Lunch ROOM Remember when our helpings were put directly on our tray and not in Styrofoam or plastic containers? Why is it that they’re put in those containers and not on our trays? Well, to answer these questions, we asked some of the kids from the lower grades what they think are the reasons the lunchroom ladies do this. One response was that the cafeteria didn’t want germs or bugs contaminating the rest of the food. Other students suggested that maybe it was because they didn’t want the kids to play with the food. Some thought the individual portions helped save room on the tray for other things that we may want to eat. All had very good answers, but which one is true?

Lunch ROOM

Remember when our helpings were put directly on our tray and not in Styrofoam or plastic containers? Why is it that they’re put in those containers and not on our trays? Well, to answer these questions, we asked some of the kids from the lower grades what they think are the reasons the lunchroom ladies do this.

One response was that the cafeteria didn’t want germs or bugs contaminating the rest of the food. Other students suggested that maybe it was because they didn’t want the kids to play with the food. Some thought the individual portions helped save room on the tray for other things that we may want to eat.

All had very good answers, but which one is true?

Styrofoam Recycling

Two people, Nicole in Ms. McCoy’s class and Olivia in Ms. Oetzel’s class, say it is not possible to recycle the hundreds of styrofoam bowls we use daily. All others claim we should begin recycling now, buy washable plates and bowls, or place helpings directly onto the tray. A nice set of bowls and plates would be an amazing investment for Riverdale. Over time, we could save thousands of dollars, and, just maybe, need fewer fundraisers.

Styrofoam will sit forever in a landfill. Is it worth it to spend money on something that we only use once, or would it be better to substitute something that can be used over and over again? Even to recycle the styrofoam we currently use would be profitable. Riverdale needs a garbage can specifically for styrofoam like the ones we use for aluminum cans, so at least we can begin to address the problem.

Plastic vs Metal

When questioned by our highly exalted staff members, fourth grade seemed a little more than distressed by the idea of using metal forks and knives instead of plastic. This proposal appeared to disturb the fourth graders who obviously worry about the safety hazards of this. Apparently, fourth grade is a rambunctious bunch if other fourth graders are apprehensive of being poked or prodded with these “lunch items”.

On the other hand, second and third grade were all about recycling and efficiency. With plastic forks and knives, they can throw them right away; no washing or cleaning necessary! Knowing they’re recyclable also allows kids to feel like they too are doing their part to help the environment. Evidently, the debate between plastic and metal won’t be solved today, but in the meantime we can continue to remember to recycle one fork at a time.