any sort of resolution on their part. So we set out to find a few alternatives for you that don’t suck entirely. All options are free of lead, phthalates, PVC and BPA.

For a good soft lunch box, I discovered Crocodile Creek. (shown above) These might be a good alternative for kids who are geared towards licensed characters. They have a large selection of cute designs for both boys and girls. You might be able to find these in your local Whole Foods, which is where I discovered them, or you can order them directly from their website.  Added 6/10/09 This is a SafeMama Top Pick… I’ve been using one for my sons preschool all year.  Its durable and cute and still going strong.  Love our lunchbox!

Next up we have Laptop lunches. These are a bento box type of lunch box and one of the more expensive options that we’ve come across, but they’re really appealing to kids that like things organized and presented in an appealing way. Bento is the Japanese tradition of a boxed lunch. Which is where the food is divided into its own little compartment. All of laptop lunches options are made of polyethylene and polypropylene. You can order Laptop Lunches directly from their website. (Note: The small emblem on the bag and the name tag do contain PVC but the company is looking into silicone alternatives.)

One of my favorite options are Munchlers lunch bags by Built NY. Munchlers are adorable totes that are shaped like animals and open up fully to create a place mat. These run a little on the small side, so for those who might need a little more space, there’s also a wearable lunch bag available. All bags are made of polyethylene and can be ordered directly from their website.

Finally, we came across the Cool Tote, a soft lunch box with a fabric outer cover. These totes are shaped more like your brown bag, except it has an adjustable shoulder strap. With three different sizes and 50 different fabrics to choose from, you should be able to find something for just about every kid. All lunch totes also come with an 8oz freezer pack. You can order Cool Totes directly from their website.

We haven’t come across a safe alternative yet that has any sort of licensed characters, which might pose a problem for the kid who HAS to have Lightning McQueen or Dora The Explorer, so if you do happen to find anything that satisfies those who are going through an obsession with their favorite character, drop us a note and we’ll be happy to add it to the list if it meets the criteria.

Update 8/6/08: A couple of SafeMama™ have tipped us off with a few other suggestions.  Licensed character lunch boxes to the rescue!  ZAK! Designs has quite a few licensed characters, all of their lunch boxes are lead and PVC free.  There’s no store locator, but I would check your local discount chains and grocery stores.  My local grocery store has tons of ZAK! products. Update 9/21/09: A SafeMama reader sent in the following email to us:  I read your article on safer lunchbox alternatives.  It mentions that ZAK! Designs lunchboxes are all PVC free and that isn’t right.  I just ordered a ZAK! Spiderman Lunchbox and the tag inside says it contains 30% PVC. I guess this is a good lesson in making sure that your child’s lunchbox actually says lead and phthalate free.  You can also call the manufacturer if you’re not sure.  Shame on ZAK designs!

L.L. Beans critter lunch box series is also free of lead and PVC.  And they’re also way cute!

Search Results for "lunch box"

Aug

10

Back-to-School LunchBots Giveaway

Filed Under Food Safety, Giveaways Coupons

Since parts of the country started back to school this week and the rest of you will start over the next month or so I thought it was fitting to kick off this week with a fun little giveaway from LunchBots!  I posted about LunchBots before and are a permanent resident of our Safer Lunch Gear Cheat Sheet.  Not only are they pretty cute, but the entire container is made with high quality stainless steel and the lid is coated with a non-VOC emitting paint.  They have had them and are 3rd party tested lead free.

The LunchBots Uno is the perfect size to carry a sandwich (with regular store bought bread) and the LunchBots Duo is the same size as the Uno but has 2 separate compartments.  It’s great for crackers, fruit, cheese, nuts or other dry snacks.  These are great for your bag or lunchbox or for on-the-go snacks right in your diaper bag.  Since they are all stainless steel you can be sure they are free of BPA, PVC, Phthalates, or other plastic leaching risks.  They come in a range of colors and are the perfect size for your lunch storage needs. I’m a big fan of LunchBots!

