SCHOOL lunches have been reimagined to reduce single-use plastic during the pandemic.
The borough council has swapped disposable items used earlier this year, with a more sustainable alternative.
Nearly 2,000 of the 5,000 school meals served each day have been packaged differently — sometimes using at least five items of single-use packaging per meal.
“After investigating many different packaging options I’m really pleased to be rolling out a reusable black packed lunch box this week across our schools,” said Cllr Gregor Murray, executive member for climate emergency. “These boxes allow us to serve cold or hot lunches in them which are then returned to the school kitchen to be put through the dishwasher for a life span of approximately 100 washes.
“They are more environmentally friendly and cost effective, as well as being covid-safe.”
Cllr Murray said the council is working to eliminate non-essential single-use plastics — but cannot do it alone.
“By engaging with businesses, schools, and residents, we can achieve a greater impact,” he said.
The decision was part of the council’s goal to become carbon neutral by 2030.
This includes reducing single-use plastics from all council-controlled environments — including school kitchens.
The council has already previously worked with catering contractor Caterlink to remove cling film, plastic cups, straws and bottles from 34 local schools.
Cllr Clive Jones, Liberal Democrat lead for environment said the lunchbox switch is a good move.
“I think it’s great that we’re not putting as much single-use plastic into landfill,” he said.
“The fact you can use it 100 times, and its suitable for both hot and cold lunches is fantastic.
“We’ll be getting a lot of use from them. The council has done pretty well here.”
