With Earth Day around the corner, it is a good time to focus on earth-friendly actions taking place within SPUSD schools. During the past year, the Food and Nutrition Department has improved its environmental practices. 

Students at all grade levels are now using flatware made from a crystallized resin derived from corn, a renewable resource. The forks and spoons are certified fully compostable within 180 days in properly maintained compost facilities.

At South Pasadena High School, the plates are made from sugar cane fibers that are left after the sugar is extracted. In addition, during brunch and lunch, all students' meals are served on sustainable “boats” or plates with less than 5% polymer content. The sustainable boats are also made in a facility where 59.5% of its total electricity comes from renewable sources. 

The Food & Nutrition team scratch cooks and chooses menu items that come in bulk packaging to reduce waste. If there are times when plasticware is needed, the team selects products with 50% post-consumer recycled content whenever possible.

We are thankful for a Food & Nutrition team that continuously thinks about ways to reduce waste and improve environmental sustainability at all SPUSD schools.

For more information, contact: South Pasadena Unified School District, [email protected].