Kingussie High School will be the first in Scotland to pilot a new scheme to introduce reusable lunch containers, beginning this September. This new initiative aims to address the tremendous amount of trash produced by students. On average, each student creates about five tons of waste each year, mostly from food packaging. The forthcoming trial could potentially mark the first of its kind in Scotland, showcasing innovative approaches to sustainability in school settings.
Pupils at Kingussie produce a lot of waste. This waste consists of food packaging, primarily from snack and full meal service that occurs at the school. Quick meals like sandwiches, toasties and burgers are a permanent feature, as well as bigger, more elaborate sit-down meals. For the duration of the trial, these lunches will be served in reusable containers rather than disposable ones. This policy shift is part of an effort to reduce the amount of waste produced by the school. It aligns with our broader climate priorities and Climate Action Plan.
The progress report for this initiative will be delivered to Highland Council’s climate change committee. Most importantly, it will help tell your project’s story and show their importance. The council aims to enhance sustainable practices within school catering and to share insights gained from this trial with other local authorities.
“Early research indicates that the catering reusables trial at Kingussie may be one of the first of its kind in schools across Scotland. This initiative provides an opportunity for the council to contribute to the development of more sustainable school catering practices and to share learning with other local authorities.” – report to Highland Council’s climate change committee
This increased focus on sustainability within schools has made sense in recent years as more schools look to improve their sustainability efforts. Kingussie High School is switching to reusable containers to reduce single-use waste. Their goal is to inspire other schools across the region to follow suit.
With the trial starting next week, students and staff at Kingussie are raising the stakes. They’re chomping at the bit to go greener. The results from this trial will help inform policy across Scotland’s schools regarding food service in secondary schools. The positive impacts can extend far beyond the home team’s metro area.