Get It: You can purchase LunchBots right from their website LunchBots.com.  Bonus! Use the code SAFEMAMA20 for 20% off at LunchBots.com

Win Some!

LunchBots is giving away their popular set: a LunchBots Uno AND a LunchBots Duo to one lucky SafeMama reader!

To Enter:

Leave a comment on this entry telling me why you’d like to win this giveaway!

For Extra Entries:(You must leave a comment for each extra entry for them to count):

  • Fan/Like  LunchBots on Facebook
  • Follow @LunchBot on Twitter
  • Fan/Like  SafeMama on Facebook
  • Follow @SafeMama on Twitter
  • Subscribe to SafeMama.com via RSS reader
  • Subscribe to SafeMama.com via feedburner email
  • Tweet this giveaway (CAN BE RETWEETED ONCE A DAY – Just leave the link to the tweet itself each day in the comments):  Enter to #WIN an @Lunchbot Uno & Duo Set from @SafeMama #giveaway ends 8/20 http://tinyurl.com/2awu3jq

One winner will be selected at random using Random.org. Giveaway open to US residents. Entries will be accepted until August 20, 2010 at midnight EST.  Good Luck :D

Giveaway Closed. Congratulations Sandi commenter #159!  Thank you all who entered!

Search Results for "lunch box"

Aug

19

Back To School Non Toxic Lunch Giveaway from MightyNest!

Filed Under Eco-Mama, Food Safety, Giveaways Coupons

Coming down off the heels of BlogHer and right into the frenzy of “back-to-school” is the name of the game around here. Down here in the south, kids went back to school on August 9th! But I know many kids haven’t started yet and won’t until after Labor Day.  So what better time than now to do a fun giveaway courtesy of MightyNest.com!  If you haven’t checked them out yet, you should.  They offer a wide variety of not only lunch gear but have a wide selection of non-toxic products for a healthy home as well. If you check them out and shop, we have a coupon code for you: Use code “MightyMama10” at check out to receive 10% off your order!

Now for the fabulous giveaway!  MightyNest has put together an adorable lunch system packed with PVC, BPA, Phthalate, and Lead free lunching gear.  One winner will take home:

Mimi the Sardine LunchBug: This cute insulated tote is PVC free and features eco-friendly fabrics that are Oko-Tek 100 certified.  The bag is soft, washable and super cute.  The acrylic coated certified organic cotton fabric is easily wiped clean for day to day use too.

Set of 2 Organic Cotton Napkins by Litter Free Lunch: What better way to not contribute to our clogged landfills by using reusable cloth napkins? These napkins by Litter Free Lunch are made with 100% certified organic cotton and feature Oko-Tek certified dyes.  They are 12 x 12 which is a great size for a napkin or unfolded to use as a placemat.  Each napkin comes with a sewn in label to write your name.

LunchBots Pico Snack Container:  No lunch gear set is complete without a LunchBot!  This adorable snack box is made of the highest quality stainless steel which is one of the safest materials for food storage.  The Pico is perfect for snacks like fruit, crackers, nuts, cheese, or dry cereals.  It can be used in your lunch bag or tossed into your own diaper bag or purse for on-the-go snacking.

Reusable Snack/Sandwich Bag by Snack Taxi: Ditch the plastic wrap for these super cute and functional reusable sandwich wraps! Made with cotton and are lined with coated nylon so they can be machine washed and dried, or easily wiped clean with a damp cloth. Fits sandwiches, bagels or bigger snacks!

Here’s How To Enter:

Visit MightyNest.com and leave a comment here telling us what non-toxic products you’d love to have from MightyNest!

