Posted on 5/12/2010
On April 16, Amherst's four elementary schools rose to the trash-free lunch challenge and produced a combined total of only five pounds of cafeteria trash! Per student trash volume generated ranged from .22 to 2.6 cubic inches. This is an unprecedented reduction in school cafeteria waste (made possible in part by the schools' composting programs). Thanks to all the administrators, teachers, parents, custodians and students who planned, educated, cheered and reduced their way to a successful event. Special kudos to Whitson’s Rebecca Trietley and her food services staff for orchestrating trash-free cafeteria meals, and using (compostable) cardboard lunch trays sparingly. Trash-Free Lunch Day provides a fun and powerful way to raise awareness about the packaging and food waste contributing to the 70 tons of trash produced annually by our elementary schools. The annual event is co-sponsored by Whitsons Culinary Group and the Amherst Department of Public Works Solid Waste Division. For more information call 413-259-3049.
