OSU Extension: Things to consider when packing a waste-free lunch
Start with a reusable lunch box or bag. Avoid single-use items like disposable plastic or paper bags. Personalize, monogram, or label your reusable lunch container and items so they do not get lost.
Pack reusable utensils. Avoid disposable plastic forks, spoons, and knives. Pack utensils made of durable plastic, bamboo, or stainless steel. Consider buying used utensils from a thrift store or using what you already may have at home.
Scan your refrigerator and cupboards for appropriate lunch items so you can stretch your food budget and reduce wasted food in your home.
Use food storage containers made of cloth, durable plastic, glass, or stainless steel that can be re-used. Avoid plastic baggies, plastic wrap, and aluminum foil. Use glass or ceramic containers to heat food items.*
Drink from a re-fillable beverage container. Avoid single-serving drink boxes, pouches, cans, and bottles. Filtered water in a reusable bottle is the healthiest and least expensive option. Skip the straw or purchase one that is reusable and can be cleaned after each use.
Bring your own dips and condiments. Single-use items are expensive and cost more money in the long run. Use small, reusable containers for salad dressings, ketchup, and other condiments and side dishes.
Consider your napkin. If you prefer paper napkins, purchase napkins that are made from 100% recycled paper. The most sustainable option is a cloth napkin. Remember to use environmentally safe detergent to wash them and line-dry to save energy.
Compost fruit or vegetable scraps. If composting is not currently offered, investigate what it would take to implement a composting program at home, school, or the office. Every item you compost makes a difference. SOURCE: OSU Family and Consumer Sciences
Fair entry is open – Fairfield Co. Junior Fair entries due Aug. 26
The Senior Fair Board has approved the use of a new fair entry program that will allow the integration of fair entry data with livestock sale efforts. Additionally, Junior Fair results will be posted from at our FairEntry page when they become available during fair week. FairEntry (https://fairfieldjrfairoh.fairentry.com) is now open to take entries for the 2022 Fairfield County Junior Fair. Entries will be open through 11:59 p.m. Central Time on Friday, Aug. 26.
4-H families will log in and make entries for their entire family using their 4-HOnline login information. If they also have a child in their family that participates in FFA only, they are able to make their entries using the same login. Please remember you will be using your 4-H Online login information NOT creating a FairEntry login. Fair entries need to be made for all livestock, horse, dog, companion animal, cakes, pies, candies, alfalfa/hay, gardening projects that plan to be exhibited at the Fairfield County Junior Fair. If you have 4-H Fair Entry Questions, contact Leslie Cooksey, 4-H Educator at 740-653-5419.
Tomato testing returns
Who has the best tasting tomato variety? Have a unique variety you want others to taste? Join the Fairfield County Master Gardeners at the Fairfield Co. Ag Center, 831 College Avenue, Lancaster on Tuesday, Aug. 23 at 6:30 p.m. so we can “taste” some tomatoes!! Call OSU Extension to reserve your seat today at 740-653-5419.
Local Food Farm Tour Stops at Brandt Family Farm
Thursday, Aug. 25, 6 p.m.
Brandt Family Farm Grain & Milling and Walnut Creek Seeds, 6100 Basil Western Road, Carroll. Brandt Family Farms uses regenerative practices to improve soil health and increase nutrient value of heritage grains. They also clean and mill their own grains on farm. To register contact OSU Extension in Fairfield County at 740-653-5419 or visit go.osu.edu/fclocal or call.
The OSU Extension Office Update is compiled by Connie Smith, program assistant and master gardener coordinator with the Ohio State University Extension Office in Fairfield County.
This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: OSU Extension: Things to consider when packing a waste-free lunch
