Why pack a waste-free lunch? You will feel great about helping the earth by reducing the garbage you throw away. To keep your school yard cleaner and free from litter. A waste-free lunch is often healthier! Saves YOU and your parents money because a waste-free lunch often costs less.

A waste-free lunch may include: Reusable lunch bag Reusable containers Reusable water bottle Cloth napkin Reusable fork, knife, and spoon Fruit that comes in its own natural packaging, such as a banana or apple!

A waste-free lunch does not include: Disposable items such as Plastic baggies Plastic wrap Aluminum foil Paper bags Plastic fork, knives, and spoons Any container that you only use once before throwing away.

Reduce comes first: Reduce is the most important of the 3Rs because it means avoiding waste. Even if something can be recycled, its best to reduce first. Skip the juice boxes and jammers – use a refillable bottle instead! Game day? Fill a reusable bottle with FREE tap water instead of buying bottled water. That way, you win and the earth wins too!

Reuse, Reuse, Reuse! Reusing in the secret to making less garbage! Take leftovers in a reusable container to cut down on food waste AND packaging! Ask your parents to buy juice, yogurt, crackers, cookies and other snacks in large amount and take only what you want in a small reusable container. This is called buying in bulk and often saves money.

Our school challenge: How many days do you think you can go waste-free at lunch? Can you make waste- free lunches for a full week? By going waste-free you can be an environmental hero! Help our school be a true environmental leader by reducing, reusing and recycling every day!