Lunch bags go from brown to green

Carry bag chic

Disposable lunch bags are not only wasteful, but they’re also about as exciting as a bologna sandwich. According to the Recycling Council of Ontario, the average student’s lunch generates 66 pounds of waste per school year. This number is easily matched or doubled by the amount of waste that an adult can produce. Start this new school or work season with a brand new bag; it will help you make healthy choices, stay environmentally responsible and save money.

For the luncheonista

Built Gourmet Getaway lunch tote
You'll be the envy of your co-workers and the office fridge if you choose a super stylish bag from Built. Made from neoprene (yes, the wetsuit material), it will keep your food hot or cold for up to four hours, and then can lay flat for storage until the next time you do lunch.

Available at Solutions, and Kitchen Stuff Plus.
$26.99-$29.99

For the too-cool-for-school kid

Milk dot stöh tote
This tote is part lunch carryall, part statement piece. A modern take on the brown bag, it's perfect for the uber hip individual who eats quinoa and drinks coconut milk.

Available at Lavish and Lime.
$28.50

For the dog-ate-my-lunchbox kid

Frecklebox Lunch Box
Customizing your child's lunch box by printing their name on it will not only score high points for uniqueness and coolness at school, but it'll ensure your kid will never lose their lunch again. Choose from a variety of styles from skater gator to a magical unicorn, and while you're at, get them their own personalized notebook, storybook and labels.

Available at Freckle Box.
$14.99

For the lady who lunches (at her desk)

Raya Floral Duffle lunch bag
For the lady who typically says “let’s do lunch” but occasionally must eat in. This bag could easily pass as a purse and no one will be the wiser, darling.

Available at Canadian Tire, Zellers, and Walmart.

For the germaphobe

Munchler lunch bag
Your PB&J sandwich and a germ-infested cafeteria table shall never meet with this too-cute lunch bag that unzips to, ta-dah, became a placemat.

Available at Solutions, and Kitchen Stuff Plus.
$14.99

For the double dipper

Thermos Radioactive food jar
Keep your soups sizzling (for up to five hours) and your salads cool (for up to seven hours), without sacrificing one for the other. This dual thermos also includes an extra wide mouth, so you can fill it to the brim with your healthiest leftovers.

Available at Canadian Tire, Zellers, and Walmart.
$24.99

For the CEO-to-be

Laptop lunch system
This is for the executive-in-the-making who does lunch in high places. An uber-professional tote that looks more 007 than EAK (eating at keyboard), and the enclosed bento boxes will keep things super-organized.

Available at Indigo.
$49.95

For the foodie

MB Pici tote
Mario Batali (yes that chef with those orange Crocs) has developed a line of lunch totes that are not only chic and practical (the lining is insulated), but a portion of proceeds from each bag goes towards The Lunchbox Auction, a non-profit that helps feed hungry children in South Africa.

Available at select retailers across Canada or contact Cosmoda for a listing near you.
$20.00-$50.00

For the dine and dasher

The RuMe snack pack
Your sandwich will get the seal of approval when it’s wrapped in one of these pretty patterned packs instead of a plastic baggie. After each use just give it a quick rinse or stick it in the dishwasher until your next ‘wich encounter.

Available at Gone Shopping.
$6.95

For the future environmentalist

LunchBots
If you’re a parent who is concerned about the chemicals in plastics, then these mom-inspired stainless steel and lead-free LunchBots are for you. Now you can pack a healthy lunch that’s packed in a healthy container, too.

Available at Lavish and Lime.
$18.50

For the liquid luncher

Foogo leak-proof stainless steel food jar
Even the toothless set can take their lunch to go with a mini food jar that’s 100 percent Bisphenol A-free and made from unbreakable hygienic stainless steel.

Available at Canadian Tire, Zellers, and Walmart
$19.99

For the low-key but still green

Rambler lunch bag
The BYO (bring your own) bag in black is perfect for those who don’t want to be too flashy, but do care about saving the world from an extra few hundred bags a year.

Available at Staples.
$14.95

For the newbie

Dante Beatrix lunch bag
If you have a little one starting school this year, then what better way to get them excited about lunch 101, then with one of these adorable animal bags?

Available at Raspberry Kids.
$34.99

On the side

Lunch Skins reusable baggies
The reusable, dishwasher-safe alternative to countless plastic baggies.

Available at 3 green moms.
$6.95

To-Go Ware utensil set

Made from bamboo, this knife, fork, spoon and chop stick set has its own case and can be easily wiped down.

Available at The Zero Point.
$11.95

Froot Guard

This fruit guard will not only look cute on your desk, and make you smile, but this little guy will keep your apples, peaches, pears, and plums cozy and protected.
Available at Solutions.
$4.99

Banana Guard

Keep your banana protected from those unsightly brown spots with the original banana guard.

Available at Solutions.
$5.49