If you aren’t already doing so, you might want to consider purchasing a wrap-n-mat or a Lunchbot now, instead of waiting until it’s mandatory. Be sure to put your child’s name on it!

Of course, there is always cafeteria food. Yum!

Be sure to label your kids’ reuseable containers. Over time, they have a habit of ending up in the school lost and found.

First, you’ll want a picnic basket that’s big enough to carry all of your reusable, stainless-steel-containers, plates and utensils. Preferably one with shoulder straps, so you can easily hike to the choice spots. Also, a big cotton bag is good carry loose produce.

As always, pack out what you pack in and have fun!

Use second-hand tableclothes or fabric to replace those plastic, throw-away ones from the supermarket. Use stainless steel water bottles, sandwich carriers and fabric napkins. Even if you recycle plastic bottles and aluminum cans, it still makes sense to reuse items instead of recycling them.

What to do with those leftovers from restaurants? Don’t use the disposable plastic or foam cartons that the restaurant staff always hands out at the end of the meal. Pack them in glass containers. Afraid that the glass lid will come off? Do what I do and wrap a rubber band around the container, throw it in a padded carying case and take it back to the room for later use.

A better alternative for you, the environment and your kids would be to use wrap-n-mats for sandwiches, snacks, etc. They’re reusable, economical and washable. Also, check out the new, cool designs that will entice your kids to use them everyday!