I want to keep highlighting amazing makers in the US, and I feel like my Etsy links can get caught in the more mainstream shuffle. So starting a series to focus on the greatest stuff we have found. 

As we get ready for the school year, lots of us also get ready to pack a lunch! Not everyone does, and I think it is totally up to you whether your kid (or you!) brings a lunch. Still, this is another one of those things where there is no need to settle for the junk they sell at Walmart or Target- you can buy something specially-made in the US on Etsy and use it for years. Let's make our lunches zero waste!

For a Lunch Sack

from A Little Lark

A Little Lark sells simple cotton bags with all sorts of hilarious and/or adorable designs silkscreened onto them. Such a cool variety and I think this would be absolutely perfect most elementary schoolers. Cool and different, but also really affordable.

from Italic Home

I love these bags from Italic Home, because they look so much like a regular paper lunch bag, but on closer inspection, you see they are made from waxed canvas. It feels modern and totally eco and animal-friendly. If you like these waxed bags but are looking for a different color, you can try Newton Supply Co.

from Intericon

Intericon makes gorgeous cotton and leather lunch sacks that could look grown up enough for a workplace while still being sturdy enough for a kid. Might be a perfect transitional bag for a high schooler. I like that it stays standing on its own.

from Waami Industries

Waami Industries makes great-looking lunch sacks in some of my favorite colors. Based out of Minneapolis, this company takes low cost and low value items, chooses more beautiful and eco-friendly materials, and what results is just really sharp and well-suited to all sorts of students and adults.

from Cloth Bliss

If you (or your little one) want something with some pattern or fun, check at Cloth Bliss which has all sorts of cute patterns and designs. I can totally see this coming with someone to elementary school!

And Instead of those Ziploc Bags...

from Love for Earth

Love for Earth makes tons of sizes and colors sandwich and snack bags out of their shop in Virginia. They have amazing reviews, and you just handwash the bags with the rest of your dishes for the day. One bag can last years, replacing tons of ziplocs (saving money and preventing waste- score!).

from Olive Street Studio

Olive Street Studio also makes wet bags/ sandwich bags. I love the cute patterns they come in, though I would worry about getting something too cutesy since they last so long!

from Bag it Conscious

Bag it Conscious sells sandwich, snack, and lunch bags. I love the bright colors and simple designs. The patterns look so fun for younger kids. Plus, they have 3000 positive reviews, so they must know what is up. (check out equally fun napkins to put with it on Creekside Kid).

from Sweet Pea Purse Company

Sweet Pea Purse Company also makes sandwich bags in some seriously adorable prints that might even be cool enough for a high schooler to use. Other ones are pure kiddo, but check them out.



Want to make your home greener? No matter the size or location, you can limit your waste and make your house have a more positive impact on the environment. Check out the Green Home Page for thousands of ideas on how to do it.