Improve Your Child's Health & Eco-Footprint: A School Lunch Packing Guide For Parents

In this special episode, Corinna Bellizzi shares the insights from her first class project in the PhD program at Prescott College, which focuses on sustainability and the true cost of food. This episode seeks to empower caretakers and parents to pack healthier, eco-friendly school lunches for their children. Through survey data and expert guidance, we explore practical ways to reduce food waste and improve the nutritional quality of school lunches. Watch the presentation and review slides including data on our Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/dfXCZTiYM28Episode Highlights:Introduction to the Earth First Health First School Lunch GuideThe project aims to help parents pack eco-friendly and healthy lunches for their kids.Findings from a Parent SurveySurvey included 25 parents and focused on current lunch packing habits, including food types, packaging, and participation in school lunch programs.56% of parents do not participate in school-provided lunch programs, and 60% are packing lunch for two or more children.72% of parents pack at least one fruit or vegetable daily, with leftovers packed at least once a week by 40% of respondents.Challenges IdentifiedHigh use of pre-packaged and processed foods, which increases waste and costs more per serving.Concerns about packaging waste—28% of parents use pre-packaged snacks, and many still use single-use plastics.Environmental Impact of Food PackagingDiscussion on how long common food packaging takes to decompose (e.g., plastic bags, chip bags).Importance of reducing the reliance on single-use plastics, both for health and environmental reasons.Health Effects of Processed FoodsThe connection between processed foods and health issues, including obesity, hyperactivity, and early onset of puberty.The WHO classification of processed meats as a Group 1 carcinogen linked to cancer risks.Practical Solutions for Eco-Friendly and Nutritious School LunchesTips to involve children in meal planning and preparation to increase the likelihood they’ll eat healthier meals.The importance of reducing processed meats and focusing on whole, plant-based foods.Recommendations to buy local, in-season produce, reduce packaging waste, and compost food scraps.Three Steps to Building a Healthier, Eco-Friendly Lunch:Start with fresh fruits and vegetables: Aim for three servings in each lunch.Reduce or eliminate highly processed foods: Focus on whole, unprocessed options.Use reusable containers: Cut down on pre-packaged snacks and single-use plastics.Resources Mentioned:Eat for the Earth: A community organization promoting plant-based diets. https://eatfortheearth.orgFoodprint.org: A resource for understanding the environmental impact of food choices. https://foodprint.orgVox & University of California: Educational video on the carbon footprint of various foods.Key Takeaways:Simple shifts, like reducing processed meat and using reusable containers, can make a big difference for both the health of your child and the environment.Involving your kids in food preparation can increase their acceptance of healthier, plant-based options.Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe, share this episode, and reach out with questions or comments.Contact Us:Email: hello@caremorebebetter.comJOIN OUR CIRCLE. BUILD A GREENER FUTURE: 🌴 Subscribe to our newsletter, and we'll plant a tree in your honor! https://circleb.co🌲 Subscribe and rate us wherever you listen, and we'll plant another tree! Follow us on social media:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/caremorebebetter TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@caremorebebetterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/CareMoreBeBetter/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CareMoreBeBetter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/care-more-be-better

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Care More Be Better, invites you to care more so we can create a better world together. We amplify the voices of environmentalists, activists, scientists, and leading experts who seek to make the world a better place. We share actionable insights and tools so you can make a measurable difference each day. Over the course of more than 230 episodes, you'll hear from inspired individuals, ecologically responsible entrepreneurs, and conscious companies from diverse communities and backgrounds. Listen for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, on our website, and on most major podcast platforms.Notable guests include: Jean-Michel Cousteau, Paul Hawken, Nina Simons, Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, Captain Liz Clark, Nana Aba Anamoah, Dr. William Li, Miyoko Schinner, John Roulac, Chef Babette Davis, Kelly Reyerson (@glyphosategirl), Starhawk, Donna Grantis and many more. These global change agents and activists create positive impacts and encourage us to think globally while also acting locally. Inspired by Paul Hawken’s aspirational book Regeneration - Ending The Climate Crisis In One Generation, and the late Dr. Wallace J. Nichols' Blue Mind Movement, this show aims to create a realistic roadmap to build a better future. As Paul Hawken simply states: “Global warming is not a science problem. It’s a human problem.” On this journey, you'll become the person you aspire to be by remaining curious, thinking deeply, and listening intently while looking inward. You'll discover your internal wisdom and learn to listen to your inner voice to receive the gifts nature provides fully. Tune in to understand the most important issues that affect us all.Hear experiences from the front lines of social policies and political struggles.Feel enlightened by conversations about health, wellness, and mindfulness.Discover valuable entrepreneurship and business strategies. Hone your communication and leadership skills.Become part of the regeneration nation by expanding your knowledge of agriculture, social systems, and help us build a more circular and just economy. As a community, we aim to evolve our understanding of social impact, sustainability, and regenerative, circular living to create a healthier and more just world. The stories we tell will get you thinking about how to secure the future for the human race and all Earth's inhabitants - from how you can build positive change in your local community, to how you might broaden your reach and impact globally.About Our Host: A natural products industry executive, Corinna Bellizzi helped develop and grow several responsible, sustainable nutrition brands including: Nordic Naturals and ORLO Nutrition. With these achievements and experience, Corinna went back to school to earn her MBA, graduating at the top of her class at Santa Clara University, and is now pursuing her PhD at the intersection of Sustainability, Education and Nutrition at Prescott College. Her colorful career and exceptional experiences fill this show with life-changing conversations and insights you're sure to benefit from. Beyond elevating business ventures and earning massive profits, she exemplifies how to deliver genuine value, achieve bigger things, and pursue significant positive change. Care More Be Better is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, our website and most major podcast platforms. JOIN OUR CIRCLE. BUILD A GREENER FUTURE! https://caremorebebetter.com When you join our email list, we plant a tree with the help of ForestPlanet! Remember, our aim with Care More Be Better is to help you use less, waste less, and live more! Engage with us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok!