Across the United States, school cafeterias have relied on single-use plastic foodware, especially since during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, now many are considering switching to reusable foodware products, more specifically stainless-steel solutions, to reduce waste and promote healthier options for students. 

The Concern for Our Children’s Health

When choosing reusable foodware products, studies show that stainless-steel products such as trays, cups, and utensils are the most sustainable and healthiest option. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends stainless steel as the healthiest choice for foodware options. “Eating meals on plastic and Styrofoam can disrupt kids’ hormone and endocrine development, causing higher rates of cancer, obesity, and reproductive problems. Chemicals used in food contact materials may contribute to disease and disability.”

According to Microplastics found in human blood for the first time, Scientists have found microplastics in the blood of almost 80% of humans tested for it. While scientists are unsure of the long-term effects of these microplastics, they are confident that babies and young children are more vulnerable to chemical and particle exposure.

The Endocrine Society and IPEN (International Pollutants Elimination Network) published their extensive research report to show that plastics pose a threat to public health because they contain a host of hazardous, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that leach and contaminate humans and the environment. These chemicals disturb the body’s hormone systems and can cause cancer, diabetes, reproductive disorders, neurological impairments of developing fetuses and children, and death. For these health reasons, schools are looking toward stainless steel to provide a healthier alternative.

Reusables Save on Storage Space

Reusing utensils and other forms of foodware can save on storage space. It may be financially beneficial for schools to order an annual supply of disposable foodware products. However, an average school orders 90,000 of each item, but has limited space to store them. By using reusable foodware, schools can capitalize on uniformity and elimination of packaging, which in turn can save a lot of time and money. Standardizing the shape and size of foodware makes it easy to stack and store in smaller spaces and can create a more organized and efficient storage system. Schools should streamline the foodware types to eliminate the need for extra storage. For example, switching to a reusable stainless-steel spork will eliminate the need for forks and spoons and the extra plastic wrap for individual items. 

Reducing Waste and Landfill Diversion

Single-use products are one of the leading causes of waste and plastic pollution.  It is estimated that the ocean currently contains 150 million metric tons of plastic.  

Using reusable foodware products helps reduce an organization’s waste, eliminating carbon emissions from the original site. It also reduces the need for waste pickup and landfill. 

Reusables Save Money

While there may be an initial investment in purchasing reusable foodware, schools can save money overall by reducing the need to buy single-use products over and over. Products include paper and plastic silverware, cups and plates, Styrofoam products, and compostables.

“Schools that switch to reusable foodware can also expect to see reduced costs when it comes to waste disposal such as waste collection, transportation, and landfill disposal.” – Reuse Wins by Mirriam Gordon.

Benjamin Franklin Elementary School in Glendale, California, recently took the leap to switch to reusable foodware products and saw firsthand its positive effects it had on their budget.  Benjamin Franklin Elementary spent $5,800 on single-use utensil kits and compostable trays for over 64,000 meals each year. Eventually, this cost was eliminated entirely from their budget as the program began to pay for itself due to the longevity of reusable foodware products.

Opportunity for Healthier, Sustainable Schools 

Today, schools are increasingly recognizing the benefits of switching to reusables for their sustainability efforts. By making this transition, schools can reduce negative environmental impact, decrease waste generation, and save on operational costs. Most importantly, by investing in high-quality reusable foodware items made of stainless steel, students’ health risks are decreased and healthy habits are promoted, fostering a more environmentally conscious learning environment.