Conscious Cafeteria Coaching

Learn  More

Why Reusables? 

Reusables are beneficial because they reduce waste, conserve resources, and minimize environmental impact by extending the lifespan of products and materials, making them a more sustainable choice than single-use alternatives. Here's a more detailed breakdown of why reusables are a good choice:

Health Benefits:

• Lower Health Risks: Plastic reusables break up into micro and nanoplastics that have been found in humans, including the brain. 

• Fewer Endocrine Disruptors: Some chemicals used in plastics, like bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, are known as endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with the body's hormone system, potentially mimicking or blocking the effects of natural hormones like estrogen. 

Economic Benefits:

• Cost Savings:
  While the initial investment in reusable items might be higher, they can save money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent replacements.

• Improved Supply Chain Efficiency:
  Reusable packaging can streamline supply chains and reduce waste, leading to increased efficiency. 

Environmental Benefits:

• • Reduced Waste and Pollution:
    Reusing items instead of discarding them after a single use significantly reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. 

  • Resource  and Energy Conservation:
    By extending the lifespan of products, reusables help conserve energy and natural resources that would otherwise be used to produce new items. 

  • Lower Carbon Footprint:
    Manufacturing new products requires energy and resources, often resulting in emissions. Reusing items reduces the need for new production, thus lowering the overall carbon footprint. 

Social Benefits:

• Creates Jobs: The reuse and repair industry can create jobs and support local economies.

• Positive Social Impact: Reusables contribute to a more responsible and equitable society by promoting sustainability and reducing waste. 

What is Conscious Cafeteria Coaching? 

Conscious Cafeteria Coaching is a program that provides advice and resources to anyone who wants to move a school or cafeteria from disposable to reusable utensils. Go from buckets of plastic and paper trash to reusable trays, plates, cups, and utensils, saving money along the way. 

• Moving schools from single-use to reusables is hard! Conscious Cafeteria Coaches are here to help you. They can work with you to approach your local school, plan strategies to help students learn how to recycle, compost, and reuse utensils with ease, and find grants and financial incentives for dishwashing equipment.

• It’s personal! We will match you with a coach who lives nearby and can meet your needs. 

• It’s free! Coaches are volunteers affiliated with the NH Network Plastics Working Group but not with any of the vendors or contractors who might be recommended.

How Does Conscious Cafeteria Coaching Work?

1. Fill out a request for coaching form: 

2. The New Hampshire Network's Plastics Working Group will match you with a coach within a week.

3. Your coach will reach out to you and schedule a preliminary meeting.

4. Your coach is available to offer support as you move forward with moving your school or cafeteria to reusables.

What If I Want to Become a Conscious Cafeteria Coach?

• Have you helped make organizational change in the area of plastic pollution?

• Want to help others looking to make the same or similar changes?

• The Plastics Working Group is looking for “Conscious Cafeteria Coaches ” to assist in the transition to reusables. You’re qualified if you have connections with a school or cafeteria as a teacher, parent, administrator, or food service worker, and have the enthusiasm to follow through on making changes to a cafeteria's policies and procedures. If you care about kids' health, we can train you to become a Coach! Email us for more information: nhplasticwaste@gmail.com

Resources for Teachers - Toward a Plastic-Free World

Infographic by Cindy Heath, Ten Towns Toolkit Leader from Cornish, NH with help from Christina Dubin from Portsmouth