ECOLunchbox
Plastic-Free, Waste-Free
Who They Are
ECOlunchbox wants to create change, starting with lunchtime.
A mom on a mission, Sandra Ann Harris, founded ECOlunchbox in 2009 after packing one too many lunches with single-use plastic bags and cheap plastic containers for her and her two children. Having researched plastics for years as an investigative journalist, Sandra decided to take a stand. She didnât want her children to be exposed to the harmful chemicals that are used to produce the petroleum-based products, especially the lunch containers she was sending with her children to school.
The solution came in the form of plastic-free, non-toxic products that are safe for people and the planet. With a collection ranging from food-grade stainless steel containers to artisan sewn lunch bags made from fair-trade certified textiles, ECOlunchbox is providing a healthier alternative and empowering families to make the world a better placeâone lunch at a time.
In addition to the positive health and environmental impact of using ECOlunchbox products, families who make the switch will see a positive impact in their wallets. By making the switch, families save roughly $435 a yearâthe average amount of money a family made up of one adult and two children will spend on lunchtime packaging items such as plastic baggies, brown paper bags, and pre-packaged drinks and snacks. No matter how you look at it, ECOlunchbox is better for your family, the planet, and your wallet.
Sandra and her team hope that people who are motivated to reduce dependencies on plastic will start at lunchtime and pack their food in a healthy set of containers. With a range of storage containers, bento boxes, snack packs, and lunch bags, thereâs a solution for mealtime, no matter whatâs on the menu.
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Why We Like Them
From plastic cutlery to bags to plastic containers that only last a short period of time, lunchtime can easily become one of the most wasteful parts of the day! Not only that, but studies have shown that storing and cooking food in plastic containers can transfer some unwanted toxins into your meal as well. Would you like a side of BPA with that?
ECOlunchbox understands that plastic-free products are better for oceans and our environment. Their products are made to provide the same benefits that you may get from traditional plastic containers, without the harmful environmental effects of plastic waste. Only 1% of plastic ends up getting recycled, with the remaining 99% ending up in our landfills and oceans. These plastic pieces can get trapped in the digestive systems of marine life, and can leach harmful toxins into our groundwater.
By turning to silicone and food-grade stainless steel, they can offer a leak-proof, dishwasher safe product, without the harmful effects of plastic! Not only are stainless steel containers easy to clean, non-toxic, and durable, but it can also be indefinitely recycled, and is a very valuable recyclable commodity. To create a leak-proof experience, they turn to silicone for their lids! Silicone is much more durable and will last much longer than plastic, can be recycled, and does not contain BPA or BPS like plastic.
ECOlunchbox doesnât just talk about their intent to make the world a better place, they measure their results in real-time. Annually, the companyâs product sales divert over 32 million pounds of trash that would have been generated from plastic use at lunchtime. This is equivalent to annually offsetting the CO2 equivalent of 6 million pounds of coal burned, driving 13 million miles in a car, or planting 58,000 tree seedlings. As a fellow B Corp, ECOlunchbox has also committed to upholding some of the most rigorous standards for social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.
ECOlunchboxes products have empowered tens of thousands of families to say good-bye to plastics at lunchtime and helped to safeguard our health and the planet.Â
Mom Owned
Women Owned
Phthalate Free
B Corp
Sustainable Lifestyle
Safe and Fair Labor
BPA Free
GOTS Certified
Organic Cotton
This brand is created, owned, and run by a mom (or several moms). Celebrating mom-owned companies is necessary given the incredible efforts moms make acting on the source of their motivation and values through parenthood and entrepreneurial creation.
This brand is owned by a majority of women. This includes everything from a small one-woman shop to a larger company where more than 51% of women make up the ownership team.
Phthalates are found in toys, electronics, personal care products, plastic wraps, containers, and more. These petroleum based chemicals help soften plastics, and bind fragrances to perfumes, deodorants, creams, and other personal care products. Phthalates are are not chemically bound, meaning they can easily get released into the air, water, or your body, just by using the products as intended. Phthalates have been found to disrupt the endocrine system, which can cause reproductive damage, hormonal imbalances, infertility, mood changes, metabolism changes, and more.
The B Lab is a third-party, non-profit organization that certifies companies as socially and environmentally responsible. B Corps are businesses that go above and beyond traditional business models and aim to create positive change in the world through their practices. These companies must meet rigorous transparency and accountablity standards, while doing what is best for people and the environment.
This product helps promote a more sustainable lifestyle. Whether it encourages re-use and the movement away from disposable products, or it promotes sustainable actions like recycling and composting, this product can help you lower your environmental footprint.
We support safe and fair labor practices when producing sustainable products. This company cares for their workers by fostering a safe work environment and providing their employees with fair wage.
Products that are labeled as BPA free do not contain Bisphenol A, a chemical commonly found in plastic products. Studies on BPA exposure have shown that high levels of BPA could lead to hormone disruption, effects on behavior and brain function, reproductive problems, breast cancer, heart disease, infertility, and more.
The Global Organic Textile Standard is an international processing standard for organic fibers that covers everything from processing, packaging, and distributing organic fibers. GOTS certified products are labeled organic if they contain 95% or more certified organic fibers, and are labeled as “made with organic” if they contain at least 70% organic fibers. GOTS assures that textiles are produced with socially responsible labor and environmentally conscious manufacturing. Certified textiles must follow guidelines on chemical use, energy and water consumption, safety and living standards for employees, waste produced throughout the manufacture process, and more.
Organic cotton production uses zero chemical pesticides and fertilizers, promoting a healthier use of land and decreasing harmful agricultural runoff. By steering clear of toxic chemicals, workers experience less exposure to hazardous conditions, promoting social responsibility as well as environmental stewardship. Plus, farming methods for organic cotton have been shown to use up to 20% less water than nonorganic production methods. Choosing organic cotton eliminates the use of insecticides and other harmful chemicals, promotes efficient resource use, and results in a safer products and a cleaner planet!
