"Concerned about the amount of waste and use of nonrenewable items in school cafeterias, some Bay Area students and school districts have initiated changes toward more sustainable practices. In response to students' requests to be more eco-friendly, the Campbell Union School District has increased recycling efforts and is taking steps to reduce plastic waste. The district also plans to offer compostable utensils and large condiment dispensers in lieu of individual condiment packets."
"Districts that have tried transitioning to more sustainable cafeteria practices cite student buy-in as key, from grade school on up. In a report on Palo Alto Unified School District's move to using reusable plastic baskets in 12 elementary schools, district Sustainability Program Manager Rebecca Navarro said, "We were worried that kids would throw away baskets. But our students said, 'Why would we throw these away? They are obviously not trash!'""
Bay Area students and school districts have initiated changes to reduce cafeteria waste and reliance on nonrenewable items. Campbell Union School District increased recycling, plans to provide compostable utensils, and will replace individual condiment packets with large dispensers. Student activists at Del Mar High School used polls, surveys, and attendance at board meetings to lobby for policy changes and helped secure administrative support. Districts report that student buy-in is essential for sustaining reusable systems. Palo Alto Unified introduced reusable plastic baskets in 12 elementary schools, and Fremont Unified replaced single-use lunch trays with reusable trays in 10 elementary schools, citing waste reduction and health concerns.
Read at The Mercury News
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