How Do I Pack a Waste-Free Lunch?

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! *

Here's How! 

• 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. 

*Source: WasteFreeLunches.org