Healthy Solutions for Your Child's Lunchbox

Did you know that there are many toxins in your child's lunchbox? Did you also know that most lunchboxes, plastic containers and baggies have toxins that can leach into your child's food? Some of these unsafe chemicals include Diethylhydroxylamine (DEHA), Bisphenol A (BPA) and Polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

There are many side effects associated with DEHA, BPA and PVC. In fact, scientists have connected DEHA to several types of cancer, asthma in children and liver tumors in rats. Now with BPA, there is much controversy. Some researchers link the chemical to numerous diseases such as heart disease and liver malfunction. While a few government organizations say that BPA does not pose a risk.

Poly vinyl chloride (PVC) is another toxic plastic used to package various food products. In truth, it is said to be the most toxic plastic on the market. PVC can leach very toxic chemicals into your food such as mercury, lead and various other toxins. According to The Center for Health, Environment and Justice, polyvinyl chloride is “one of the most hazardous consumer products ever created”. In their most recent article PVC: Unhealthy for Our Nation’s Children and Schools, emerging toxic plastic of of great concern.

The Center for Health, Environment and Justice further states that polyvinyl chloride (PVC or vinyl), is used extensively in schools across the nation, threatening children’s health.

Before throwing your head down in frustration and saying “Now what?”, there are numerous solutions to having a healthy lunchbox. Some of the alternatives include organic cotton or hemp bags that are washable and quite durable, sturdy nontoxic plastic boxes and stainless steel healthy lunchboxes.

The best place to begin, is to start over. Throw away all plastic and metal containers, including metal lunch boxes that oftentimes contain aluminum or lead. As well, get rid of plastic wrap. Many plastic wraps are made from low density polyethylene (LDPE). low density polyethylene can leach styrene, a known neurotoxin with other negative health effects. Other plastic wraps are made from polyvinylidene chloride or PVdC otherwise generally known as PVC.

For Eco friendly containers you can select from a variety of green products. The best place to search is online. However, some local groceries and health food stores may carry a small selection. Eco containers come in all shapes and sizes to fit your needs. You can find stainless steel Bento boxes, stackable BPA and PVC-free plastic containers and even healthy lunchbox sets that come with everything including organic napkins.

There are numerous companies that have healthy lunchboxes and Eco accessories. Some of the most popular green companies are Lunch Bots, LunchSense, KidsKonserve, PlanetBox and ECOlunchboxes. You can also find Eco lunchboxes on eBay and Amazon. There are many options to choose from including several shapes and sizes, materials and styles. Whether you are looking for something to pack your favorite snacks, drinks or full course lunch, I am sure you will find what you need. Most importantly is to get rid of all the toxic products that you have now and start with toxic-free products.

I can think of quite a few products in a household that are toxic. Most of these products you wouldn’t dream of being a hazardous risk. There are common items such as shower curtains, toothpaste, your pots and pans, bedding, furniture and cleaning products that are loaded with different lethal chemicals that are very harmful to your health.

However, one of my biggest concerns is children's art supplies. Now we all know that little ones put everything into their mouth. Did you know that pretty much all commercial art supplies contain various toxins that have been known to cause side effects? Find out more: Children Need Edible Art Supplies

“Polyvinyl chloride. 18 November 2012. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bisphenol_A

“Bisphenol A”Wikipedia. 16 November 2012. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bisphenol_A.

“F.D.A. Makes It Official: BPA Can’t Be Used in Baby Bottles and Cups” 19 July 2012.The Take Away