January may mark the first month of the Western calendar, but for many, the August and September months truly punctuate the New Year. Students and parents can relate: Back-to-school season is a time for new beginnings. Now is a great time to reevaluate habits, schedule and routine as they relate to making minimal impact on the environment, and one way to do that is pack a zero waste lunch.

A more sustainable meal planning routine is something to strive for year-round, but in the spirit of fresh starts, here are three simple tips you can use to eat more sustainably when on the go: