If things look a little greener around here this April, there's a good reason. Our editorial staff is busy expanding the ideals of Earth Day into a month-long celebration of energy conservation, alternative transportation, recycling tips and about a million ways you can be a better friend to the planet. Welcome to Green Month, Milwaukee.

Like most environmentally-sound practices, packing an eco-friendly lunch takes a little bit of an investment up front, but saves money and resources over time.

"I spent about $60 on everything I need for 'green' lunches for my family," says Milwaukee's Rachel Weiss.

To start the process, swear off paper lunch bags. It's fun and easy to find a lunch box that a kid will like, and there are many lunchboxes and reusable lunch bags available on line and in stores that are suitable for adults, too.

For a retro or whimsical lunch box, check out the selection at Beans and Barley, 1901 E. North Ave. Another option -- which is a little more expensive (about $35) -- is to purchase a Laptop Lunch. This lunch container is basically like a portable Japanese bento box with sealable containers. Or, here's a lunch tote made by Built that comes highly recommended by local moms.

Jennifer Lucas, a kindergarden teacher at Doerfler School, on the South Side, uses this tote. "I have the 'gourmet getaway' which always surprises everyone in the teacher's lounge how much I can stuff in it," says Lucas.

To take your green lunch a step further, use stainless steel utensils instead of disposable plastics. You might want to buy a cheap set of utensils at your favorite box store, or even at a thrift store, in case they don't make it home. Also, use a cloth napkin instead of a paper one, and a reusable, aluminum drink container like a Sigg bottle (about $20).

Try to avoid plastic wraps, "baggies" and aluminum foil. Instead, use wrap-n-mats ($5.75-6.50) for sandwiches. Wrap-n-mats come in a variety of different fabrics and they double as placemats.

If possible, don't buy prepackaged items like small bags of chips or snacks. To stop filling your lunch with these convenience foods, you may have to rethink your dinners, as well. Make meals like soups and casseroles that generate leftovers, so you have a lunch option that's healthier and not packaged.

"It was a big change for us at first, but now (packing green lunches) is second nature," says Weiss.