Waste-Free Lunch Challenge!

Join the Cottage Street School Challenge by packing a waste-free lunch starting spring of 2013!

What is a Waste-Free Lunch? A waste-free lunch includes foods in reusable containers such as stainless steel containers or BPA-free plastic containers, cloth wraps or pockets for sandwiches and other dry snacks, aluminum or stainless steel water bottle, reusable silverware and a cloth napkin all packed in a reusable, insulated lunch bag. They discourage the use of disposable packaging, prepackaged foods, plastic bags, juice boxes and pouches, paper napkins, and disposable utensils. When we make these simple changes, we, as individuals, can reduce the amount of trash we generate. 

Why Pack a Waste-Free Lunch? Did you know that a school-age child using a disposable lunch generates 67 pounds of waste per school year? That equates to 18,760 pounds of lunch waste for just one average-sized elementary school! (source: WasteFreeLunches.org) Packing a waste-free lunch is one easy way to reduce this waste. It will also help your family budget and help children eat a healthier lunch.

How Do I Do It? 

• Start with Smart Shopping: Avoid products with excessive packaging. Play a Green Grocery Game by challenging your children to find more earth-friendly substitutes. Buying in bulk can also be more cost-effective.
• Gather Supplies: Identify or purchase reusable containers, sandwich sleeves, napkins, and cutlery. Here are some ideas for waste-free lunch kits. Once you have your kit, they can be used to make a waste-free lunch each day, saving you hundreds of dollars on purchasing disposable bags, wraps, and foils.
• Pack lunches the night before: To reduce waste, cut up fruit into smaller pieces, especially if you know your child eats only half of an apple, for example. Have them bring home what they didn't eat so you can get information about their food preferences.
• Teach your children to make a nutritious waste-free lunch: They will be more likely to eat what they have prepared. Make it fun!
• After school, have your child unpack his or her lunch containers directly into the sink or dishwasher. 

Click on each image to get a bigger image to print out. Draw your favorite waste-free packed lunch and your favorite school hot lunch.

What do you love to pack in your waste-free lunch?

Draw your favorite school hot lunch