Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Five Steps to Packing a Green Lunch

Sustainable Ways to Prepare for the 2017 - 2018 School Year


It is almost time to head back to school for the beginning of the 2017-2018 school year.  This year, try to pack lunch in a  sustainable way to produce less waste and protect the environment.  

Five steps to packing a green lunch include:

1) Forgo brown bags: The classic brown bag may seem like a school lunch staple, but this year, instead try a durable, reusable lunch bag.  Purchasing a reusable lunch bag will not only save money, but also will reduce waste, as brown bags cannot be recycled or typically reused.  
2) Remove plastic bags: Plastic sandwich bags are often used to pack lunch.  However, plastic bags cannot be recycled and, once thrown away, take years to decompose.  This year, try to use reusable plastic containers to pack sandwiches, snacks, and more.  Plastic containers can be washed after each use and reused again.

3) Add reusable silverware and napkins: Plastic silverware and paper napkins?  Not this year!  One-use products, such as plastic silverware and paper napkins, produce a lot of waste that will just get thrown away after one meal.  This year, pack actual silverware and napkins that should be taken home and washed after each meal.
4) Try a reusable bottle: Plastic water bottles can be recycled, which is a great way to promote a green lifestyle.  Take one extra step and invest in a reusable bottle that can be packed for lunch.  Wash out after every meal and refill again for the next lunch.
5) Remember waste: Even when following the above tips, it is still possible, and even probable, to produce waste after meals.  After lunch, remember to sort recyclables from food waste and regular waste.  If it is easier, encourage everyone to "pack in" the supplies that have been "packed out" during lunch to sort and dispose of once at home.

The Grady Management, Inc. team wishes every student a happy and successful 2017-2018 school year.

Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more from our website or Facebook page.

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