For those parents that are sending their kids back to school with lunch boxes, we have a nifty suggestion on lunch boxes.

Lunchopolis lunch box is absolutely the best!  It is a self contained all in one lunch boxes. It works well for kids and adults but we will focus on lunch boxes for kids.

5 reasons we love the Lunchopolis lunch boxes

1. The lunchopolis has 4 matching containers.2 large food containers that fit the main meal ( see our 10 easy  lunch suggestions) and 2 smaller ones for snack type food. and a matching 15oz BPA free water bottle.

2. Lunchopolis lunch boxes saves money. The lunch box eliminates the need for baggies, foil, saran wrap, etc.

3. The lunch box is durable, we have been lovely using ( yeah right) a pink lunchopolis for a year. I have left it in my hot car over the weekend, hand washed the dishes and threw the lunch box it’self into the washer and dryer with no ill effects. My now kindergartner takes her lunch box to school everyday with no complaints.

4.  Lunch boxes for kids.  My daughter who is 5 thinks her lunch box is the coolest thing and is happy to bring it to school. The brown and blue are nice colors as well. I carry the blue one to work everyday.

5.  Easy to clean- all you have to do is wipe the box down with a damp cloth or throw it into the laundry. They containers are top shelf dishwasher safe and or can be washed out by hand.

Watch the video demonstration on the lunchopolis video here:

Lunchopolis lunch box

Choose Safe Brands for Recycling

If you choose any of the safe-grade plastic or stainless steel water bottles made by companies such as New Wave Enviro, Ecousable, Earth Lust or Thinksport, then there will eventually come a time when you’ll want to recycle your bottles.

Recycle Bottles that are Free of BPA, Phthalates and Lead

One of the most recyclable materials on the market is stainless steel, so if you want a water bottle that is eco-friendly, you couldn’t ask for a better choice than this metal. Likewise, any of the plastic water bottles made by New Wave Enviro can be recycled when they’ve fully served their useful life. For recycling purposes, water bottles should be free of BPA, phthalates and lead.

Chemicals Used in the Manufacture of Some Water Bottles

BPA or bisphenol-A is a chemical that is used in processing polycarbonate plastic materials. It has been associated with certain health problems, such as cancer and diabetes. Phthalates and lead, too, used in the manufacture of some bottles and containers, pose similar health risks. However, if you choose a water bottle made by any of the aforementioned brands, then you needn’t concern yourself with any potential health risks as all the bottles are free of BPA as well as phthalates and lead.

The Best Kinds of Recyclable Bottles

Some people believe that aluminum is a recyclable product; yet, the metal has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, it’s best to pick any bottle manufactured with either #5 food-grade safe plastic or biodegradable corn plastic, or choose unlined bottles made of stainless steel.

We have a new product called the Vapur water bottle that uses less waste, is made in the USA and super easy to recycle. Check it out

anti water botlte

Uses for Recycled Plastics

For example, safe-grade plastic bottles can be recycled and made into such products as:

• New plastic containers or bottles
• Lunch trays for school cafeterias
• Carpeting
• Fiberfill for such items as pillows or sleeping bags
• Clothing products made of fleece
• Plastic pallets
• Kayaks
• Sporting equipment

cute lunch boxes

Back to school for kids is coming up very quickly.  bye Bye to the summer schedule and hello to the routine of school! Here is a list of 10 easy kids lunch ideas.  These lunch ideas are super easy, take less than 15min to prepare and our healthy lunches for kids.

Easy Kids Lunch Ideas:

1. Sandwiches- A foundation of every kids lunch.  You can have veggie sandwiches with turkey, a little mayonnaise ( we recommend vegananies) and a healthy bread.

2. Another favorite is Peanut butter and Jelly. Since we avoid Tree nuts we often recommend sunbutter and jelly. Our favorite jelly is either homemade ( yes you can make jelly) or an organic local brand. There are lots of craftsman who make their own jelly, shop your local farmers market for a source.

3. Turkey roll ups- for those kids that either don’t like bread or are on a gluten free-dairy free diet we take hormel’s turkey ( gluten & dairy free) and slap on 1tsp of veganiese and roll them up like little cigars( not advocating smoking).  I put about 7 in the lunch box for my 5 year old.

4. Leftover Spagettihi- super easy and super delicious!

5. Mac n’Cheese- We make ours with gluten free noodles and Daiya Cheese.  I can’t rave enough about Daiya cheese, thank you thank Daiya cheese people!

6.  Grilled Cheese Sandwich- Again with a gluten free or ezekial bread and daiya cheddar cheese! Yummy!

7. Hamburgers- We make ours with turkey meat. A back of kettle chips, some apple slices and water!

8. Hot dogs no bun, carrot sticks, grapes and water.

9.  Black bean burger- I make these and freeze them a head of time.  I put cilantro, onions and garlic in my blender and blend them for 20 secs so that they are mixed but not too smooth. I coat them with gluten free dairy free bread crumbs, fry them in light canola or olive oil for about 4 min on each size on medium. Let them cool and freeze them.

