In my day-to-day, I’ve noticed how blind we were to the waste we produce, myself included for a long time. A lot of this waste does not decompose and sits in landfills for hundreds of years. Plastic, in particular, has become a significant problem, with ~13 billion metric tons of plastic produced that does not decompose. It degrades into microplastics, contaminating the soil, our water supplies, our food supplies, and the local ecosystem.

My goal is to start with the reduction of single-use plastics within North Star Academy and schools across New Jersey. This includes lunch materials, packaging, utensils, etc. By making this change at an educational level, we can instill better habits in future generations while significantly reducing our environmental footprint. 

Additionally, I aim to push for a change in our school food provider to Maschio’s Food Service. Maschio’s is a local food provider in NJ, actively promoting sustainable products. They are a proud member of the National Network of Local-level Sustainable Organizations, with a presence in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida. Through efforts like using compostable packaging, sourcing from local farmers, and recycling plastics, they have significantly reduced plastic consumption.

Switching to Maschio’s Food Service will not only benefit the environment but also improve the quality of school lunches. Their commitment to working with local sources ensures students have access to fresher produce, fostering better health and community engagement.

By switching to this company, we take a crucial step towards sustainable living for generations to come. 

Please join me in advocating for a healthier environment by signing this petition to reduce single-use plastics in NJ schools, starting with a school lunch reform!