Green Wife, Happy Life
Helping busy families effortlessly go plastic-free and choose eco-friendly options in their daily routines, for a healthier family and planet.
Green Wife, Happy Life
Sustainable Swaps: How Busy Moms Can Break Up with Plastic Baggies!
In today's episode, I talk with Kirsten Quigley, founder and CEO of Lunchskins, who’s made it easier than ever to reduce plastic waste with simple, eco-friendly swaps.
Shop Lunchskins online at:
https://www.lunchskins.com/
Ziptop Compostable & Resealable Freezer-Safe Food Storage Bags
https://amzn.to/4iaTa69
Recyclable + Sealable Paper Bags
https://amzn.to/4bbYqnX
Follow me on Instagram at @greenilyco
If you're reusing Ziploc bags, washing them, turning them inside out, and leaving them to dry just to reduce your plastic use, what if I told you there was a better way? In today's episode, I chat with Kirsten Quigley, founder and CEO of Lunchkins, who's made it easier than ever to reduce plastic waste with simple eco-friendly swaps. So keep listening to find out more on the GreenWife Happy Life podcast. thank you so much for joining me on the podcast today it's great to have you because i love lunchkins so how are you today awesome thanks pam so fun to be here love chatting with you yeah awesome so um what i've been doing with the podcast is just hoping to talk to business owners who you know who own and who make these eco-friendly products that make it so easy and have made it so easy for me and my busy family to just swap in something so simple that does a job that I normally am doing, but it's eco-friendly. And so that's what Lunchkins does. I know because I use them a ton. And so I just wanted to talk to you today and hear a little bit more about Lunchkins and how it started and your products and all that kind of stuff. So maybe... Maybe you can start with kind of what's the, like, in a nutshell, what is Lunchkins? Kind of what's its mission? And then we'll talk more about, like, the product specifically a little bit later. But we'll start there. Yeah. Well, first of all, I'd like to say thank you for inviting me on. And thank you for being a fan and friend. And I love hearing when people say I use them all the time and they're part of my family. I mean, that is amazing. the genesis of lunchkins and we can get to that story too but in a nutshell lunchkins mission is to eliminate or reduce single-use plastic and replace it with planet-friendly alternatives sustainable alternatives something easy fun convenient for families and it really Yeah. Right. were, you know, hearing things out in whether it was school or in the world about the environment and coming home with, I will never forget one day with a statistic, it's sort of the statistic that started it all, that they had heard, I mean, this is now 15, 20 years old, it seems, because my kids are grown, but that 20 million plastic sandwich bags were thrown out every day in school lunches. Oh, my gosh. So that's kind of this crazy thing. nut that I couldn't get out of my head. And as a family that is active, like I said, I'm a big nature lover. I'm a big gardener. I'm a big hiker. I grew up taking the kids camping and we just love being outdoors. It just felt to me like I needed to walk the walk. I love the environment. I love nature. I love being outside. And I wanted to do my part, take care of it. And so finding something that like again, raising this generation of kids that were thoughtful and mindful about choices they made, about the environment, about their own bodies, about all these things. Lunchkins just was sort of just this little idea that became a practice, a habit, if you will. And we wanted to kind of put that out there into the world for other families and folks. And it's something easy too. When you think about all the messages we get And the way that it can feel so overwhelming to do something. And everybody sort of, you become paralyzed by, well, what can I do that's even meaningful? And I think for me, the idea that you can just do one thing and it doesn't have to be huge or expensive or, I don't know, this massive undertaking. If you can just do one thing. Yeah. create some sort of ripple effect, or even just do your one thing. And your thing can be different than my thing. But if we're all doing something, I feel like that's really kind of the spirit in which we need to kind of be moving when you think about progress and moving forward and certainly for the climate movement. If everybody just does one thing, and this is our thing. So it was one thing we could all do. Yeah. So you not only just did the one thing, you're like, I'm going to make the company that does one thing. You know, go big or go home. I don't know. That's amazing. I think it almost didn't even, you know, I didn't start with that end point of I'm going to create this thing that I hope will be in mass market someday. It was more like, hey, I'm hearing the kids talk about the environment and about, you know, green tips and things. Yeah. Right. Yeah. We were doing a reusable bag. That's a fabric. It's a fabric that's dishwashable. And again, the idea was, okay, hey, there's a lot of waste out there, a lot of plastic waste. What can we use? And so people can just stop with the mindset of, dispose and reuse, and it's something easy they can wash and reuse and do. And we were doing that and making them fun designs for years. But I do think that you're only going to catch a certain part of the market, a certain number of people who are really