Kalamazoo Schools Transition to Eco-Friendly Lunch Trays

Kalamazoo Public Schools will implement a significant environmental initiative by replacing Styrofoam lunch trays with biodegradable alternatives starting on October 17, 2023. This change aims to reduce the district’s waste footprint, moving away from the approximately 1 million Styrofoam trays that are discarded each year.

The transition began earlier this year as a pilot program at Prairie Ridge Elementary School. The district recognized the environmental impact of their previous trays. According to Kirsten Strong, the district’s registered dietician, “We just realized when we were doing the math that we were putting about 1 million Styrofoam trays into the landfill each year. We always want to aim to have a lighter carbon footprint.”

The new biodegradable trays will cost 12 cents each, compared to the 7 cents per tray for Styrofoam. To manage the additional costs, the district plans to implement cost-saving changes in other areas, such as purchasing condiments in bulk rather than in individual packages.

Joshua Kerby, executive chef for Kalamazoo Public Schools, emphasized the importance of this shift, stating, “It’s just the right thing to do. We teach nutrition, but we can also teach about different sustainable choices we can make in our lives.” This initiative not only enhances the school lunch experience but also serves as an educational opportunity for students about sustainability.

As Kalamazoo Public Schools moves forward with this environmentally conscious strategy, the district hopes to inspire similar actions in other educational institutions. The commitment to reducing waste reflects a growing trend among schools to adopt more sustainable practices, aligning with broader environmental goals.

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