Take a moment and think about the garbage that is generated in one day in one school cafeteria. Now think about the tried and true lunch box.

It really is that simple to be green.  What with Lunchables and packaging and the cafeteria Styrofoam trays, we are reverse modeling to our children everyday and letting it slide right under our green radar. 

It should start with a reusable container – even a bread bag, or divided plastic ware for the “my bread can’t touch my grapes” crowd. You cut a couple of slices from the bulk cheese.  You put in some local fresh fruit and veggies.  You reuse a bottle and pour your own single serving for milk or juice.  Voila!  Then you recycle and replace that bag or bottle with some other grocery store cast off.  Congratulations!   You have just taken one item, used it for a different purpose, used it more than once, recycled it and shown your children, one step at a time, how to do their daily part and make a difference.

Now, go talk to your school board and get them to purchase biodegradable food trays. (Maybe work on a healthier, less packaged menu). Get kids to monitor garbage and to sort into recycle bins and organize a local scout troop to coordinate drop offs at Recycle Ann Arbor and you’ve instilled responsible volunteerism, too.   Don’t stop there.  Get your kids to pack only what they can and want to eat or bring it home for snack later so they aren’t throwing any food away either.

If we let the little things slide by every day, then bigger things become everyday things and eventually they too slide by every day and before you know it, we feel helpless to make a difference.  REVERSE  the trend: give your kids some responsibility for their own future and let them pack their green lunch today.