As schoolchildren across Wales prepare to go back to school, Torfaen Council is encouraging parents to pack them a waste-free lunchbox.
Packed lunches often means waste like crisp packets and other snack wrappers and drinks cartons going straight to landfill sites. However, by making a few simple changes, we can help reduce this waste.
Torfaen County Borough Council's Waste Manager Cynon Edwards said: "Eliminating waste before it's created is one of the many ways we can all do our bit to reduce the amount of waste we send to landfill sites in Wales. And the school or office lunchbox is a great place to start. Not only can we help the environment by cutting down on excess waste, but we could save money too, as pre-packaged food is often more expensive."
Top tips include:
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Try using a reusable flask or bottle for school drinks instead of a carton or plastic bottle
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Avoid using foil, cling film or storage bags to wrap sandwiches and use a re-usable lunchbox instead
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Swap individually wrapped biscuits and crisps for packaging-free fruit and vegetables
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If you do put fruit in lunchboxes remember any fruit peelings or cores can be composted at home
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Use metal spoons instead of disposable plastic cutlery