Time for Waste Free Groundhog Day!

That's right, Waste Free Wednesday is on Groundhog Day this month!  What can you do to pack zero or less waste in your child's lunch this Wednesday, February 2nd?  (T,R families on 2/3) Here are some ideas:

1.  Skip the juice box and send water in a reusable bottle
2.  Pack slices of cheese in a container instead of an individually plastic wrapped cheese stick
3.  Pack a whole fruit like a banana or apple--no container needed
4.  Pack a cloth napkin instead of a paper one
5.  No plastic bags--use reusable bags or containers or even just wrap a sandwich in a cloth napkin
6.  Skip the individual containers of applesauce, yogurt etc.

If getting to zero is tough for your current style, try choosing just one option above for this month's waste free lunch.  Or, ask your child for an idea--you may be surprised to hear his or her thoughts!  Thanks for your participation and please post a comment if you have more ideas for reducing waste.

Happy Composting

Check out these attractive compostable bags we used at the school holiday bake sale.  With all the extra parties and food at this time of year, the holiday season is a good time to think about composting.  Food scraps, food soiled paper, coffee grounds and paper filters are just some of the things that can go in your green bin.  Don't forget that all those Thanksgiving leftovers (and bones) you don't end up finishing go in the green bin!  Click here for more information.

The importance of sorting

You would be surprised how many preschoolers can tell you whether something goes in the green compost bin, blue recycle bin, or black waste bin.  These sorting bins can now be found in 2 of the school classrooms.  Some of our handy parents assembled the Trofast storage furniture from Ikea and the 28 qt bins with stickers from Recology fit perfectly.  If you have a question about which bin to use at home, just ask your child!

Waste-Free Wednesday Success!

Thank you to all the families that helped make our first Waste-Free Wednesday a success today!  Lots of reusable containers, cloth napkins, and water bottles were sighted and a lot less plastic bags, drink boxes, and cheese sticks.  Our next date will be December 1st.  (and don't forget Trashless Thursday tomorrow for our T, R families)

Did you know....?

20 million plastic bags go in the landfill everyday in the U.S.  Yikes!  Opt for reusable containers when packing lunches and snacks.  Be sure to check out this nifty sign that Jessica made from recycled materials!  You can find it on the school bulletin board and check back often because the "Did You Know" fact will be updated every couple of weeks.

Can it be art?

Before you toss it in the trash or recycling bin, think to yourself, "can this be art?"  If the answer is yes, bring it to school! The teachers have been encouraging the children to think of new ways to use old items in art projects.  Here are just a few examples of things to donate: glass jars, corks, egg cartons, old cards and wrapping paper, newspaper, buttons, ribbon, fabric, screws, washers, etc.  One person's trash becomes another's artistic treasure.  Now you can be on the lookout for recycled art materials and enjoy the masterpieces your little ones create!

Waste-Free Wednesday

We are gearing up for our first monthly Waste-Free Wednesday lunch on Nov 3rd (Trashless Thursday 11/4 for T,R families).  Our reusable lunch container sale was huge success and we made more than $600 for the school!  The favorites of many were the adorable cotton napkins, lunchskins, lunchbots, and the planetbox.  So, start thinking about how you can reduce waste in your child's lunch and please leave a comment if you have any tips to share!