Trashless Lunch Challenge for Grade 4
Reducing Waste, Protecting Our Planet Science Class - 60 Minutes
What Happens to Our Lunch Waste?
Think about yesterday's lunch What did you throw away? Where does all that trash go?
The Problem with Lunch Waste
Plastic wrappers take 450+ years to decompose Juice boxes contain layers that don't recycle easily Food waste in landfills creates methane gas Our choices impact the environment every day
What is a Trashless Lunch?
A lunch with little or no waste! Using reusable containers and packaging Making choices that help our planet
Brainstorm: Low-Waste Lunch Ideas
Work with a partner Think of alternatives to disposable items Categories: Containers, Packaging, Food Choices Be creative and have fun!
Great Ideas from Our Class!
{"left":"Reusable water bottles instead of juice boxes\nCloth napkins instead of paper ones\nBeeswax wraps for sandwiches\nFresh fruit instead of packaged snacks","right":"Stainless steel containers\nReusable utensils\nHomemade trail mix\nThermos for hot soup"}
Trash vs. Treasure Sorting Game
Look at each lunch item Decide: Is it TRASH or TREASURE? Trash = single-use, hard to recycle Treasure = reusable, recyclable, or compostable
Smart Swaps for Your Lunch
Plastic bag → Reusable container Juice box → Refillable water bottle Packaged crackers → Homemade snacks Plastic utensils → Reusable cutlery Paper napkins → Cloth napkins
Set Your Personal Goal
Complete your goal-setting worksheet Choose ONE thing to change in your lunch Make it realistic and specific Be ready to share if you'd like!
Ready for the Challenge!
You now know how lunch waste affects our planet You have great ideas for reducing waste You've set a personal goal to try Next week: We'll put it all into action! Remember: Small changes make a BIG difference!