Our school has just implemented waste free lunches.
http://www.wastefreelunches.org/ for more information.

I think it is a great idea! We have been trying to do it already but I really like that the school is really getting behind this.

We are no longer allowed packaging, disposable spoons, drinking boxes, etc. And any garbage kids bring in, they have to take home. No brown bags but re-usable lunch bags.

Some parents are upset the school is dictating what they can send. But I really like that they are teaching the kids about the environment.

What are your thoughts?

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I guess I already pack waiste free. We use thermoses, tupperware and regular spoons. I never buy prepackaged because I don't like the additives. In the long run it would be great if everyone did it, but there are going to be some PO'd parents who aren't used to the idea. It's like anything else. It will be a big deal in the beginning, then after everyone figures out it's not that hard and cheaper btw, it will blow over.

I think that it sounds like a good idea. My biggest problem with doing it right now is that if I do send something non-disposable I am concerned it will get tossed. However, if nothing can get tossed, then there goes that problem.

What do you do with the used napkins? Do you send paper and have them bring them home, or do you send some kind of cloth too?

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I do not send that much disposables, but I don't like it and would raise a ruckus. No one should tell me what I can and cannot send!! I do not want to wash all the tupperware. If I want to use plastic bags that is my perogotive!!! And where did they get those money figures!!! That is rediculous. It certainally does not cost $1.25 to make an egg salad sandwich!!! (sorry, you caught me on a grumpy morning!!!)

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~Happiness is a large family~

I think its a great idea.

I get frustrated at one of my parents in my daycare for all the baggies they send on a daily basis. I have told him I dont mind washing up any storage containers and they will for a week and then back to the baggies.

Just for the money reason I dont buy juice boxes and prepacked food anyway so I know I would be able to do this next year when my ds is in school all day. He has already said he would like to pack. (we have read over the menus! lol)

I think there price on the sandwich is outrageous and wrong. I woud not like it if I had one child. it's not always practical or cost effective to buy in bulk. I would not care if mine brought home the packaging. I rewash the plastic spoons as long as they are not cracked or broken.

also, as long as the school was willing to look at itself first, I'd be more willing. Our school tosses food in garbage where other nearby school districts have food wastes sent to pig farm. there excuse we don't have the space.

allgirls

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allgirls, mom to 3 girls

My feelings are mixed. I think for a lot of moms this is the only way they can get a lunch together quickly short of going through the drive thru (I know plenty that do that too, and for breakfast too )

That said, I LOVE the idea. Ds goes to a montessori without a cafeteria so he'll be packing every day (yes I am going to make Him pack his lunch, starting with next year, the kindergarten year).

In fact, it's funny that you posted that, because I just bought for him for next year a "lunch system" from Bed Bath and Beyond. It's basically a tupperware container with an ice pack built in (removable) and two smaller sections on top. The bottom being for sandwiches/salads/etc. and the top being for smaller foods: olives, hummus, snacks, anything. Then I bought a cooler for it to go into ($8 at Amazon) that has room for a reusable drink bottle. So we are definitely going to be doing the no waste lunch, voluntarily. I might even buy one for myself since I pack frequently when we go shopping so save $ and to avoid junk.

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I think it's a good idea, but at the same time, I have to agree with the statement about what do they do with their napkins. I think it's a little on the extreme side. They could recycle the juice boxes can't they? They should recycle some of the materials. I personally would send lunch in a true lunch box and give my child a thermus b/c it's cheaper than having to buy disposable ones.

I do think its a good idea for the most part, but I understand parents annoyance. I am very cost conscious as well as health and environmentally conscious so these are things I do anyway, but if I were working full time outside of the home, I know I would depend on some packaged foods to keep my sanity. Like- lunchables- sure you can make the same thing for loads cheaper, but its so easy to walk down an aisle, grab a pre-made lunch and a juice box and lunch is done. And some things I just won't buy in large quantities- like yougurt. It would go bad before we ate it since its a once a week or so thing, not daily, so I would much rather send a cup than dish some out of a larger container.

I definitely support schools trying to reduce waste. but, maybe by just having kids take their trash back home it would encourage parents to reduce packaging. OTH, i'm thinking about a half eaten egg sandwich sitting in the lunchbox for 4 additional hours after lunch. Ewww!!

Our school lunches are cheaper then what they put on here. I pack lunches because it is cheaper. Most days we use plastic containers and rewash stuff. For summer school I just use the throw away because it will stink.