Even if you are making a transition to glass containers for your lunches and leftovers, chances are you still have a small stockpile of plastic containers in your kitchen. And no matter how thoroughly you scrub them, there comes a point where they start to smell a little...stale. If you have any plastic containers that could use a little spring cleaning, here are six ideas to freshen them up — without resorting to harsh chemicals.

Dino kale and I, we're best friends 4evah. But it didn't happen overnight. There were some bitter encounters early on that led to unhappy meals and mutual mistrust. But we kept at it -- a wilted raw kale salad here, a handful of ribbons in a lentil soup there -- and these days, we're daily lunchtime companions. Here's how I shop for it and cook it (or not), along with a few favorite lunch-worthy recipes.

If you're not a fan of plastic and want to avoid it while transporting your lunch, you're in luck: there are plenty of stainless steel lunch containers out there. But our favorite of the bunch has to be this 3-in-1 set from ECOlunchbox. 

Jars Cantine Oval Platter (and Dinnerware) from Williams-Sonoma

• $79
• Williams-Sonoma

I have been looking at this new line of French stoneware online for a while now, but last night I was in Williams-Sonoma and it really caught my eye. The pieces come off much better in person. They are clearly handmade, with the softness and tiny imperfections that brings. The colors were vibrant - with a subtle crackling that adds sheen. Really beautiful, especially the oval platter (I like the lip that runs around the edge). This stuff is really gorgeous. I would compare it to Heath Ceramics for both price and quality.

Okay guys, this is big. Big for snacks. Big for me, anyway. A while back, I stumbled upon some roasted coconut chips with a ridiculous price tag. I tried them and was hooked. But they were quite expensive, and seemed even more so as the bag weighed only a few ounces and could be devoured in one sitting. So I avoided them. Until now. Trader Joe's sells delicious, amazing coconut chips at a fraction of the price! Prepare yourself. More

Some days we have our acts together. Some days we just plain don't. That's life. For the days when those good intentions to make lunch ahead don't go quite as planned, here are a few pantry staples that make a very good emergency lunch.

The Takenaka Bento Boxes are simple, and that's what we like about them. They come in a bunch of fun colors, and they're not too big — which makes them ideal for packing lighter lunches. More

The Hidebound Bottle Opener by Machine Era Co.

• $48
• Etsy

Are bottle openers the newest status symbols? I feel like I have seen a lot of swanky, interesting, well-made bottle openers on the design front. Perhaps they are the calling card du jour for young designers showing their style and skills? Take this one for instance, which sort of begs to be held. It weighs 5 ounces and was milled from solid bar cold formed steel. There's a handsome leather strap so you can hang it up in the kitchen. Pricey, solid - a great gift or little splurge.

When did lunchboxes get so stylish? (I mean, I know you used to rock that Care Bears lunchbox back in the first grade, and yes, it is hard to top that.) But in case you thought your best lunchbox days were behind you, you should know that there are quite a few sturdy, stylish boxes designed for adults on the go. In celebration of Lunch Week here on The Kitchn, we're highlighting a few of our favorites. Today's pick? The Monbento. More

Whatever your potholder style, we think you'll like these whimsical handmade versions as much as we do! Red Stitch is the work of Ioana Weber, who hand-makes every potholder in her Etsy store. There are plenty of pretty patterns and colors to choose from — all unique and one-of-a-kind. (And with a sense of humor. Did you see the steak and eggs pair? We love that one!) More

Q: Today this question is from me! I am looking for a durable, roomy lunch bag that I can easily carry around school all day. I'd like something that keeps containers secure and folds flat when empty. Bonus points if it's good-looking. Any recommendations?

Dansk Kobenstyle Butter Warmer

• $39.95
• Crate and Barrel

We showed you all of the new colors this year for the reissued Dansk Kobenstyle cookware. I have to say, my favorite of all the Dansk cookware is the chubby little butter warmer, a tiny pot with a pouring spout. This kind of little pot is surprisingly useful for many things: making a small amount of roux or custard, heating soup for one, brewing tea or hot chocolate, warming milk for a child, and - yes - melting butter.

Thanks to concerns about tuna's high mercury levels and unsustainable fishing practices, the carefree days of eating lots of tuna fish sandwiches for lunch are over. But if you are missing the quick, tasty and economical meals canned tuna provides, we have a few excellent alternatives — including one vegetarian option.