As Americans we are dependent on convenient products at our fingertips. Nowhere is this more evident than with our Lunch.
Most households pack lunches filled with single-serve disposable items, or will pack lunch items in single-use plastic bags, aluminum foil, wax paper or other disposible containers. Yes, these products are extremely convenient, but at what cost? . . .
**Our Health! processed and prepackaged foods are full of sodium, fat, sugar . . even those GMO’s.
**Our Earth! The estimated average school age child that takes a disposible lunch generates over 67 pounds of waste each year. One recent study estimated $1.2 billion dollars of food goes to waste at schools in the Unites States each year.
Waste from packaging accounts for more than 30 percent of all the waste generated each year – that’s 400,000 tons! do you know what one of the biggest item Student’s throw away? PLASTIC BAGGIES!! The majority of bags are thrown away, taking 200-1,000 years to decompose
Not only does bringing a FRESH packed lunch reduce that waste, but also saves you money!
On Average, A Typical American Child Lunch made with Disposable and/or Pre-Packaged items will cost $723/year. But when you FRESH PACK IT using Reusable Packaging the Average Cost is $477 a year.
That is over $250 a year saved!
As adults we can save even more. An average adult can save an estimated $100,000 over a 30-year career by packing lunch from home. (This assumes a cost of $3.50 for a home-packed lunch compared to $7.50 for a takeout meal.)
FRESH POINTS to Practice:
1)Buy in Bulk & FRESH PACK it- Stop purchases individual prepackaged snacks and lunch items. Buying in large sizes can not only save money on the price per ounce but you will reduce waste, and help the environment and eat healthier and preservative free.
2) PACK FOOD IN Durable, REUSABLE CONTAINERS– Avoid disposable wrapping such as plastic wrap & aluminum foil, and prepackaged foods whenever possible. Food gets smashed and let’s be honest, less than 15% is actually recycled.
3)USE A REFILLABLE DRINK BOTTLE- Instead of disposables again 8 outof 10 are not recycles and they take 1,000 years to decompose
4) USE A CLOTH NAPKIN
5) PACK REUSABLE UTENSILS
Packing a waste-free lunch may take a bit more time and creativity but, given the environmental and health benefits, it’s well worth the extra effort.