Waste free lunch - Back to school
1st September 2009
Waste free lunch - Back to school
As children across Warwickshire head back to school, Warwickshire County Council, with Warwickshire Waste Partnership, is encouraging parents to pack them a waste-free lunch box to help reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill each year.
School packed lunches often means crisp packets and other snack wrappers, drinks cartons, and lots of resulting waste which is often sent straight to landfill sites. However by making a few simple changes the waste can be dramatically reduced.
Cllr Alan Cockburn, the county council’s Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said: “Not only can we help the environment by cutting down on excess waste, but we could save money too, as pre-packaged food is often more expensive.”
Waste experts say it needn’t be complicated to cut down on lunchbox waste by choosing something that’s re-usable or recyclable instead. Buying loose fruit and vegetables and re-using a lunchbox can all help reduce the amount of waste we send to landfill as well as saving money on the weekly shopping bill.
What to include in a ‘Waste Free’ lunch?
Pack sandwiches in a reusable container or
kitchen roll/ greaseproof paper that can be composted
Buy large packets of biscuits, crisps, raisins and
put a few in a reusable container
Eat fruit snacks as leftovers can be composted
Take drinks in a drinks bottle that can be used again
Use cutlery that can be washed and used again
What to avoid in a ‘Waste Free’ lunch?
Foil or Clingfilm
Individually packed items i.e. biscuits, fruit, cheese, chocolate
Drinks in cartons or foil pouches
More information please contact the county council’s Waste Minimisation Team on 01926 418088 or visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/recyclewarks
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For more information or interview please contact Emily Martin, Waste Minimisation Officer, 01926 418088.