In 2018, the United States generated 35.7 million tons of plastic waste, with only a 8.7% recycling rate. The epa’s reports show that number grows every year.
With 180+ days in a school year, the plastic waste from our kids’ lunches can add up! By making low waste lunches a family effort, you can reduce your family’s carbon footprint and instill eco-friendly habits in your kids.
Planet Protectors is brought to you in partnership with the Stark Tuscarawas Wayne Recycling District
Choose an eco friendly lunch bag! Many lunch bags/ boxes are made from materials that are not suitable for recycling and not always very durable. You want to choose durable bags that were made with sustainability in mind. While some companies’ bags are made from 100% recycled materials, there are even a few that are made out of completely natural and compostable materials like cotton and wool.
- Planet Box carries lunch bags made from recycled or natural materials that are designed to carry their stainless steel lunch boxes. Coming in a variety of prints, they’re also appealing to kids.
- This 100% plastic free lunch bag from Life Without Plastic is made from 100% unbleached organic cotton and 100% wool, which are both natural and fully compostable materials. Even the metal zipper contains no plastic.
Make the switch to reusable containers for their food and drinks. From stainless steel to silicone and bees wax- there are plenty of durable, eco-friendly options to replace that flimsy plastic bag! Here are a few..
- Bee’s Wrap makes snack and sandwich bags made from 100% organic cotton and bees wax. The bags can be used for a year and are fully compostable.
- Reusable silicone, zip top bags are a great option that are easily washable. And they’re versatile with various sizes for snacks, sandwiches and even food storage.
- Durable, stainless steel cubes, bento boxes and water bottles are great for long term use and easy to clean.
Consider ditching single serve packaging and buying in bulk. When you’re going for low waste, the vessel that you’re packing in is definitely important. Buying lunch foods in bulk can help save money and reduce waste.
The Recycling District assures safe and sanitary disposal of solid waste for the residents of Stark, Tuscarawas, and Wayne Counties. Their goal is to reduce reusable or renewable wastes from entering landfills within the district. The Solid Waste District accomplish this through the development of residential and industrial programs that educate, promote, provide, implement, and improve recycling opportunities that will preserve landfill space now and into the future. Visit www.timetorecycle.org for more information.
Reporting, Alyssa Harbold
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