I love that you noted that students didn't have enough time to eat their food and that contributed to the amount that was being thrown away. My son used to complain about that all the time when he was in middle school. It is wonderful that you were able to increase the lunch period by 5 minutes.

I thought Owen's presentation showed extraordinary imagination and initiative. I appreciated the many aspects of environmental impacts that he highlighted from something as mundane as eating a school lunch and the prototype tray was awesome! I really admired his energy, passion and commitment. 

from Mrs. Anne Krosnjar:

I really like your project. I like the way you got involved with a group to learn more and maybe have an impact. Your project is one that is in our face five days a week and it is so real. I loved the process and steps you took to address, research and propose solutions. 

Congratulations for working on a prototype of a lunch tray. Maybe someone with a 3D printer could help with this and save some money. Also with a reusable tray there will need to be research on the additional cost for washing and drying it daily in water, soap and labor to do the cleaning. An environmental friendly one might also be considered and cost compared. 

You brought to our attention so many areas that can be improved. All are great and the research you completed is also outstanding. Maybe breaking down all the great ideas individually and picking one or two to work on. Maybe other students will join you in this. Maybe looking at what is there that would have minimal costs to pilot to see if they work. With all the food thrown away daily, instead of going into a dumpster it could go into a school compost area.

Each of your researched ideas is fantastic. It might be hard to choose. If you can come up with some cost-saving ideas like the reusable trays depending on your research for daily cleanings, I would suggest sharing your presentation and ideas with your principal, student government if your school has one, and the school board who is always looking for good ideas, ways to make things better for students and save money. Your great slide show will also inspire others to want to make changes to make a difference.

And yes, as you say, by all means share with other school the things that work at your school and also research what others are doing and then you would be ready to send your project to the mayor and governor.

Great job of waking us up to something we rush through daily with little or no thought. You have me thinking for sure. Don’t stop now and as the song says, “Don’t Stop Believing”.