Blog Action Day 2011 is today and this year’s topic is food. Here at Learning Without Labels, we’re looking at the problems surrounding school lunch waste along with some solutions.
First read - school lunch waste is a real problem. Then keep reading to see how your school can help reduce school lunch waste.
Solving the problem of school lunch waste at smaller democratic schools
Village Free School, my son’s democratic school, like most small schools, doesn’t serve hot lunches. Kids bring their own packed lunch. With that in mind, some of the solutions below are more approriate for democratic and other small schools. If your child attends a more traditional school you can still create change though – learn how to conduct a green school cafeteria audit.
Small schools can compost: Luckily, our school already has a composting program in place, which is s great way to cut back on food waste. At a very small school, plain old buckets and a compost area are a simple enough small scale composting start. For more tips read, how to start a school compost program.
Small schools can recycle: Recycling packed lunch waste goes a long way. Obviously, your recycling capabilities will depend on where you live. Different states, and even different areas in states, can have extremely varied recycling programs in place. Our school, Village Free School is lucky. Because we’re located in PDX, we have access to a decent recycling program. When we lived in New Mexico, the recycling programs were not nearly as good. To find recycling programs in your state, visit Campaign For Recycling or the EPA.
- Start a successful cafeteria recycling program (pdf).
Small schools can encourage reusable lunch gear: The New York Times recently reported that many schools are strongly encouraging parents to use reusable, compost-friendly and recyclable goods, with some schools going as far as requiring reusable packed lunches. By reusable, we’re talking about reusable lunch bags instead of paper bag, water bottles instead of drink pouches and disposable bottles, reusable containers and food wraps, and real, not plastic, silverware.
Reusable lunch gear is an excellent way to teach kids about waste reduction and can make a huge difference. For example, as noted in the previous post, Waste-Free Lunches notes that the average child who carries a packed lunch will generate an insane 67 pounds of waste per school year. It’s the small stuff that adds up, like paper bags, plastic baggies, foil and disposable paper napkins and plastic silverware.
Some reusable lunch gear is costly, but there are solutions, such as making a DIY homemade reusable lunch kit.
How parents can help reduce school lunch waste
You can invest in some reusable lunch gear. And by invest, I’m not kidding. While you may think it’s silly to pay $50 for a nice lunch box and some reusable containers, it’s a purchase that pays off. At my house, we’re on year three or so with one lunch box and year two with another. A quality lunch box and containers will save you money over time, even if the cost is more up-front than disposables.
You can also pack foods your child will eat. Pay attention. If they bring the same foods home over and over, and just don’t send those items in your child’s lunch anymore. If you have the time, try making homemade foods, like homemade granola bars or bread vs. buying food in packages. Lastly, be sure to recycle at home. Recycling lessons stick with kids and they’ll be more likely to also recycle at school.
How is your school, or your family helping to reduce school lunch waste? Share in the comments.
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