willing to kind of lean in that deep and, you know, use a product that That again, great intentions, good for the environment, good for the planet, but that they have to actually put a little effort into, a little sweat into, you know, washing it to reuse it again. Yeah. And the fear that their kid might throw it away and not bring it back. So there was a point where lunchkins and our mission, our mission hasn't changed. Right. But we adapted to our customer. And I think we thought, I thought that the, you know, all of us kind of sitting around the table looked around and said, okay, we're, We love this mission of eliminating plastic and kind of making something fun, easy, convenient for families. The reusable bag was a great idea. What else is out? What are people doing and what is customer service hearing that we're missing? Because we really want this to kind of like, we want to see momentum. We want to create wildfire with this. And I think what we were hearing most was, The recycling practice is so ingrained in people that they understand it. And I think something crazy, like 75% or 80% of Americans have access to recycling programs. So when I really kind of thought about what are people already doing that we can fall into? And when you go to a bakery or... a store and you're taking it, you know, a to-go item off and they'll put in a little plastic sleeve and hand it to you. So the idea of, well, let's create something that is like a, you know, that is like a disposable concept. They know using a plastic bag, but better with materials that are organic and biodegradable. And we'll go back into the earth because we know plastic stays around forever, breaks down into tiny particles. It's a, health issue. It's an environmental issue. It's just ubiquitous. It's everywhere. And we were really wanting to stay away from that. So the idea of creating a more eco disposable idea in, in your food storage was our paper bag that was sealable. Yeah. And, um, and, you know, since then we've kind of continued to innovate around the idea of how do we keep making it better and more of what our customer or, or expanding the lens of customers, what will people use? Right. And trends are just, you know, all continuing to point in the direction of recycling and composting. Yep. More and more and more. And I think that, you know, not everybody has access to composting programs, but it's, it's It's coming on, you know, in cities and states. And I think there's seven, there's a handful of states, California, New York, Colorado, even like Texas and places that are, and cities, you know, Austin, Portland, San Francisco, New York, that are really leaning into curbside food reduction, composting stuff. And that's huge because I'm part of one and I think you are too. It is incredible how little trash I have every week. It is incredible. It kind of makes you want to like, oh my gosh. I can't fill one bag, one can of trash in just the kitchen size 30 gallon. Can't fill it. It's surprising, right? It's shocking. Yeah. I mean, you don't usually think about it, but when it's different, you can tell the difference. Yeah. The amount of food waste. And again- as you know, one of our newest products is a compostable and our paper products are compostable as well, but we're making a compostable zip top to really kind of go toe to toe with Ziploc to show people, you know, there's so much innovation in this space and this, I'll call it plant-based innovative plastic space. It's really accelerating and it's huge what we can do if we just start shifting into composting. And it's one of the, Yep, yep. Yeah. So, you know, you touched on them a little bit, but can you, so the fabrics were reusable with sort of the 1.0, which, so it sounds like you sort of morphed into, so tell us kind of what- Morphed into the paper. Yeah, yeah. So it's- Yeah. So just tell us what the product kind of offering is as of today. And yeah, so- When I think about back in the day, I remember standing in a grocery store and I was so desperate to get that fabric bag in the grocery stores. Cause I knew that as a mom, again, I don't have a lot of time to source stuff and find stuff and I'm going to go where I go. And the path of the path I take is the same path you write every time. And I remember standing there and staring at food storage in this wall of, I might've been in target. I don't know this wall of plastic food storage. And I was like, how can I get lunchkins in here? What, what are we doing wrong? We've got this beautifully designed fabric bag. Yeah. They were adorable. Yeah. And when we were in market markets, we were often in kind of the whole body area of a store. Right. Soaps and nicer things like the whole body part of a whole food. Yeah. Or we were in, you know, kitchen specialty shops and it was a, It was... it was not where eyeballs and foot traffic go. Let's just say. Right. Exactly. On their regular routines. I'm like through the grocery store, I need my baggies. And I kept looking at like, okay, what's on shelf here are boxes, box counts of 50, 48 to, you know, a hundred count boxes of, of things. Yeah. And, and then that idea of it's gotta be, I've got to find an eco disposable alternative. Recycling is, is the way it's the gateway into being green. This is how we've got to get lunchkins in, and on shelf and we can still have other products like this reusable for the real true, you know, diehards. But this, you know, this little baby became our aha. It's a box of 50. We wanted the