10.  Tortilla roll ups. Similar to the turkey roll ups, you take two corn or flour tortillas fill them with daiya cheese and melt in the oven on broil for a minute. then cut into 2 inch strips and roll them up into cigar shapes.  Can serve with salsa and corn chips and orange slices.

And there you have easy, kid lunch ideas that our healthy and good for kids with food allergies or sensitivites. Healthy lunches for kids are important! Get back to school for the kids right this year! Good luck!

back to school for kids
lunch ideas    kids lunch ideas     healthy lunches for kids

Dough- cheated and used Bob’s red mill pizza dough gluten free/dairy free

Toppings: red bell peppers, broccoli, zucchini, tomatos, tomatoe sauce

Cheese: Daiya Cheddar cheese! I love that stuff!

Make the dough according to directions, we substituted the eggs for egg replacer

Then spread the tomato sauce on put the veggies on and top with lots of daiya cheese and wa la!

You have the best dairy free, gluten free pizza!

Now a word about the Daiya cheese, I buy mine in 5lb bags. The shipping is very expensive to S.Texas but we freeze it and use it for a few months.

I also made the whole packet of dough and made a big pizza so the kids would have lunch the next day!

Living with allergies is challenging but I actually love it in some ways.  We get to spend quality time cooking and we get to experiment with new recipes. Plus we are a ton healthier

Here is the best nut free peanut substitute on the market:

Sunbutter! Oh goodness I live by that stuff. You can buy it at target or my favorite on line shoppe is

http://www.allergyfreeshop.com/shop/

Here is the simple recipe:

Take 1 organic apple

and 2 tsp of sunbutter

dip the apple and enjoy!

A healthy gluten free-dairy free-tree nut free but not taste free snack!

Safe Water Bottles: How to Tell if Your Water Bottle is BPA Free

BPA – What it IS

If you want to use a water bottle that is safe, then you want to opt for one that is free from BPA. If you don’t know what BPA is, it’s a chemical that is used in the molding of plastics. Known chemically as bisphenol-A, it’s employed primarily in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastic and has been used in the production of containers for microwaves, baby bottles and sippy cups. Since the 1930s, people have been concerned about the use of BPA in plastic materials.

When used in plastic bottles, BPA can leach out toxins in the water and food that can result in certain illnesses, including diabetes, cardiac problems and cancer. Also, when plastic made with BPA is subjected to heat, the risk is increased that you will ingest the substance into you system. Therefore, selecting water bottles made of plastics or materials that are free of this chemical is essential for maintaining good health and keeping the water you drink safe.

BPA-free Bottles

Fortunately, a number of manufacturers produce water bottles that are made of safe, food-grade plastics that are free of this chemical. Not only that, a number of manufacturers also produce bottles that are made of stainless steel that is likewise free of any chemicals, such as lead, phthalates or BPA. Choose from such brands, for example, as New Wave Enviro. This company produces water bottles that are made of safe, #5 food-grade plastic that is free of BPA. It also produces a bottle made of corn plastic that is biodegradable and safe to use. In addition, it makes stainless steel bottles that are designed for individuals who want to make sure that the water they drink is healthy and safe.

New Wave Enviro’s 8 ounce BPA-free Plastic Water Bottles

For example, from New Wave Enviro’s line of plastic water bottles, you may be interested in their small 8 ounce bottles. These bottles are made of safe, #5 food-grade plastic and are BPA free. Include them in your kids’ lunch boxes or take them to work or to the gym. Or, choose any of their stainless steel, BPA-free bottles in 20 ounce, 40 ounce and 2 liter sizes.

The Ech20 Line

usable is also another brand that produces stainless steel bottles that are considered safe and free of BPA, phthalates and lead. Their Ech20 line is a quality stainless steel line of water bottles. They offer bottles in 18 and 25 ounce sizes with filters that ensure clean, contaminant-free water. The bottles are also easy to clean as you can use mild dishwashing liquid and soap or vinegar. They have a padded bottom so you don’t have to worry about setting your bottle down and scratching your countertop too.

Earth Lust Water Bottles

Earth Lust, still another brand, provides bottles made of stainless steel that are also BPA free. They come with a number of attractive imprinted designs, such as a “Growing Tree,” Purple Flower,” “Parsley,” and “Swallows.” The water bottles are offered in 16 ounce, 20 ounce and 1 liter sizes.

