Save the Planet

The impact that foods can have on the environment is influenced by the type of food it is and where it comes from. Schools can help students learn environmentally friendly solutions, habits and skills that carry into adulthood and can be passed on to others at home, school or in the broader community. 

Follow the 4-step process to take a planned and comprehensive approach to work on this topic.

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Getting Started

• Do you have an environmental club at your school? 
• When food is offered or sold at school, are plant-based proteins like beans, legumes, tofu and seeds available (e.g., events, Student Nutrition Program). 
• Do you use environmentally friendly packaging whenever possible? 
• Does your school have a composting program? 
• Does your school have a water bottle refill station?

Bright Ideas

Provide opportunities for students to try plant-based proteins: 

• Host a taste test with the students including a variety of hummus flavours: beet, dill pickle, red pepper, etc.
• Serve smoothies at a school event and include silken tofu instead of yogurt
• Offer sunflower or pumpkin seeds as a topping for a yogurt parfait in the Student Nutrition Program

Promote opportunities to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle:

• Encourage litterless lunches brought from home
• Offer a fundraising event promoting reusable bags and containers
• Request recyclable or compostable containers from local lunch vendors

Minimize food waste:

• Learn food preservation techniques from elders
• Consider if a composting program is feasible at your school
• Encourage families to cancel pre-ordered lunches if students will be away from school

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