Styrofoam / Polystyrene Food Container vs. To-Go Ware Bamboo Utensil and Lunchbox Set

Materials

• Expanded polystyrene (EPS, recycling #6)

Common claims

• Lightweight insulation
• Cost-effective packaging

Concerns / watch-outs

• Styrene — the building block of polystyrene — is classified as a possible human carcinogen (IARC Group 2B)
• Leaches styrene into fatty or hot foods
• Essentially non-recyclable and environmentally persistent

Notes

One of the worst food contact materials for both health and environmental impact. Avoid using for hot or fatty foods. Opt out whenever possible in favor of glass, stainless, or even HDPE.

Cleaner alternatives

• borosilicate glass container
• stainless steel food container
• paper lunch bag

Materials

• Bamboo utensils
• stainless or bamboo container

Common claims

• Plastic-free eating kit
• Renewable bamboo material
• Vegan

Concerns / watch-outs

• Bamboo utensils should not be soaked in water for extended periods
• Check that bamboo-fiber composites don't use melamine binders

Notes

A popular zero-waste lunch kit. Ensure bamboo utensils are solid bamboo, not compressed bamboo composite (which may use melamine resins).

Cleaner alternatives

• stainless bento box
• lunchbots stainless container