Check out the Guarantee

Therefore, when choosing any water bottle, make sure that the manufacturer guarantees that the product is free of:

· BPA

· Lead

· Phthalates

BPA-free Brands

We only want to work with Brands that make this BPA Free guarantee, so here is our list of BPA free Brands:

New Wave Enviro

Ecousable (the Ech20 line of water bottles)

Earth Lust

Crocodile Creek

Thinksport.

Recipe:

2 1/4 Gluten free flour mix. I used 1 1/4 cup all purpose flour, 1 cup brown rice flour both Bob’s Red mill

2 tsp of egg replacer ( mixed with way too much water as my 5 year old helped! we only added what was needed)

1/4 tsp xanthum gum ( bob’s red mill)

1/2 tsp baking soda ( bob’s red mill)

1 cup brown sugar

3 tsp molasses

1 tsp clover

3 tbs ginger powder

1/2 cup vegan organic shortening by spectum

dash of salt as we do low sodium in our lifestyle

1/4 cup granulated sugar for dusting cookies

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line wax cookie sheets with wax paper

mix all dry ingredients together.

Mix sugar, shortening, egg replace together until nice and fluffy. Then add the dry ingredients

using 2 medium size spoons, spoon a cookie unto the sheet. Using the back side of spoon press the cookie down then sprinkle with a dusting of granulated sugar.

Bake 12-15 min at 350 depending on oven.   Remove was harden, place on wire rack and enjoy your gluten free, dairy free, super easy to make ginger cookies!

Prep time: 20 min ( more if doing with kids but well worth the time and experience)

Bake time: 12-15 min

Eat time: 1 min or less! my kids loved them!

Websites:

www.thewaterbottlestore.com – Our sister site, a one stop shop for all things  to do with water bottles. They offer stainless steel water bottles, plastic water bottles, water bottles, glass water bottles

www.godairyfree.com a one stop resource for people either with food allergies or just choose to live dairy free.  They keep information up to day.

naturesmomblog.com we enjoy her reviews and views on life

www.upcycleway.com a neat program started by a Rio Grande valley local woman trying to encourage recycling.

www.localharvest.org a fantastic website to scout out a local farm or farmer’s market. It’s so important to buy fresh organic vegetables and fruit.  Shopping at local farmers market and or farms is the easiest way to achieve that goal, cheaply

One of the best ways to make sure the bottles you buy can be recycled is to pick plastics and metals that are free of such harmful compounds as BPA and lead. Therefore, buy plastic water bottles that are food-grade and are not manufactured with resins that contain bisphenol A or BPA. BPA is a compound that is used to harden plastic in the manufacturing process. The BPA in plastic bottles can leach out into a water or beverage and cause a number of health problems, such as diabetes, heart arrhythmia and cancer. Or, choose stainless steel drinking water bottles that are unlined, thereby preventing the ingestion of BPA, cadmium, phthalates or lead.

Corn Plastic: The Biodegradable Choice

Corn plastic is an excellent choice if you want to choose a bottle made of compostable material, which ensures you’re buying a container that will not clog up the landfills. Also, corn plastic is a choice material because it’s BPA-free, meaning it doesn’t carry the health risks of many plastics. Even PET plastic, the kind used in the manufacture of commercial bottled water, carries health risks as the plastic is made of certain toxins that can seep into the water. Therefore, choose any BPA-free plastic, such as #5 food-grade plastic or corn plastic, for recycling as well as making sure your water is optimally safe to drink.

An Eco-Friendly Brand of Plastic Water Bottles

A primary brand to consider when picking bottles that can be recycled is New Wave Enviro. The company produces a variety of different styles of safe, BPA-free, recyclable plastic water bottles. One eco-friendly bottle they produce that is fun to carry is their 8-oz. plastic water bottle. The bottle is free of BPA, phthalates and lead and is a great bottle to carry in your lunch box, purse, backpack or gym bag. Available in red, blue and purple, the bottle features a pop-up straw and is a preferred choice of both adults and children.

A Larger Volume Bottle that Can Be Recycled Too

For a larger volume bottle, you may like New Wave Enviro’s 1-liter size plastic water bottle. The bottle is available in red, purple, blue, green and yellow and can be carried in most car holders as well as on bikes. If you enjoy sports or working out, this is a superb choice as it’s BPA-free and recyclable too.

Pick the 2.2 Liter New Wave Enviro Bottle for Maximum Hydration

To hold even more water, you may like the 2.2 liter recyclable plastic bottle by New Wave Enviro.Its easy grip handle makes it perfect for transporting to the gym or work. In addition, its wide mouth is ideal for adding ice as well as cleaning. It can be readily cleaned with a mild solution of detergent and water, or with vinegar or baking soda.

If you Want to Recycle Water Bottles: Choose Stainless Steel

One of the best recyclable or sustainable materials on the market is stainless steel. Not only is it durable, it can continue to be recycled so landfill usage is reduced. Therefore, if you want to recycle water bottles, stainless steel water bottles are an excellent choice.

