HELP - Plastics - what's the alternative?

[nixon1]

Does anyone have any ideas about how to give my daughter non-plastic packaging for packed lunch? I thought I was doing the right thing using reusable plastic containers for her, as she has things like hummus and breadsticks (not a sandwich fan), but when I've looked into packaging because of the BPA scare, I have seen advice that says that, even though some are better than others, it's best to avoid all plastics. I seem to remember a scare about foil and reactions with food, so am at a loss. Glass packaging?? Even if it exists, it's not exactly the safest choice... Fingers crossed for some great ideas (thanks)

paper bag?

greaseproof paper?

i think you are a bit buggered re houmous though unless you can get metal...

I know it would be good to avoid plastic altogether, but the amount of time the food is in the container (4 hours or so?) is minimal compared to the time pre-packaged food spends in its packaging. I actually wouldn't worry all that much, and I am a very eco, chemical-avoider.
Glass strictly prohibited in most schools unfortunately.

can you knit?

That's great but possibly not ideal for uncontained hummus

Houmous. Houmus. Hummous.

Hummuce?

Sorry

I need one though

I just scored 2 x skeins of proper undyed wool in the PDSA shop. Am thinking beetroot red?

houmous (god knows)-you NEED a clip-lock thing don't you, else it is unwise.

humous, houmous, houmum, houmo, houmo

humunc, humonc, houmourum

oh dear no that is not right

houmoui, houmoui?

So, what does it translate as?

Beetroot red = good. I have crocheted carrots this week Shall I do you a beetroot as a handy accessory?

lol,

I was planning to make dd1 play food for 3rd bday

but now have seen bag, oh dear

btw it seems to be very hard to get brown paper bags in this country, even the greengrocer is useless here

(oh dear OP am sorry for hijack!

you could always home educate?

no that isn't helpful, is it?)

my lovely friend's shop has brown paper bags

Yes, apologies to OP, but we are keeping the thread bumped

lol at 'you can always home aducate'

I really don't think you need to worry about plastic containers. Life is dangerous and risky and we are constantly faced with things that harm us, but in the end we are all going to die anyway. You just need a little perspective.

You either keep giving her humous, which she likes, but in a plastic container and accept the risks,

or, you make her eat sandwitches wrapped in greese-proof paper and relax, safe in the knowledge that harmful plastics aren't contaminating her food.

Actually, conventional greaseproof paper contains some iffy stuff....

hmm you're right.

Knitted lunch bags are the only safe option!

Do you buy the humous or make it yourself? Coz if you buy it you're doomed from the start, it always comes in a plastic container. Even if you make it yourself, the tahini often comes in a plastic container...

Houmous/hummus etc. sometimes homemade, sometimes bought - she prefers the bought, which is a bit sad! Seems will have to make do with plastic, unless any other ideas forthcoming (gap in the market for special, school-friendly toughened glass??!).

Found a good website with guide to plastics and am horrified to find that the plastic containers have been using for youngest (11m) is 'to be avoided' (has a number 7 in the recycle sign). Feel like going to live on a commune and living off the land...

seriously though, I wouldn't worry THAT much. The risks are actually minute and apply mainly where the container is scratched or you are heating it.

unless it is ALWAYS organic houmous I'd say your risks are greatest there really.

Honestly, I wouldn't worry too much, the risks are mainly to babies who are drinking milk from a polycarbonate bottle that is scratched and reheated in a microwave.

I realised yesterday just houw much polycarbonate stuff we have, and because most of it is pretty old, like up to 20 years, it is probably pretty unsafe. But IMO replacing it all would have to be balanced against the environmental cost of chucking all that plastic and replacing it.

stainless steel tubs

Ooh, they look interesting.