CWIE Green Lunch: An Evaluation of Lunch Packaging Management to Reduce Environmental Impacts

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the outcomes of implementing the “Green Lunch” concept within the Cooperative and Work-Integrated Education (CWIE) student preparation program during the academic years 2023–2025 (2566–2568). The study focuses on evaluating four key aspects: the reduction of food packaging waste, the decrease in carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) emissions, participant satisfaction, and the effectiveness of carbon offset options related to packaging use in the program. The implementation began with reducing single-use plastic containers and bottles in the first year, followed by encouraging students to dine in at campus food vendors in 2024 (2567). In 2025 (2568), reusable tiffin carriers were introduced to replace all single-use packaging, resulting in a systematic reduction of environmental impacts. The findings indicate that packaging waste decreased continuously from 36 kg in 2023 to 15 kg in 2024 and further to 3 kg in 2025. Similarly, Co₂e emissions declined from 116.83 KgCO₂e to 33.89 KgCO₂e and ultimately to 3.6 KgCO₂e respectively. These results highlight 2024 as a critical transition period toward a low‑waste consumption system. Regarding satisfaction, students reported a high level of satisfaction (μ = 4.39), while employer representatives reported the highest level of satisfaction (μ = 4.70), demonstrating strong acceptance of both environmental outcomes and program management. Carbon offset analysis showed that the CO₂e emissions generated in 2025 were sufficiently low that a single tree could absorb the total amount produced throughout the year. This finding reflects the program’s success in reducing environmental impacts and in enhancing sustainability communication in a tangible and effective manner.