Making a difference, together
There’s been a lot of thoughtful feedback about waste in school meals, and we’re glad people care as much as we do. From our waste box system to our ovens, from our suppliers to the ‘novelty factor,’ we’re actively addressing these issues on both macro and micro levels to reduce waste. Check out the information below for more on our impactful solutions.
Our Packaging
Rest assured, all materials The Lunch Bag supply or food items is either compostable, recyclable or reusable. We are also actively working with our suppliers to ensure they have plans in place to address their sustainability. We encourage children to compost and recycle responsibly through educational school talks and visits.
Saving Household Packaging
By having your lunch provided by The Lunch Bag, up to 1,800% of retail packaging will be removed from the homes of one classroom alone! There are no single use plastics engaged within the production of our meals and suppliers are actively encouraged to deliver goods to us in reusable containers.
IBC Containers
Our sauces are delivered in large, reusable containers with a plastic lining. This cuts back hugely on single use containers, while also saving time and storage!
Our Ovens
Our meals are heated in schools using regeneration ovens. Not only does this prioritise quality and taste, they’re super environmentally friendly! Did you know they use only the same mount of electricity as a hair dryer!?
Waste Box System
As parents ourselves, we do our absolute best to provide high-quality meals. However, we also understand that sometimes children just won’t finish their dinner! That’s why we’ve introduced a new system to keep you informed about your child’s eating habits.
We’ve partnered with an Irish supplier to develop a sustainable waste box for storing your child’s leftovers. Our waste box is not only 100% recyclable and BPA-free but also produced through a zero-waste manufacturing process!
Why do we use them?
Your child will bring home a waste box just like this one!
– Free of charge
– 100% compostable
– BPA free
We ask parents to compost the remaining contents if your child does not eat all of their lunch. The purpose of the lunch box is NOT for reheating & eating leftovers. This meal has already been heated and must be disposed of as soon as you have checked the amount eaten.
The Novelty Factor
As the ‘novelty’ of school meals starts to wear off, all school meal suppliers start to see the same issues.
At The Lunch Bag, we continually update our menu, offering over 19 different meals per week. As suppliers, we can take turns supplying your schools, only for the same issue to arise a few months later when the novelty of a different ordering system and packaging wears off.
Ways you can help!
– Making sure you are changing your child’s order regularly. This helps provent boredom. (We have up to 11 different options a day!)
Remember that ‘small break’ & lunch are very close together. Please ensure break time snacks are not too filling so their tummies are able for a hot meal shortly after.