Updated: The winner of the bags is #41 – Jill H.! Congratulations, Jill. And thanks to everyone who entered. A new contest will be coming up next week!
“According to the New York State Department of Conservation, parents who pack a child’s lunch in disposable bags or containers generate 45 to 90 pounds of garbage every year. That equates to 18,760 pounds of lunch waste for just one average-size elementary school.”
When Ava went to the farm camp this summer, I went through a lot of plastic sandwich bags (Disposable plastic baggies can take 1,000 years to decompose!) and napkins and felt that there had to be a better way to pack a lunch and cut down on the trash. I started looking around for a reusable lunch kit to use for preschool and found the Laptop Lunch Kit at Reusable Bags.
I bought the Laptop Lunch Kit for Ava to use for her preschool lunches this year. I love that the small colorful containers allow for a variety of healthy foods to be packed, better portion control, and I won’t have to use 3 or 4 sandwich bags each time I pack her lunch. The kit includes a thermal, zippered carrying case that houses a large snap-shut tray, five reusable microwave safe food containers, a sport bottle, and a stainless steel fork and spoon. Also included is a 96-page “User’s Guide” loaded with healthy recipes and tips for reducing throwaways which I’m sure will come in very handy on those days I’m feeling less than creative about packing a lunch.
I really think this will make packing Ava’s lunches more fun for me and more fun for her to eat. And we will be doing something good for the environment.
Here’s a picture of the first lunch I packed in her snazzy new lunch box. It wasn’t that creative (I’m still learning), but I thought it looked pretty. :) It included an almond butter and jelly sandwich (no peanut butter allowed because of another child’s allergies), mandarin oranges, cucumbers and baby carrots, Ranch dressing for dipping in the little blue container, and Annie’s whole wheat bunnies.
Ava’s preschool teacher loved the lunch box and asked where I got it. She is thinking of getting one for her mom to take with her to work. :)
Even before I heard of this study, I’d been having my concerns about chemicals from plastic leaching into the kids’ drinking water and had been on the lookout for some stainless steel cups for the kids. I came across the Klean Kanteen Sippy Cup, also sold at Reusable Bags, and decided to get one for Julian. Ava heard me talking about it to Jody and chimed in that she wanted one too, so I got one for each.
I stumbled across an online coupon code for 20% off my total from Reusablebags.com, which helped soften the blow a bit. If you are in the market for some cool lunch kits for your kids or other reusable bags, water bottles, etc., feel free to give the code – mth6cp – a try yourself. :)
Win it!
And now for the giveaway…
Reusable Bags has offered up two of their best-selling reusable bags to one lucky winner : the
Workhorse Style 1500 and the Lightweight Recycled Cotton Tote with Dual Handles, both made by ACME Bags.
If you’d like a chance to win the bags, please:
- Sign Mr. Linky below
- Link to this contest on your blog (or tell a friend about the contest if you don’t have a blog)
- Leave a comment
The deadline to enter is 10 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 26. The winner will be chosen at random (using random.org) on Thursday, Sept. 27, and announced that day. Good luck! :)
Stumble it!
Half Pint Pixie says:
I love the laptop lunchbox, I had to get one after reading vegan lunchbox. Hubby takes it to work, it’s great! Babypixie is too young, but I’m sure she’ll love it in a couple of years… cool bags, I’ll plug this contest over on my site, but no need to enter me, I have reusable bags coming out my ears, they’re just so useful!
September 18th, 2007 at 6:22 am
Heather says:
A very cool bag!! Alison is soo picky about what she wants to take for lunch… I might just have to buy it for the recipes..>LOL!! Thanks for the link. You are giving away bunches lately! You are too sweet :)
September 18th, 2007 at 6:54 am
Contest Round-up « Half Pint Pixie says:
[...] at Crunchy Domestic Goddess has two tote bags from reusablebags.com up for grabs. Closing date: Wed 26th [...]
September 18th, 2007 at 6:56 am
Jendeis says:
Ooh, good job at reducing plastic baggie usage! Have you checked out Biggie’s site, ?
She makes packable lunches for herself, her husband and their preschooler almost every day and takes pictures. I am so amazed by her. She has good ideas about how to pack stuff too.