price point to be$5 or under. So you're talking 10 cents a bag. I mean, truly. We're talking about sandwich and snack sizes in a box of 50. And I think also the real, real big thing was there was one product out there that was a wax paper bag in a brown wax paper, but there was... you know, again, I'm thinking like an average person is going to say, well, I need my bag to seal shut and act like a bag. So, aha, you know, we have this bag that is a peel and stick and it seals shut. And all of a sudden you're trying to mimic what, you know, you know, I know what is a bug bag does, but this is going to be better because it's greener and it's paper and it's all cute and it's great down. And I will say, and it sounds kind of crinkly and you can hear it. This paper is really special stuff. And we've actually so special that we've actually patented this. It's called glassine paper. It's if, if, if I were to get at something greasy or mayonnaise or peanut buttery in here and it kind of seeped into the paper, which is naturally grease and moist and moisture resistant, it would just turn opaque and you can kind of see through it. Okay. And it's just a really cool paper because it is a tightly pressed paper. That's food safe. Yeah. And really does kind of, you know, not let grease penetrate through. So it's a pretty awesome little workhorse.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah.
SPEAKER_00:Yeah. And again, box of 50. This is our goals were get on shelf to give people options. Right. We did. Yeah. Yeah. In the same area as the other one. In the same area that you would naturally go. So you're not having to hunt for us. Right. We need to be where you find us. So that's that. And then honestly, the new, I referenced composting, the new concept, this looks even more like what you're used to seeing on shelves. Yeah. And it's, here, I've got one here. And it's, you know, truly a zip, zip top. I won't say zip lock. I'll say zip top. One side totally clear. Yeah. And the other side have a little fun because that's what lunchkins does. Yeah. Like to have a little fun. And these guys will break down in weeks, not years. Yeah. Again, you know, you'd have to look to your municipality for whether or not you thought I have a green bin that comes to my home every day and Tuesdays. I'm sure you can kind of bring a third party into, or people backyard and all these different things. But yeah, we really started the concept by saying, we've got a line of paper bags that are all, you know, some compostable and recyclable sandwich sizes, but we were never going to make a gallon paper bag. There's just no true world in which that makes a lot of sense. Yeah. Right. We really started this idea of, Hey, we got to find something to compliment our our brand, our line. Yeah. We want to, you know, take over. So the gallon was the missing link. And that's really what we went to first. And we really perfected it. We didn't race this guy out to market because there are, there are, there are Brands out there doing it, and I'm happy they are because you need a lot of people in this space to validate it. But we've read a lot of the customer reviews, and we really poured over what's not working so that when we do it, we can do it better and give people what they want. Some of the things weren't working were just– you know, the seams would tear or the top wasn't, didn't adhere very well. Yeah. I think these guys. Those are great. I mean, I use them. Yeah. They do not tear and the zip is good on the top. The zip is good. And, you know, we've got the little snack coming. Oh, cute. In April. Yes. Okay. That's coming. Yes. So we get the full suite of snack sandwich and gallon. And I think, I think that just really does compliment and add value to what's already existing. out there. Yeah. No, that's, yeah. I, I mean, I do have to say again, those, the zip top bags. Tell us what you think. They're really great. I mean, I put them in the, well, I have lots of light here. They are in the hang on one second. I will. Sure. I didn't realize I have a sun streak across my face, which I have the same thing, which is why I moved here. Cause I'm usually sitting in a window where the sun beams on my face. Oh, well, okay. It's, it's back there. Okay. You look good. Yeah, they, I put them in the freezer, the zip top bags, I, you know, for weeks, like I put frozen berries in and stuff. And they, you know, so I'm opening and shutting them, like, because they're like treats for my dog. Oh, I do too. Yeah, I mean, they don't like, they really are very sturdy and don't rip. And to somebody who washed their when I had a box of gallon, you know, Ziploc bags before anything like this in the marketplace, I would wash them till they were threadbare. And as you know, plastic does stick around forever. I'm sure I was getting little microplastic everywhere, but I don't feel bad after using these for my dog treats and Kongs and all that stuff in the freezer after, I don't know, a couple months or however long it's been there. I just, I don't feel bad about it. I put it right in the green bin and I move on. Right, exactly. There's not that guilt of this plastic that's never going to like, you know, biodegrade. And so yeah, no, I totally get that. I totally agree. Because there was a little bit of guilt when I held something that's not gonna break down in some way. So yeah, they really firsthand here. They, they're awesome. I love them. Yeah.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah.
