"Great Acts Are Made Up Of Small Deeds" - Lao Tzu

I'm not sure about you but the start of a new year almost always sees me in a philosophical headspace. This year, I'm feeling passionate about how the team and I can inspire you to join our sustainable lunch mission in 2025.

I started Seed & Sprout 8 years ago with a simple Kickstarter dream that hit a nerve with Aussies: to create a plastic free lunch box. At the heart of this philosophy is the aim to create softer footprints that lead to better living for our planet. Practically, that means we aim to inspire our community to make mindful choices about the way lunch.  

When it comes to thinking about mine & Archie's lunches, I find it helps to think of the three ways I can make them as sustainable as possible:

• PREPARING: Mindful food choices
• PACKAGING: Rethinking waste & single-use plastic
• PACKING: Buy once & buy well

Let's break these down a bit further...

1. PREPARATION IS KEY: CHOOSING WHAT YOU EAT

Sustainability starts before you even open your lunchbox. What you eat matters for the planet...

• Opt for Whole Foods: Choose meals made with unprocessed ingredients. Whole grains, fresh produce, and legumes not only nourish your body but also have a smaller carbon footprint than heavily processed alternatives. 
• Cut Back on Meat: Reducing meat consumption, particularly red meat, can significantly lower your environmental impact. Experiment with plant-based proteins like tofu, lentils, or chickpeas for a flavorful and eco-friendly alternative. Check out my article about a Climatarian Diet for some ideas.
• Think Local: The closer your food is sourced, the fewer food miles it travels. Support local farmers and markets to minimise your carbon footprint while enjoying the freshest produce. 
• Buy Bulk: also a win for your wallet, buying in bulk also reduces packaging. A super simple example is yogurt. Instead of buying individual pouches, buy a 2kg tub and mix in your own fruit & grains. Store pantry staples like oats, nuts, and rice in reusable jars to cut down on single-use plastic.
• Meal prep: check out our meal prepping ideas (on a budget). Honestly, the week goes so much smoothly when you get organised at the outset (and you'll reduce food wastage unbelievably).

2. PACKAGING: RETHINK WASTE 

Food packaging is a leading source of plastic waste. In 2025, it’s time to swap the disposable for the sustainable. 

• See ya single-use plastic: Avoid pre-packaged snacks and meals wrapped in layers of unnecessary plastic. Instead, choose items sold loose or wrapped in recyclable materials like paper. From using reusable food bags for your cucumbers and avocados to buying from bulk food stores, taking stock of how you can minimise single-use plastic can have a big impact.
• DIY Snacks: Homemade granola bars, crackers, or protein balls are not only healthier but come without the waste. Bonus: You’ll save money too! Check out some of our best zero waste snack recipes.
• Compost Whenever Possible: If you have any leftovers, make sure it ends up in the compost bin, not landfill. 

3. PACKING IT UP: INVEST IN SUSTAINABLE LUNCHWARE

The products you use to pack your lunch into play a crucial role in your mission. Plastic-free, durable, and well-designed lunchware is the way forward. Lucky we've got that in spades for every occasion.

• Choose Sustainable Materials: Stainless steel, glass and silicone are excellent options for lunch containers, bottles, and utensils. They’re durable, non-toxic, and reduce reliance on plastics. Dishwasher safe, there's no reason to sacrifice convenience or style with Seed & Sprout.
• Durability is Key: Opt for products designed to last. A high-quality stainless steel lunchbox might cost more upfront but will serve you for years, reducing waste in the long run. Buy once and buy well!
• Pack Smart: Invest in stackable containers, beeswax wraps, or silicone bags for compact, leak-proof solutions that eliminate the need for cling film or plastic bags. 

The Impact of the 3 P's When It Comes To Your Lunch

Every meal prepared mindfully, packaged minimally, and packed sustainably helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, cut down on waste, and promote a circular economy. So, as you plan your lunches in 2025, let the 3 Ps guide your decisions. Sustainability isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. And every step you take, no matter how small, is a step toward a healthier planet. 

Kickstart 2025: Sustainable Lunches Giveaway

To get things started, we're hosting a Sustainable Lunches Giveaway with a chance to win one of 10 x CrunchBox Lunch Bundles worth almost $2,000! 

To enter, simply spend over $100 with Seed & Sprout in January and you'll automatically be entered with a chance to WIN one of 10 x CrunchBox Lunch Box Bundles. You'll need to make sure you're subscribed to Seed & Sprout too.

Join the Mission

2025 is the year we return to our roots and make lunches matter. It’s a time to embrace small, sustainable habits that lead to meaningful change. I’m so grateful for this community and everything we’ve achieved together so far, and I can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish in the year ahead.

Let’s make this the year we change the way we lunch, together.

With love, Sophie x