Will post the contest up on my blog right now!
September 18th, 2007 at 7:13 am
Jendeis says:
Problem with my HTML’ing. Her site is http://lunchinabox.net.
September 18th, 2007 at 7:14 am
Grandma S says:
Way back in 1981, when you went to first grade and needed a lunch packed for you every day(no cafeteria or hot lunches at SVF) I bought sandwich boxes for you and your brother. Remember those? I love Ava’s new lunchbox and containers-the landfills around our state are getting way too huge. Thanks, once again, for doing your part.
September 18th, 2007 at 7:18 am
Adventures In Babywearing says:
This is a great contest! I’ll be linking up soon!
Steph
September 18th, 2007 at 7:58 am
sarah says:
#3 would be me..sorry about that..my son hit something.. I re-entered as #4…sorry..
September 18th, 2007 at 8:35 am
Kristen says:
Great minds think alike! You’ll never believe what I posted on my site today… the same coupon code! We just love the Klean Kanteen sippy cups and water bottles.
September 18th, 2007 at 8:44 am
Christine says:
All linked up…
Great bags!
September 18th, 2007 at 10:39 am
Mimipz5wjj says:
I love the bags and would love to win one! I’ve got my post up!
I think I’ll have to get two of those lunchboxes too… one for each boy — now that he’s stopped throwing things away!
September 18th, 2007 at 12:05 pm
Rebecca says:
The bags are great!
I am going to get some of those great lunch boxes straight away!!!!
September 18th, 2007 at 12:24 pm
bitsy parker says:
Clever, clever, clever. I’m SO getting a laptop lunch box for my little guy. Thanks for the tip. I saw you mention the lunchbox once before and intended to look it up. So glad you mentioned it again.
September 18th, 2007 at 12:40 pm
Cynthia says:
I don’t have a blog, but will share this with some of my eco-buddies. I love those bags. How can I get one if I don’t win? Would love to have several of those khaki ones for grocery shopping.
September 18th, 2007 at 1:02 pm
Deb says:
Love the lunchbox, and thank you so much for the coupon code for reusablebags.com and for the great contest!!
September 18th, 2007 at 1:21 pm
LuAnn says:
http://backporchervations.blogspot.com/2007/09/second-bad-day.html
Great idea!
September 18th, 2007 at 2:04 pm
Andrea says:
Awesome…those bags definitely look handy!
September 18th, 2007 at 3:15 pm
Bayou Chica says:
For those reasons, I have been using reusable containers for my daughters lunch. I started last year when she was in Pre-K 2. At first I did use zip-top bags but it hit me about the waste. That was when I started using plastic reusable sandwich containers and smaller ones for other items. I never buy prepackaged snacks. I usually give her fruits, vegis, or cheese for snacks in a reusable container. I have been buying individual sized organic milk containers, but am rethinking this option. Not only is there waste, but it is very expensive at $1.39 a carton. I am thinking to use a Thermos or equivalent for her milk.
September 18th, 2007 at 3:47 pm
Kara S. says:
hey amy!! its kara from SK. i think that i linked you to this before, but have you ever read ‘the vegan lunch box’? she uses the laptop lunch box, and has some super yummy recipes!
http://veganlunchbox.blogspot.com/
September 18th, 2007 at 5:21 pm
Wordless Wednesday - 9/19/07 - First salon haircut | Musings of a crunchy, domestic goddess says:
[...] Kara S.: hey amy!! its kara from SK. i think that i linked you to this before, but have you ever read ‘the… [...]
September 18th, 2007 at 7:00 pm
Donna says:
I’ve been recently thinking about using reusuable bags for groceries, so these would be great!
September 18th, 2007 at 7:28 pm
WFM says:
Awesome (and fashionable) bag! And I love your blog, I’ll be back!
September 18th, 2007 at 8:20 pm
Naomi says:
I can’t wait for Roo to need a lunchbox! We have a pretty big collection of them so it will be interesting to see what she chooses. So far, she’s snagged the ’80s Strawberry Shortcake one to keep her contemporary Strawberry Shortcake dolls in…
contest is linked up here:
http://superdumbsupervillain.blogspot.com/2007/09/win-stuff-this-week.html
September 18th, 2007 at 9:03 pm
Nicole says:
I don’t have a blog, but I told a couple of friends about this today. Reusables are great!