SPEAKER_00:Yeah, no, they work really, really well. So yeah. So, okay. So tell us, was there anything new that we need to be on the lookout for? Or I know you said you have the snack size coming out. I mean, this is pretty new. I know you're a believer and you've found them, but these guys are so new that we're just getting them into and still presenting them to so many different store buyers. The biggest one that kind of excites me because, you know, it really just speaks to I hope, acceptance in most households. Kroger is going to be bringing them in this summer. Oh, awesome. Both sizes. And that makes me really happy. Again, love all our markets, all of them. Don't discriminate against natural versus conventional. But just to see something like this get in a conventional market just, to me, tells me, OK, there's an appetite for an awareness of, and a timing, like people are ready. Right. So let's do it, you know, let's go there. Cause you're not going to get it into a store that doesn't think it's going to sell. Right. So there's obviously like this. Yeah. But it's, yeah, we want this in our store. And so. Yeah. Or the buyer is fired up about something they see, you know, trending or having potential or believing in themselves. So, you know, we're lucky. Um, East and West, we've had good traction. And, you know, and then also down in Texas, Central Market and HEB. And, you know, just trying to fill in the gaps sometimes. So having Kroger believe in it is great. Yeah. You know, we love all our store partners, but... Yeah. So where can you buy... Is it on Amazon? Obviously on lunchkins.com, you can buy anything, everything, right? Of course. You want to see everything, obviously lunchkins.com, but Amazon's a great alternative. And just either online or in store, Target and Walmart are pretty good. you know, pretty big. They've got a lot to offer. If you're just a gross, straight up grocery store goer, then Albertson's just brought them in. So Albertson's Safeway. Oh, okay. And then you've got Kroger in the middle. And you kind of have to hunt for us, not going to lie. You kind of have to find us in that food storage aisle because right now we're hiding. It's a crowded aisle. I mean, but I have seen you guys like up on the top. like eye level shelf. And you and I are near giant food. So in the Ahold family, the Hannaford's, Giants, those folks have got it, which is great. And then your natural stores. I mean, Sprouts is really becoming one of my faves. And they're just, they really have been a good partner to us, asking us what's coming and what we're bringing up next. They don't have as much variety and as big of a footprint of a story store, but I think they do. I think they're a very great natural store. So that's, that's a good one. And, you know, gosh, all sorts of places, natural grocers, fresh time. If you're in those parts of country earth fair. Yeah. There's a lot of, A lot of stores out there. Yeah, and online, which is super convenient. At least, you know, if you can't find them for some reason, then you can certainly go online and buy them. And I think even set up like a subscription if you want to just have them arrive at regular intervals because you know you're going to need them and then you don't have to scramble and buy a plastic bag. Ziploc bag or zip top bag. So, yeah. Yeah. And I'm excited, too, just about even the idea of travel. I, you know, I've got kids on the West Coast and kids in Vermont and all around. And just having a little bag like this to just have lots of stuff in and travel with. I always brought these along. But, you know, when you're snacking on the plane, once you use it once, it's hard to keep getting in there and getting your stuff out.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah, yeah. Right.