Stainless Steel Water Bottles by Ecousable

The Ech20 Water Bottles by Ecousable are recyclable stainless steel water bottles that come with a filter. The filter is able to remove almost 99% of the contaminants in city water; therefore, you also are provided with water that is free of any unpleasant taste or odor and is safe to drink. BPA-free and lead-free, the stainless steel water bottles by Ecousable come in two sizes, or 18 oz. and 25 oz. sizes.  They feature a pad on the bottom which aids in keeping your countertops scratch-free and come in several colorful hues which include metallic green, silver, red, purple, blue, and pink. For a recyclable water bottle, the Ech20 brand is supreme.

When it comes to choosing a water bottle, make sure it’s a bottle that is recyclable or eco-friendly. Making the choice for safe plastics as well as stainless steel will make it possible for all of us to continue the trend toward a greener, safer future for our children and the proceeding generations.

Reusable Water Bottles

To ingest water that is safe and free from contaminants or deleterious compounds, your best options are reusable water bottles made of stainless steel or BPA-free plastic.

BPA-free Re-Usable Plastic Water Bottles

New Wave Enviro offers a number of plastic water bottles that can be reused time and again without the worry that compounds, such as BPA or bisphenol A, phthalates or lead will be ingested as a result of the substance seeping out into one’s water. All these substances are used in the manufacturing process of some bottles so it’s important to pick re-usable plastic water bottles or unlined stainless steel water bottles that do not include these ingredients.

Shop all BPA Free Water bottles!

Pick Safe, Especially When it Comes to Kids

Crocodile Creek offers a number of interesting designs for kids in bottles that are made of 304 grade, BPA-free stainless

Crocodile creek stainless steel water bottles

steel. Choose from a bright colorama design, dinosaur pattern, pink butterfly on mint green, vehicles on a blue stainless steel bottle and a horse motif. The 13-ounce bottles are geared toward ages 3 through 12 and also come in any of the lunch box sets offered by Crocodile Creek.

Re-usable Plastic Water Bottles by New Wave Enviro

Probably New Wave Enviro has the best offering of plastic re-usable bottles of all brands. All their bottles are eco-friendly and made of BPA-free plastic. They offer a wide range of choices, including 8-ounce water bottles that come in blue, red and purple that feature a pop-up straw; 1 liter bottles in the colors of purple, blue, red, green and yellow; a 2-liter bottle with a handle and stainless steel cap; and a 16-oz. corn plastic, biodegradable bottle with a carbon filter.  If you want to choose a brand that has a number of options with respect to reusable water bottles made of BPA-free plastic, New Wave Enviro is the brand to pick.

Other Reusable Water Bottles – The Stainless Steel Variety

For adults, a number of brands furnish stainless steel reusable water bottles that can accommodate hydration needs at work or play. Major brands include New Wave Enviro, the Ech20 line by Ecousable, Thinksport, and the Earth Lust brand of stainless steel bottles. Shop all Stainless steel water bottles now!

New Wave Enviro

Again, New Wave Enviro excels in accommodating the consumer’s needs with a variety of stainless steel offerings. The company sells stainless steel reusable bottles that are made of safe, food-grade stainless steel in 20 ounce, 2 liter, and 40 oz. sizes. Shop New wave enviro water bottles

The Ech20 Line by Ecousable

The Ech20 line by Ecousable offers stainless steel, unlined bottles that are BPA-free, safe and reusable in a number of colors, such as red, purple, blue, green, silver and pink. Each small (18 ounce) and large (25 ounce) reusable stainless steel bottle comes with a filter that has been proven to remove almost 99% of contaminants in city water. For a reusable water bottle that provides fresh-tasting water, this line is an excellent choice. Shop Ecousable

Thinksport

Thinksport offers double-walled steel water bottles in small (12 ounce) and large (25 ounce) sizes in sleek black or silver ergonomic designs. The reusable bottles are made to keep beverages cold or hot, as needed, without the worry of condensation forming on the outside. The brand provides stainless steel reusable water bottles that are durable and well-suited to traveling, or taking any abuse, whether at work or play. Shop ThinkSport

Earth Lust Reusable Water Bottles

Earth Lust also manufactures 304 grade safe stainless steel water bottles that are BPA-free. You can choose from a number of interesting designs, such as “Growing Tree,” “Parsley,” “Purple Flower,” “Swallows,” and insulated travel mugs with a “Green Feather” design pattern. The bottles are offered in 16 oz., 20 oz. and 1 liter sizes, with the travel mug available in a 20-ounce size.  Shop Earthlust

For recyclable bottles of the highest quality, the mentioned brands are “must-sees” and “must-haves” when it comes to picking the perfect water bottles for you and your family.