September 18th, 2007 at 9:46 pm
kailani says:
Would it be okay if I mentioned your giveaway at my new column 5 Minutes Around the Blogosphere at 5 Minutes for Mom? Let me know. Thank you.
September 19th, 2007 at 2:35 am
Sheila/Kiki36 says:
Great Bags! I blogged and linked up! Thanks!
September 19th, 2007 at 5:13 am
Nicole says:
I hate packing lunches! ;)
You’ll have to let me know how this works. I’ve moved away from hard plastic stuff bc it had started to smell bad….but I am willing to move back :)
September 19th, 2007 at 8:42 am
jenna says:
hooray for reusable bags! :)
September 19th, 2007 at 8:57 am
kevin and jenna [dot] com » Hooray for bags says:
[...] I could take to the store but I keep forgetting to take them with me. So, I’m wanting to win these bags. (Don’t let the name of the linked post fool you. I wish she was giving away the lunch kit [...]
September 19th, 2007 at 9:23 am
Bye Baby Bunting says:
I will link up!!
September 19th, 2007 at 9:26 am
Reusable Bag Queen says:
HI Crunchy- Contact us, perhaps we could partner on some reusable bag designs.
September 19th, 2007 at 12:36 pm
bebemiqui says:
I blogged about ya! hope I win!
September 19th, 2007 at 1:34 pm
Alexia says:
We just purchased the cotton lunch bags from Reusable Bags and LOVED them! This contest is great timing because we were getting ready to buy shopping bags next!
Blogged about you too!
September 19th, 2007 at 3:39 pm
Laura @ Laura Williams' Musings says:
I would love to win! Count me in. I blogged it.
http://laurawilliamsmusings.blogspot.com/2007/09/wednesday-edition-of-contests-galore_19.html
September 19th, 2007 at 8:14 pm
Doreen says:
Would love to win those bags!! I’ve been wanting some for a while now and would love to be the proud Owner of them! :) I’m linked up here for the contest: http://doreens-scrap-wonderland.blogspot.com/2007/09/reusable-bags.html .
September 19th, 2007 at 8:45 pm
Penny says:
I love those lunch boxes :) I’m working on getting stuff like that for Tim. And DH for that matter.
September 19th, 2007 at 10:52 pm
La Libertad says:
I love that site. Those bags are too cool!.
September 20th, 2007 at 4:20 am
Shannanb aka Mommy Bits says:
Great links, thank you. I love the bags and really love the lunchbox. My little kindergardener has been talking about wanting to bring his lunch to school and it would be perfect!
September 20th, 2007 at 4:35 am
JewelsHud says:
No blog but I’d love to win – I have just recently gotten on the green bandwagon and really want to do all I can!!
Julie
September 20th, 2007 at 7:22 am
Tim says:
This is a great looking bag. I’ve been using all manner of cloth and synthetic bags to haul my groceries, and these are various nice. If I don’t win (even though I definitely am ;)), I might just buy one anyway, since they’re so nice.
September 20th, 2007 at 10:44 am
Shopping bag contest | Meat Free Blog says:
[...] Crunchy Domestic Goddess is having a contest right now for two shopping bags that will go to one winner. It’s not directly food related, but anybody interested in using less plastic bags (or, in my case, not having thousands of plastic bags that end up being throwing away or cluttering up my condo) would probably be interested in these very nice bags. Go take a look, sign up, and get your own chance to win some nice grocery bags. [...]
September 20th, 2007 at 10:56 am
Ellen says:
Hi–I take lunch daily! And, K will soon too! Amy, I adore your new look : )
September 20th, 2007 at 10:21 pm
Beauty From Chaos » A Contest! says:
[...] this contest to win reusable [...]
September 21st, 2007 at 2:31 pm
Elizabeth (M & Ts Mom) says:
::THINKing GReeN:: I love reusable! count me in.
