A child taking a disposable lunch to school creates an average of 67 pounds of lunch waste annually. In order to reduce the amount of garbage that comes to school, ends up on the ground and in the landfill, LVUSD recommends a waste-free lunch.

What’s a waste-free lunch?

The purpose of a waste-free lunch is to reduce the waste generated each day in school. This not only protects the environment by conserving energy, natural resources, and landfill space, but it also cuts down on the amount of waste schools generate, which can help keep schools clean, inside and out, and reduce solid waste disposal costs.

How a waste-free lunch works:

Ideally, when packing a waste-free lunch, the objective is to only pack foods that are consumed completely, so no waste is produced, and to use containers that can be reused day after day. You probably have everything you need right now in your own home.

1. Start with a reusable lunchbox.
2. Pack food in a reusable/washable container, as well as reusable /washable utensils and napkins.
3. If you used individually wrapped items, open them up and leave the packaging at home. Recycle what you can. Better yet, buy your favorite foods in bulk and save money.
4. Include a refillable bottle for drinks.
5. Make school a ‘no trash zone’ by bringing everything that came in the lunchbox back home to recycle, reuse or throw away.

Items to avoid: plastic baggies, paper bags, paper napkins, plastic utensils, aluminum foil, plastic saran-wrap, juice pouches or boxes, plastic water bottles, and individually wrapped snacks, just to name a few.

YOUR EXTRA EFFORTS ARE APPRECIATED!

Show your love for our school and the planet by reducing the amount of waste produced at school and recycling whenever possible. This not only helps the environment, but it also helps keep our campus clean.

Thank you for keeping our schools clean and green!