SPEAKER_00:Yeah, I just think it's fun for so many purposes. I've got dogs, you've got dogs. These are great for treat bags. They're great for so many things. In fact, I can honestly, I can't think of a time that man, woman, or child has not needed some form of treatment. bag to carry something in. So whether it's in your car, your backpack, your, you know, wherever you go, it's kind of, it's kind of an essential staple. And I'm just happy that we are able and proud to say we've got recyclable and compostable luncheons for anyone and any need. Yes. Well, I, I, like I said, I love luncheons. It's great company, great products, use them. So, you know, and that's, again, what I'm hoping to share with these episodes is just that how easy, and one of the reasons I really love them is because it is such an easy, it's just a swap in. It's like, you're doing this thing already and okay, swap out the plastic, swap in the lunchkins. And, you know, you haven't added any, anything to your to-do list, you know? So, so it's, it's great. They're, they're, they're really great. And I'm happy to see how successful you guys are. And, you know, yeah, Well, I think you just said something that made me think, you know, when I think about my, you know, what can I do? What can we do? How do we measure sort of our impact? You know, one of the things you said, making that easy swap with something that is affordable and convenient and just very doable, right? Very repeatable is one way. And then I remember reading somewhere, and I thought it was really powerful, the notion that, you know, what is the most important thing you can do for the climate movement? Yeah. And it wasn't this massive, like go get solar panels and an electric car. You know what it was? It was tell someone about what you're doing. Yeah. Just tell someone because your friend or neighbor or schoolmate or whomever will more likely hear what you have to say and take it to heart than if, you know, than if they, they, read about it or, or, you know, whatever. Yeah. Right. Word of mouth. Yeah. Super powerful. Powerful. You said it, you said it. So the swapping something in and out that you're already doing and then telling somebody about it.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah.
SPEAKER_00:Right. Exactly. That's literally telling me about it. We were at an event the other day and. young woman was really excited about. I think she actually was affiliated with B Corp and we're a B Corp and that's exciting too. And she was talking about featuring us. And then she said, well, I'm just so happy to have learned about you and I'm going to go tell 10 of my friends. And I thought she was joking. And I was like, That's so cute. How funny. And she's like, no, I'm literally going to go tell 10 of my friends because they all look to me to tell them about things I learn about. And I will go tell 10 people right now. Right. Which is perfect. Yeah. I mean, not only is it like other people are learning about these other products that exist, but it's also- We need help. We need each other. I trust you. You trust me. You trust people to inform you about good things. Yeah, exactly. Yeah. And we're also used to seeing some of the same things over and over. You know, if you start learning about these new things that are super easy, but are better for the planet. I mean, I think, you know, lots of people want to do things that are better for the environment and for the planet. They just don't really know what to do or what's out there. And I totally agree with you. I think people need different ways to do good and feel good. And this is such an easy thing. Yes, it feels good. So it's not just a bag for your grapes or your sandwich. It's way bigger than that. So, and that's, you know, that's another thing I love about it. So, yeah. So anything else you want to share about lunchkins? I mean, again, I totally recommend highly and easy to get. And so. Well, I think you, you said it all. You've said it so well. I think we played off each other well, but that, Share with a friend thing. I got to remind myself and, you know, I don't want to be pimping out my own product here. So that's not, you know, share other things. Exactly. I will share other things with people. Exactly. But, you know, just the idea that let's all start talking to each other and, you know, it's it's more fun that way.
UNKNOWN:Yeah.
SPEAKER_00:Awesome. OK, well, thank you again so much for coming on. This is great. And I will, of course, leave links to lunchkins below so people can find you easily and, you know, some list of stores and things where they can find you, too. So that's awesome. Thank you so much. Thanks, Pam. All right. Have a great day. Bye bye. Thanks so much for listening to this episode of the GreenWife Happy Life podcast, where I share simple, sustainable swaps that you can make today. And if you're not already, be sure to follow me on Instagram at Greenlee CEO. Thanks and see you next time.