DIY lunchbox ideas
Ready to go from grab-and-go to your own DIY lunchbox? Check this out!
As long as you keep food fresh in tubs, jars or wraps then you could keep it together in a plastic bag or large Tupperware container. But if you fancy making your own then try one of these…
The napkin
You could literally cut a square out of an old sheet or pop a tea towel in your bag for those meals out or get your sewing machine out and sew your own using used fabrics!
The cutlery
Why not take a knife, fork and spoon from your kitchen drawer? Or if you want a special set then check out the ones from My Carbon Coach made from rice husks! Whether it’s a plastic or wooden one you’ve been given with a previous take away – whatever you use, reuse it!
The bottle/cup
Any bottle will work as long as you can reuse it! Even a flimsy plastic bottle can be reused but if you want to check out bottle and cup options, take a look here!
The wrap
Sandwiches and wraps will stay fresh in a tub but if you like to wrap them up in a cosy blanket then forget cling film and tin foil – why not make your own reusable wrap?
Vegan – I’ve made these using candelilla wax, which I’ve since learnt is sourced unethically and have not found another recipe which works as well, so I would recommend experimenting with online recipes (let us know if you find one which works) or
- use a bread bag
- put it in a tub
- make a produce bag
Make your own beeswax wraps – step-by-step
What you need
- Thin cotton fabric
- Beeswax
- Greaseproof paper
- Old towels
- Iron
- Tin foil
- Old paint brush
- Scissors
Steps
- Cut the fabric to the size you want – for sandwiches an average size baking tray seems to be a good fit.
- Either place the material onto an old towel or line a baking tray with grease proof paper and place it on top of that
- Scatter your beeswax on top of the material, making sure it covers all the edges
- Cover the material with a sheet of greaseproof paper and iron – don’t have the heat on high and keep the iron gliding over the wax.
- Make sure the wax covers all parts of the material
Remove your material and hang it to dry
Tips
- Used Fabric works a treat, wash it well before use but ensure are not scented with laundry liquid
- Thin cotton seems to work best but if you an old sheet which is mixed/other materials why not try – don’t be afraid to experiment!
- Beeswax – You can often buy a bar of beeswax from local beekeepers at local markets – this will then need grating with a cheese grater, just be sure to soak and wash the grater in hot soapy water, wax can be stubborn to remove! No local market? Why not contact a local beekeeper
- Cover your iron with tin foil to avoid damaging the iron!
- If they start to lose stickiness then refresh the same piece with new wax in the same way, here’s a super quick video to show you how to refresh your wrap!
- Wash in cool, soapy water – avoid hot water as the wax will melt!
The heat from your hands should stick it to itself, bowls, cards etc. Otherwise use an elastic band to hold it in place.