For Extra Entries:(You must leave a comment for each extra entry for them to count):

  • Fan/Like MightyNest on Facebook
  • Follow @MightyNest on Twitter
  • Sign up for the MightyNest Newsletter (leave a comment with your email address used so we can verify)
  • Fan/Like  SafeMama on Facebook
  • Follow @SafeMama on Twitter
  • Subscribe to SafeMama.com via RSS reader
  • Subscribe to SafeMama.com via feedburner email
  • Tweet this giveaway (CAN BE RETWEETED ONCE A DAY – Just leave the link to the tweet itself each day in the comments):  I want to #WIN a Safe Lunch Gear Gift Pack from @MightyNest on @SafeMama #giveaway ends 8/26 http://tinyurl.com/32xajme

One winner will be selected at random using Random.org. Giveaway open to US residents. Entries will be accepted until August 26, 2010 at midnight EST.  Good Luck :D

Congratulations to BECKY commenter #96!  Thanks to everyone who entered.. have a safe school year!


SHOP: To order any of the items above, visit MightyNest.com – use code “MightyMama10” for 10% off your order on any items  in the store (promo code ends at the end of September 2010)

Search Results for "lunch box"

Feb

23

SafeMama Review: LunchBots Stainless Steel Lunch Containers

Filed Under Eco-Mama, Product Reviews, product finds

lunchbotsWhen I first found out about all the chemicals leaking in food from plastic containers I started using stainless steel bowls for my son’s food but I could not  travel with them because their were no lids.  I’ve had the pleasure of testing out LunchBots containers.   They are 100% stainless steel so no chemicals leak into my son’s food.  The outside has a powder coating but it doesn’t emit any VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and of course these are lead free.  The LunchBots Uno is the perfect size to carry a sandwich (with regular store bought bread) and the LunchBots Duo is the same size as the Uno but has 2 separate compartments.  I’ve used it for crackers, fruit, cheese and  dry cereals but liquids are not recommended.  The lids  fit tightly so they haven’t come off when I’m throwing them in the diaper bag.  My son felt the need to stand on them and it held his 22lbs without bending it in.

These are perfect for sending kids off to school, in your bag for lunch or for on-the-go snacks.  Stainless steel is one of the best materials for food storage and there is no worrying about things like BPA, PVC, Phthalates, or other plastic chemical leaching.  Plus they’re reusable…  no more filling up trashcans with ziplocks and saran wrap.  We love these!

Get Them: You can purchase LunchBots at www.lunchbots.com and get free shipping with the code  “SAFEMAMA”.  You can also purchase these at the The Soft Landing use coupon code “SF-10” for 10% off your purchase.

Search Results for "lunch box"

Jun

19

Lunchbots New Stainless Dishware

Filed Under product finds

I’m always looking for dishware and kitchen items that are not made of plastic. True there are lots of BPA and PVC free options available but I think alternatives like stainless steel and glass or wood tend to have a longer life and less risks of plastic leeching issues.

I discovered LunchBots last year when I was looking for safer lunch box options (new cheat sheet for that coming soon).. what I loved is that they were stainless steel and they fit an average sized sandwich. There were plenty of bento box style stainless options but none that fit an actual sandwich.

Now they have this great stainless kids dish set that includes an 8″ plate, a 5″ kid-sized bowl which looks perfect for cereal and oatmeal, and an 8 oz. mug. I think these are really sharp looking and practical (no breaking!) for kids. What an adorable set!

Get It: You can order online from their website LunchBots.com – set retails for $25

Search Results for "lunch box"

Jan

5

Suggestion Box: Help SafeMama Help You

Filed Under Website News

As I am gearing up for several product reviews, I am starting to think about what else our readers want to know about.  I’ll continue to post any relevant information about toxics, product safety and news worthy items, and I have a few ideas for the coming months.  However I want to hear from you.  I’ll leave the comments open on this entry and I would love for our SafeMama readers to suggest anything you think would be a great help to new parents.  I’ll take any suggestions you have for me and I’ll consider them all!  I’ll do my best to take your ideas and publish what will benefit our readers.  Thank you all!

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