Ecological initiatives at St. Francis de Sales School and Parish
St. Francis de Sales School and Parish collaborated to implement reusable trays and flatware in the school’s lunchroom.
In recent years, lunch at Cincinnati’s St. Francis de Sales School sent about 220 styrofoam trays to the dumpster. Hoping to “green” the lunchroom, St. Francis de Sales Parish Green Team set its sights on the disposable trays. We met with Principal Joanne Browarsky, and she agreed that the cost savings and environmental benefits of reusable trays were exciting. In short order, staffing was increased, the industrial dishwasher was reactivated, and reusable trays were made available. Further discussion revealed that an inadequate supply of stainless-steel flatware resulted in plastic forks and spoons ending up in the trash every day. A Green Team member promptly donated the flatware needed. Sometimes all it takes is cooperation and gentle inquiry!
From David Hulefeld and Deanna Spatz,
Cincinnati, OH
Update sent by Tara Poling, MEEC,
Marianist Encounters Committee