Student letter writing campaign at San Francisco school prompts adoption of compostable lunch trays

"Commodore Sloat officials say they received handwritten letters from students asking the school to reduce plastic waste -- and school leaders listened. In partnership with Revolution Foods, the school has switched to compostable trays. "It's good for the environment because it can be composted instead in the trash," said teacher Raphael Hitzke. "It's amazing for 10- to 11-year-olds to be heard and having their voices heard. They're our future. They have brand new ideas. We need to listen to them.""

""It's amazing for 10- to 11-year-olds to be heard and having their voices heard. They're our future. They have brand new ideas. We need to listen to them." MORE: Teachers at Oakland middle school raise money for water bottles to help kids safely drink water The school also has an active gardening program. Its website boasts growing everything from apples and carrots to strawberries and leafy greens. And soon, it will be fortified with its own compost from the cafeteria."

Some San Francisco elementary students wrote handwritten letters asking administrators to reduce plastic waste in the meal program. Commodore Sloat partnered with Revolution Foods and switched to compostable trays to replace plastic. Teacher Raphael Hitzke said compostable trays are better for the environment and praised 10- to 11-year-olds for being heard and offering new ideas. The school operates an active gardening program growing apples, carrots, strawberries and leafy greens. The cafeteria will produce compost to fortify the garden. The tray pilot could expand to other schools if successful.

Read at ABC7 San Francisco