Jesus told her, “First I should feed the children
Mark 7:27
So our community challenge this Saturday is to consider your school’s tuckshop.
Firstly are they re-cycling? School tuck shops create a huge among of plastic waste and the first step is to make sure they are offering clear recycling bins. The second is to make sure that those bins are being emptied and the sorted trash is actually going to the recycling depot. This could potentially create a stream of income for the school. You will need to do some research as many of the snacks such as crisps are in metalised plastic film which is generally not recyclable with home recycling
Secondly – what can be refused?
School tuck shops don’t need straws!, They are the first thing that can go or at the very least only have them for those who request, don’t just hand them out. With pressure from the school, the tuck shop can be told to stop using Styrofoam as this is a health and environment risk. They also can run without plastic bags as all the kids have backpacks they can put snacks into
Thirdly what can be reduced:
Certain products can be swopped out – e.g lollypops(suckers) with paper sticks rather than plastic.
Fourthly offer other options:
The school can put pressure on the tuck shop to source some more reasonably prices plastic free items which are more healthy such as fruit, home made snacks etc
How can you push for change? Look at the structure of the school – is there a governing board – council – find a supportive member to push for a sustainable tuckshop
https://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/resources/what-do-crisp-packets