Composting Pilot in the Lunchroom

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Blaine has been selected from all CPS schools to pilot the new composting program every Friday.  Some facts from the Pilot Program, based on our first Friday (4/25/14)

On Friday, April 25, 2014 we recycled or composted 78 lbs of waste in two hours!  Leaving ONLY 8.5 lbs of landfill waste.  Of that 78 lbs of waste (now diverted from the landfill), 36 lbs was uneaten food, and 30 lbs was liquid (milk and juice that children drain in to a bucket).


TIPS FOR PARENTS TO HELP REDUCE LANDFILL GARBAGE EVEN MORE!

  • Talk to your children about what they like to eat in school.  36 lbs. of uneaten food is A LOT!
  • Encourage your children to bring home uneaten food, so you can see what they like and don't like.
  • Help us to reduce our waste by not using Ziploc/Glad baggies - we are not able to recycle them.  there are many fabric and reusable bags on the market.  They can even save you money in the long run!
  • Consider a reusable water bottle, rather than a juice box.  Again, 30lbs of milk/juice waste in a day!
  • Click here for some great reasonably priced suggestions for lunch containers. 
                    http://www.containerstore.com/shop/kitchen/lunchtimeEssentials/foodContainers?N=78866
                    http://www.lunchskins.com/
  • Remember to pack a reusable ice pack to keep lunches cold!
Every FRIDAY, the Blaine's Green Team needs volunteers in the lunchroom to help our children learn how to separate their waste, RECYCLE and now, COMPOST. Please help us to make it a success by volunteering anytime between 10:30 - 1:30. Can you spare an hour of your Friday morning? Blocks of time are recommended on the link. Tasks will also include helping our little ones open packages, drink cartons, wiping down tables, etc. You are also welcome to be a lunchroom volunteer on another school day, if Fridays don't work for you. The Green Team may not be available, but instructions are clearly posted in the lunchroom to guide you. Ask a friend to join you and have some fun volunteer time with the children, while helping them to learn how to care for the environment. Please note the composting pilot is only taking place on Fridays. This volunteer time will count toward your hours in lieu of the school fee.  Please click here to sign up!  https://yubbler.com/Club/HomePage/106#

Thank you so much for helping us be friends of the earth at Blaine.