Lake Oswego, OR – Lake Oswego School District (LOSD) is making significant strides in its commitment to sustainability, aligning perfectly with its mission to create a culture of belonging and educational excellence. Under the leadership of Cris Castro, Nutrition Services Director, LOSD is transitioning to wooden eating utensils across its elementary schools. This move reflects the district’s core values and strategic goals while beginning to reduce the use of petroleum-based plastic cutlery in its food services.
Plastic tableware, made from petroleum, poses harm to both human health and the environment when produced and discarded. Chemicals used in the production of plastic can leach into food and beverages, while plastic waste contributes to pollution and environmental degradation.
Cris Castro, who joined LOSD in the summer of 2021, brings a fresh perspective to the district's food services. Originally from Southern California and a graduate of Arizona State University with a degree in nutrition dietetics, Castro's journey led him from aspiring registered dietitian to a passionate advocate for school nutrition. His previous successes in engaging students with exciting food initiatives have prepared him well for this role.
“A priority of LOSD’s strategic plan is to teach and practice sustainability. By transitioning to a biodegradable product, we model responsible environmental stewardship for our students. This initiative reflects our commitment to making sustainable choices and teaching our students how small changes in our use can lead to a larger positive impact on our environment,” said Castro.
The new utensils, provided by BioShell Tableware, are individually wrapped in unbleached kraft paper pouches, custom printed with LOSD’s logo using water-based inks. This packaging helps students identify the biodegradable utensils and supports the district’s sustainability values. The wooden utensils align with LOSD’s goals of preserving resources and setting a positive example of environmental responsibility.
By using wooden utensils made from sustainably managed forests, LOSD further demonstrates its dedication to environmental responsibility. Sustainable forestry practices ensure that the resources used in this initiative are renewable and have minimal impact on forest ecosystems.
BioShell Tableware has been a key partner in this initiative. “BioShell Tableware has been instrumental in the success of this initiative. They provided us with the eco-friendly solution we sought and allowed us to seamlessly integrate biodegradable cutlery into our operations, moving us closer to our sustainability goals,” Castro emphasized.
This initiative is a vital component of LOSD’s strategic plan to promote health, resiliency, and sustainability. By transitioning to wooden utensils, LOSD demonstrates its commitment to environmental responsibility and enhances the overall dining experience for students.
“We hope this initiative will inspire our students to understand that big or small choices directly impact the environment. We encourage them to adopt more sustainable habits by replacing single-use plastics with biodegradable alternatives,” added Castro. “The goal is to improve our district’s environmental footprint and empower students to make thoughtful, eco-conscious decisions in their daily lives.”
With support from BioShell Tableware, Cris Castro and the Lake Oswego School District are leading the way in environmental stewardship, demonstrating the district’s values of inclusivity, equity, and shared leadership. Their dedication to sustainability is a crucial step toward preserving resources and empowering students to combat climate change effectively.
For more information about LOSD’s sustainability initiatives, visit: https://www.losdschools.org/about-losd/strategic-plan/losd-strategic-plan
View the local article here: https://www.lakeoswegoreview.com/news/lake-oswego-school-district-partners-with-bioshell-to-provide-wood-utensils-at-all-elementary-schools
Oregon School District Leads Sustainability Efforts with Biodegradable Wooden Cutlery
