I used to think there was no reason not to use plastic sandwich and snack baggies in my boys’ lunches. They were convenient, easy to use, and kept the foods separate in the lunch bag. And then I read some statistics:
- Roughly 12 million barrels of oil are used annually to make the plastic bags that Americans consume
- On average, there are four plastic bags used each day to make lunch for one child. This adds up to almost 1000 plastic bags used each year for one child’s lunch! For this one child, they will use 9000 plastic bags while they are in school from kindergarten through 8th grade
- 100,000,000,000 plastic bags are thrown away by Americans each year. That is INSANE!
- Some scientists estimate that it can take up to 1000 years for one plastic bag to decompose
There is just no way for me to NOT feel guilty about contributing to those statistics! My boys prefer hot lunch, but when Kaitlyn goes to Kindergarten next year I’ll be giving her packed lunches. Thanks to Stephanie at BrightBin, Kaitlyn will be all set for her lunches with the BrightBin New Generation Lunchbox plus the L’Artiste New Generation Lunch Bag!
What makes the BrightBin Lunch Box unique from others I’ve seen is it’s two compartments. The top section keeps a sandwich fresh and un-squished, but could also hold any kind of entree thanks to a rubber seal. The lower section is divided into three compartments for side dishes, with a tight fitting lid that keeps foods in their compartments without the need for extra lids.
You can use a BrightBin Lunch Box as a bento-type box, or flip up the handle and it’s a lunch box all on it’s own. It’s non-toxic and made of food safe polypropylene free of BPA, phthalates, lead, and PVC. It’s dishwasher and even microwave oven safe, too! Available in two colors – translucent cherry red and translucent blueberry blue.
While the BrightBin Lunch Box can be used on it’s own, it works really well with any of the Lunch Bags sold on the site. Brightbin’s L’Artiste Lunch Bag comes with four non-toxic, washable gel markers that your child can use to decorate their bag, and then wash off with warm soapy water and draw on again! The bottom of the bag has a zippered storage compartment for a drink bottle, too. The outer material is polyester, and the inner lining is food-safe PEVA. The bag comes in light grey only. Check out the site for other Lunch Bag designs.
BrightBin Lunch Box only: $16.95 plus shipping
BrightBin L’Artiste Lunch Bag: $27.95 +
Sold together: $33.95 = GREAT DEAL!
To sum up, reusable lunch boxes good. Filling landfills with plastic, BAD. Thank you to BrightBin for giving me a great alternative to packing lunches filled with plastic bags!
More From MomReviews
MomReviews Recommends
- The Perfect Pink! (Day to Day Life)
- Christmas in the air… (Day to Day Life)
Thank you for posting this! There is a boy in my class at the preschool who has these and I keep looking for them, not knowing what the are! Now I do! I have to add the boy who has them is 3 and they are easy enough for him to open on his own with no help! Big PLUS for making kids feel self sufficient!
Mimi @ The Things We do´s last [type] ..Testing
wow the shape is very unique.. good idea and the color is interesting… hmm.. good idea to buying our children this lunchbox… thanks for giving review….
Addie´s last [type] ..Easy Instant Decoration Wall Sticker Decal – Music
What a great idea. It should save you money in the long run, too, besides being a “green” alternative. Especially given that the price isn’t too extreme.
The Brightbin box is a great idea. We all need to do our part to cut down on the number of plastic bags in our environment and it’s good to see people coming up with creative ways to do that
Realy great idea.
Anna´s last [type] ..IFA 2009 0409-090909