A big part of a successful lunch program is having the right containers. We encourage parents to send in reusable containers instead of one-time-use plastic bags. Teachers make a strong effort of see that containers and lids all make it back into the child’s lunch box. Here are a few tips:
• Make sure your child’s first and last name, along with the date, are on both parts of a container. This is a health department requirement for children under five.
• Select containers that are easy for your child (and your child’s teacher) to open.
• Smaller individual containers are preferable to one large container, unless it has compartments.
• Silicone cupcake liners make great dividers for smaller items in a larger lunch container.
• Avoid one-time-use containers, such as Capri Suns or the Go Go Squeez pouches. They are extremely convenient, but not so helpful for the planet. This is one small way we can minimize trash and teach our children about reusing materials.
CONTAINER WEBSITES
http://www.easylunchboxes.com/products/index.htm
http://www.wastefreelunches.org
RECYCLING
We’ve been conducting research on what to do with hard-to-recycle items, such as the Go Go Squeez pouches. Here is a website that handles these items. We’re looking into setting up an account to recycle these as a school; however, our first preference is to not have them used at all. Stay tuned for more information on these items. Here’s the link:
http://www.terracycle.com/en-US/brigades/gogo-squeeztm-brigade.html