Launching Ditching Disposables Toolkit
CEH is a trusted partner of K-12 schools, and we consistently hear from school staff, teachers, parents, youth activists, and others from across the country who are alarmed by the use of disposable foodware in their schools. Their concerns include the toxic chemicals found in these products, the waste created by foodware that is used just once and then thrown away by millions of children daily, and the impacts that these products have on our health and the environment—which have only been compounded by the pandemic. Our Ditching Disposables Toolkit for K-12 Schools provides education on what toxic chemicals exist in foodware, concrete guidance on how to identify and choose healthier options, and actionable steps that K-12 schools can take to switch to reusables, including a planning guide with hands-on guidance on topics like, “12 Steps to Transform Your Cafeteria.” CEH launched the toolkit in May 2021 along with a webinar that reached hundreds of people from school districts and organizations throughout the nation. Since then, the online, interactive digital toolkit has received 1,400 views. We will continue to refine and share this invaluable resource that equips school purchasers with the information, customized tools, and technical assistance they need to make school lunch safer.