18
August/September
It’s Your Life Magazine
19
How to Pack a Non-Toxic
Lunchbox for a Healthy Day!
Dr. Jennifer L. Weinberg MD MPH MBE
As a Preventive and Lifestyle Medicine Physician and Environmental Health Expert, I am a strong advocate for natural, non-toxic living starting as early as possible! Packing a lunch for school or work can be
a great way to make healthy choices and reduce non-nutritious temptations while also saving money! To
help ensure focus, concentration and energy to get you and your child through the day, consider some of
my favorite Simple | Pure | Whole tips for packing a healthy, non-toxic lunchbox!
Chemicals in common products which we use every day and in our environments are linked to rising
rates of diseases including obesity, diabetes, thyroid diseases, behavioral problems, cancers and more.
Lunchboxes, beverage bottles, utensils and napkins are some of the many options to transport and accompany a healthy lunch. Unfortunately, you may be stuffing that organic apple into a chemical-laden
case! For example, a report found high levels of lead in vinyl lunch bags, especially in the lining which is
in contact with food. Even low repeated exposures to lead can cause learning problems, attention issues,
behavioral problems, stunted growth and other impacts on children’s health. Soft plastic PVC lunchboxes also commonly contain phthalates,
chemicals that disrupt hormones and may
contribute to cancer.
While what you place inside your child’s
lunchbox is crucial for their energy and
health, it is also important to consider the
lunchbox itself and other lunchtime essentials. Fortunately, there are some easy
ways to keep your lunch supplies clean,
green and healthy!
The Lunchbox
Choose a lunchbox that is free of toxic materials like BPA, PVC, vinyl, lead paint and antimicrobial
chemicals. Some healthier options include:
Unpainted, stainless steel containers
Organic cotton lunch bags printed with low-impact AZO-free dyes are easy to wash and keep clean
Isssue 3
2015
itsyourlifemag.com