Last summer the media was buzzing with the news that some vinyl lunchboxes posed a lead contamination threat.  These tainted lunchboxes left a trace of lead on the user's hands which they transferred onto their food and therefore into their bodies.

Lead exposure has been proven to cause developmental problems in young children.  Outraged parents and environmental groups across the nation demanded further testing and quickly threw out millions of vinyl lunchboxes.

Now, one year later, the tests are still inconclusive.  Some still maintain that although there is a low level of lead in some vinyl lunchboxes it poses no threat, while others claim that even the slightest trace of lead poses a risk to developing children.  And what if you compound  that slight trace with other slight traces that they encounter during the day?  Is the risk of harm increased?

With all this uncertainty in mind, why take a chance?  Instead, consider some of these great lead-free lunchbox alternatives as you do your back-to-school shopping.  



Metal Lunch Box
Lunchbox.com has a nice selection of metal lunchboxes to choose from, including plain boxes you can decorate yourself with Sharpies and stickers.
CLICK HERE to purchase


Picture Perfect Lunch
These brightly colored neoprene lunchboxes from the Modern Museum of Art Store have a clear plastic pocket on the front to display a favorite photo.  This is a great first lunchbox for your preschool or kindergarten age child, where they can keep a picture of their family close at hand.
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BUILT in Placemat
This Built NY Lunch Tote is divided into two sections, one for food and one for a beverage, while the neoprene fabric acts as insulation for hot or cold items. Although this innovative line of carrying cases may be this year's fashion statement, what I like about this lunchbox is that it zips open to become a place mat, keeping your child's lunch away from unsanitary surfaces.
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Recycled Lunch Bags
These lunch bags are made out of recycled juice containers by a women's co-op in the Phillippines.  Not only does their production help keep these non-biodegradable containers out of landfills, but it also provides a clever way for these women to support themselves.  This is a purchase you can feel good about.
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Fabric Lunch Totes
Great designs are what keep these cloth lunch bags flying off the shelves.  Made from eco-friendly acrylic coated fabrics, this no-lead lunchbox alternative can be thrown into the washing machine to combat smears and spills.  The wide zippered opening allows for easy packing and access.
CLICK HERE to purchase


Brown Bag It
Yes it's old fashioned, but we've come up with a way to keep you from using daily paper bags.  Instead use the small laminated bags you take home from the shopping mall and use them as a lunch box.  To ensure that items don't fall out the top, just add two matching strips of velcro at the top of the bag.  Don't forget to remind your child to bring the bag home each day instead of tossing it.  Our paper lunch totes have been known to last for up to a month.