September 21st, 2007 at 4:54 pm
Jill says:
All linked up! I would really love this bag!
September 21st, 2007 at 7:29 pm
Another weekly round-up « The Diaper Diaries says:
[...] Crunchy Domestic Goddess is giving away 2 reusable bags. I have been trying to get off this plastic bag merry-go-round I am on. So I am keeping my fingers crossed for this one. [...]
September 21st, 2007 at 7:44 pm
Candice Domerese says:
I always need bags. These look very usuable.
September 22nd, 2007 at 9:08 am
Deb - Mom of 3 Girls says:
The bags look great – I linked to your contest! :)
September 22nd, 2007 at 1:58 pm
5 Minutes Around The Blogosphere — Week 2 says:
[...] do is write a post about the giveaway on your blog and then sign the Mr.Linky and leave a comment here. For more information, please stop by Crunchy Domestic Goddess before September [...]
September 22nd, 2007 at 10:02 pm
Jill H says:
no blog, but I’ll be telling my friends. I love our Laptop lunchboxes too, and I love reusable bags!
September 22nd, 2007 at 10:54 pm
annaliza says:
horray for resusable bags and laptop lunchboxes!!
September 23rd, 2007 at 12:44 am
tanyetta says:
count me in :)
September 23rd, 2007 at 2:09 am
Shelliza says:
I’m all for reusable bags. Definitely a plus for the environment!
September 23rd, 2007 at 8:23 am
tammy b says:
i’ve had the laptop lunchbox for over a year (bought it for my kindy girl last year) and now i’m trying to convince our school that they would be a great fundraiser – it’s a hard sell though since our school has a high rate of poverty and 45% of the students get a free lunch.
September 23rd, 2007 at 10:41 am
Amy says:
I think I will purchase the laptop lunchbox. I’ve been looking at them for a while, and with the discount code I may get 2! Thanks for hosting this contest!
September 23rd, 2007 at 1:25 pm
angela says:
I have started refusing bags at the store and instead using the three I have found at garage sales. If I forget to bring them in with me I’ll just load my cart back with my groceries and bag them as I’m loading them into my cart. Not only does it save the environment but seriously, I only need so many plastic bags gathering up in my house. And they sit in piles of bags of bags in my garage because I’m constantly forgetting to take them with me to recycle them.
September 23rd, 2007 at 2:51 pm
Julie says:
I’m SOOO trying to start using reusable bags and these would be perfect! Love them.
September 23rd, 2007 at 5:08 pm
Natalie says:
What cool bags! I’ve posted about the contest and signed Mr. Linky. :)
September 23rd, 2007 at 6:27 pm
ellinghouse says:
all linked up on my contest page….crossing my fingers, would love to win…
September 23rd, 2007 at 6:42 pm
Janey says:
Ooops – please can you delete my address from the listing?
I didn’t think about scrolling down the page (to here) and I couldn’t figure out how you were going to notify me when I had won. I have no web page you see.
Reusing is good. Same as my grandmother used to do – by washing out plastic bags.
Janey
September 23rd, 2007 at 10:00 pm
Best Shot Monday - 9/24/07 | Musings of a crunchy, domestic goddess says:
[...] Janey: Ooops – please can you delete my address from the listing? I didn’t think about scrolling down the page… [...]
September 24th, 2007 at 12:16 am
Angela says:
I would love the bags. Thanks for letting me enter.
September 24th, 2007 at 7:50 am
Patti says:
Great contest. I would love one of the bags. Linking to you on my blog! :)
September 24th, 2007 at 8:30 am
Zukppr says:
We LOVE re-usable bags. I’ve taken to giving all of my plastic ones to a friend who uses them to make tote bags. http://bearnakedbars.com/totes.html
September 24th, 2007 at 9:42 am
Pick Me - Pick Me! | The Diary of a Hope Filled Mom says:
[...] here is another contest! Crunchy Domestic Goddess is currently having a fabulous contest where you can win reusable [...]
September 24th, 2007 at 11:34 am
Heather Bixler says:
I want to win! :)
September 24th, 2007 at 11:36 am
Ames says:
hooray for reusable shopping bags! I have one that my mother made for me that I absolutely *adore* but I find myself taking home an extra plastic bag or two from the store since not everything will fit in the one…I could use a sidecar bag!
