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Packing lunches with the planet in mind.
Dear Reader,
Years ago, when the Dot Children were young, Dot volunteered at their school to chair the “eco-committee.” One of our projects was aimed at reducing food waste from lunches. To determine just how big a problem this was, Dot did a bit of reconnaissance, positioning myself near a garbage pail to see exactly what was tossed. Reader, I was aghast. The kids were jettisoning carefully made sandwiches, artfully cut carrot sticks, entire apples. So. Many. Apples.
What I wish I’d known about back then (or come up with myself!) was a sharing table, an idea recommended by Zero-Waste Chef, in her recent column on how to reduce lunchbag waste.
A sharing table, we’re told, is a table “for kids to share uneaten food from their lunches, such as whole apples or bananas, uneaten packaged food, or cartons of milk (which need to be immediately moved to a refrigerator or set on ice). Other kids who want a bit more to eat can then help themselves to the spread on the share table.”
Different school districts will have different rules. But the goal is the same: A straightforward way to keep food out of landfills.
The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service site offers up some rules and guidelines if you’d like to do what Dot did not (but wishes she had!): Set up a share table at your children’s school.
Any other tips from you brilliant Readers to help avoid lunchbag letdown (and food waste)? Share them with us.
Wholesomely,
Dot
Keep your belly and your wallet full by bringing a sustainably packed lunch when you’re on the go.
For more Bluedot Climate Quick Tips, click here.
