Lunch. The eternal midday dilemma. Do I pack my own and take it to the office, or eat out and brave the world of disposable flatware? And what about the kids? Do I hand them a couple bucks and tell them, “Hope it’s sloppy Joes today!” Or do I pack them a painstakingly prepared meal that they’ll probably just trade to Jimmy Jones for a cookie and a bag of Fritos?

Luckily for you, Umbra is here with some thoughts on earth-friendly lunch packaging, suggestions for tasty (and meat-free) meals — even a few words of wisdom about the lunch lady.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?PLEDFBA4559FB5ADAA&v=DrwZ-0i7d3E&amp]

This year marks the 10th anniversary of our Ask Umbra advice column, and to celebrate, we’re pulling a favorite gem of eco-advice out of the archives each week.

Grist thanks its sponsors. Become one.

Send your green-living questions to Umbra.

For even more green goodness, you can follow Umbra on Twitter (@AskUmbra) or become a fan on Facebook.