September 24th, 2007 at 12:52 pm
mama4jc says:
Just recently started using resuable bags and it’s been such a fun way to save the environment!
September 24th, 2007 at 12:59 pm
Stephanie says:
Hello, I stop by so infrequently. But I am glad you had this contest up. I have been getting these nice green bags that are reuseable from our local library. They are fantastic. But I can always use more. I will do my best to link to it. I am glad I was able to catch this contest in time. Either way I am sure I will be buying one of theirs or something like it.
September 24th, 2007 at 1:58 pm
Maddie Lussier says:
So cute, I work in a preschool and we’re constantly throwing away so much trash, these are great. Thanks!
September 24th, 2007 at 2:15 pm
Maribeth says:
These would be great to have.
Thanks for the contest, Maribeth
September 24th, 2007 at 3:04 pm
Dawn @ Coming to a Nursery Near You says:
Oh these are too cool! I’m blogging about them right this second :)
September 24th, 2007 at 6:02 pm
Tammy says:
What a great idea! Count me in.
September 24th, 2007 at 6:32 pm
This Contest is in the Bag! « Look, Mom, Look! says:
[...] to get you started. You can win not 1 but 2 reusable bags! They look awesome! Head on over here and sign up! [...]
September 24th, 2007 at 7:22 pm
Coming to a Nursery Near You | Contest Roundup says:
[...] Domestic Goddess (I love that name) is giving away some reusable tote bags. This would be perfect for our possible upcoming trip (lucky me, [...]
September 24th, 2007 at 7:56 pm
Green lunch kits for back-to-school and a contest says:
[...] at http://crunchydomesticgoddess.com/2007/09/18/green-lunch-kits-for-back-to-school-and-a-contest/ delivered by [...]
September 24th, 2007 at 11:47 pm
misi says:
I love bags, those too cute!
September 25th, 2007 at 4:36 am
Michelle says:
I have been using cloth bags for shopping for over ten years now and absolutely love them. Of course the ones I have been using aren’t nearly as beautiful as the ones you have shown on your site. This would be a very much appreciated prize in our home. I have blogged about your contest at http://www.northofthe49.com/blog/?p=292
September 25th, 2007 at 6:56 am
Peggie says:
I have used these bags in the past, they are great and saves getting all that plastic. These are really nice, hope I win ;)
September 25th, 2007 at 9:33 am
Wordless Wednesday - 9/26/07 - Rainy days and Mondays... | Musings of a crunchy, domestic goddess says:
[...] Peggie: I have used these bags in the past, they are great and saves getting all that plastic. These are really nice,… [...]
September 25th, 2007 at 12:59 pm
homemom3 says:
These bags look great and I can really use one like this. Black one is gorgeous.
September 25th, 2007 at 2:04 pm
Colette says:
If only all stores would make these fabulous bags available. Thanks for the contest.
September 25th, 2007 at 5:01 pm
Donna says:
I love these bags I have to shop 45 min away from home because of a dietary issue and these are wonderful.
September 25th, 2007 at 5:19 pm
LAST MINUTE! Win a Reuseable Grocery Bag from "Crunchy Domsetic Goddess" says:
[...] enter, simply blog about the contest, then leave a comment and sign Mr. Linky. Visit the contest page for all the details. Contest ends TOMORROW! Wed Sept [...]
September 25th, 2007 at 6:34 pm
Anastasia says:
These are great! :) I blogged about your contest here
September 25th, 2007 at 6:36 pm
Jamie Lyn says:
Those reusable bags look awesome! That black one is especially snazzy :)
September 25th, 2007 at 6:58 pm
Kelly says:
That lunchbox is a necessity. I go through so many plastic baggies a day. Those reusable bags look superb.
September 25th, 2007 at 7:11 pm
Naomi (Urban Mummy) says:
Oh! I would so love me one of those!!
September 26th, 2007 at 6:06 am
Charlotte says:
I would love these. Sign me on up and the contest is all linked up on my site.
September 26th, 2007 at 1:48 pm
Caryn says:
I would love to win. Here is my post!
http://jasonncaryn.blogspot.com/2007/09/win-2-reusable-bags.html
September 26th, 2007 at 1:51 pm
cleavermama says:
I would love love love to win! Thanks for having the contest!
September 26th, 2007 at 5:27 pm
Bag winner! | Musings of a crunchy, domestic goddess says:
[...] winner of the two reusable bags is #41 – Jill H.! Congratulations, [...]
September 27th, 2007 at 10:11 am
Anna says:
Love the lunchboxes, so glad Ava is liking them! I received some from the company to try out, so Will is in beta testing mode and I’ll post a giveaway for the other one, soon!
So glad moms are on board with these!
October 1st, 2007 at 6:43 am
Julie says:
I dont have a blog, but i do have more great re-usables. they are jute bags from a UK supplier. Important to me i’m in the UK! But i love this article and think i’ll be making my daughter a simmilar lunch. Will keep my eye on this blog,
Thanks,
Julie
February 11th, 2008 at 9:31 am
Yang says:
This look like a wonderful blog and I wish I could win some prize like this. I hope you have another contest.
February 20th, 2008 at 5:32 am
Emily says:
Wish I was here earlier! I was recently chatting with the people over at winebags.com and they’d mentioned they were working on a Blog Prize for green concisions bloggers to help them promote reusable bags articles.
It would be something like a Door Prize that a hostess gives to help generate participation in whatever she might be hosting.
Specifically they where thinking of providing bloggers with prizes (such as one of the bags from winebags) to give away for blog articles related to reusable bags, ecology, recycling, etc. They’d work with key bloggers who would write an article on an environmental topic and submit it for approval to winebags. Once approved, the key blogger would publish the article and bloggers would link back to the article just as in this contest. It’s a good example how it would work.
The key blogger would determine how and who would get the free prize and winebags.com would basically drop-ship the Blog Prize to the winner. Anybody got comments? For details you ought to contact them, they have many neat reusable bags, wine bags and such.
From the enthusiastic reply to this article I’m think’n it might not be a bad idea. Looks like it could generate a lot of interest and participation. Check them at: winebags.com or email them at blogprize at winebags.com
February 20th, 2008 at 5:41 am
toni says:
I just found out SUBZERO stainless water bottles is owned by the same company as http://www.build-a-bag.net.
On their site, you can choose the bag you want and choose the material. They offer Eco-Friendly cotton canvas.
This company is into environmentally conscious products. Does anyone know who this is? They are all the new craze with my kids but we have not heard of them before.
August 1st, 2008 at 12:47 pm
Scott says:
build-a-bag.net is owned by the same compnay who makes SUBZERO Coolers, Lunch Kits and Backpacks. We have been around since 2005 and our objective is to provide a high end solution for individuals to customize their bags to match their own needs and personality. Check us out and let us know what you think! build a bag!
August 8th, 2008 at 8:40 am
Angie M. says:
What a great site. I just found your blog today. Thanks for all the great information!
August 13th, 2008 at 11:11 am
rObrak says:
I found your site in google, I was searching for reusable lunch bags. The lunch box sure is suitable for kids as their food stacking container. Because its lightweight and the colors matched. I like the design. But if you really crave for something like this, you might like to try using stainless steel tiffin container. This container is made of high quality steel food grade from India and is very safe to use. So, with its extraordinary design I’m sure you’ll love it. =)
December 13th, 2009 at 6:02 am
funnygamefree says:
your site is very interesting! thanks for sharing!
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June 20th, 2011 at 3:28 pm
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August 1st, 2011 at 12:41 am
Jeremy Anderson says:
The coolest (and largest I have come across) range of designer jute bags can be found at http://www.canby.co.uk/bag-materials/jute-bags. They also do some pretty cool cotton and juco bags.
September 3rd, 2011 at 5:11 am
Dana says:
If you want to get 10% off Laptop Lunches you can use the code GOODBYESUGAR
January 7th, 2012 at 8:16 pm
Marla says:
This is one of the best articles about packing lunch for kids since it talks about eco-friendly ways. Great post!
January 25th, 2013 at 5:25 pm