HISD’s Zero-Waste School Program aims to minimize the amount of waste generated on campuses and improve knowledge and awareness among HISD students, staff, and families about the importance of minimizing our waste.

In Part 2 of our 4-part series, the provided resources aimed to help build student understanding of waste issues, exploring what happens to our waste when it leaves campus, and identifying the types of waste generated on campus to inform solutions.



In this third newsletter, the provided resources are intended to focus more on the waste generated in our school cafeterias and how to reduce it.

Student Activity: 2-minute Student Quick Write

Time Required: 2 minutes followed by 10-15 min group share out

Grade Level: 6th–12th

Subject Area: Literacy

Objective: Reflect on your school's food waste practices with the following prompt:

Consider how much food is thrown away each day and what impact this waste has on the environment and our community. Brainstorm potential solutions to reduce food waste in your school cafeteria. How can students play a role in implementing these solutions?

Invite your students to share your thoughts and ideas for creating a more sustainable food culture at our school.

Student Activity: Food Waste Lab in the School Cafeteria using the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s Guide to School Food Waste Audits

Time Required: 45 minutes

Grade Level: K-12th

Subject Area Covered: Math, Social Studies

Objective: To understand and document how much food waste is generated during a typical lunch period.

Student Activity: CELF's Food Waste Card Sort Activity (steps 1-9)

Time Required: 45 minutes

Grade Level: 1st -12th

Subject Area Covered: Science, ELA

Objective: Through the card sort activity, students will explore what happens when food is thrown away in the cafeteria bin, and how uneaten food can be shared with others instead (Activity steps 1-9) 

Design

How Can We Use our Inedible Food Waste to Grow More Healthy Food?

Student Activity: CELF's Food Waste Card Sort Activity (steps 10-12, reflection)

Time Required: 30 minutes

Grade Level: 1st -12th

Subject Area Covered: Science, ELA

Objective: Building on the steps 1-9 covered in the Collaboration section, students will explore what how they can use food that can no longer be eaten by other people can be used to grow more healthy food by composting. (Activity steps 10-12, reflection)

Student Activity: National Wildlife Federation Action Card on Vermicomposting

Time Required: Varies

Grade Level: K-12th

Subject Area Covered: Math, ELA, Art

Objective: Once your registered as an Eco School, take action by starting an on-campus composting project.

Action

How else can we reduce school food waste on our campus?

Student Activity: National Wildlife Federation Create Your Own Action Card

Time Required: Varies

Grade Level: K-12th

Subject Area Covered: Any

Objective: Once your registered as an Eco School, create your own action card with your ideas for tackling food waste!

Did you try the resources in the Exploring the Waste We Produce newsletter?

This offer is for teachers participating in the pilot program.

Stay tuned for our next newsletter on February 29th, where we’ll be exploring how to become environmental stewards through circularity.