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Press ReleasesNOV 3, 2003 - Obentec, Inc. First to Market Waste-free Lunch SystemFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, contact: Amy Hemmert Stylish New Laptop Lunch System Makes Ideal “Green” Holiday Gift SANTA CRUZ, Calif. – November 3, 2003 – Obentec, Inc. (www.obentec.com), today launched its Laptop Lunch System, giving families the tools they need to pack nutritious, earth-friendly lunches. This system is the first on the market to include all the necessary waste-free lunch components—a stylish insulated lunch bag, a refillable water bottle, a traylike set of reusable food containers, a set of stylish utensils, and a book of nutritious lunchmaking ideas. The Waste-free Lunch Movement Today many Americans pack lunches made primarily of prepackaged single-serve food items and foods wrapped in plastic bags, foil, and plastic wrap. While these items allow for quick and convenient lunchmaking, they also create heaps of trash that schools must pay to have hauled away. According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the average child taking a disposable lunch to school generates 67 pounds of garbage per school year. That equates to 18,760 pounds of lunch waste for just one average-size elementary school. Multiply that by the number of public elementary schools alone—estimated at over 64,000 by the U.S. Department of Education—and you end up with over 1.2 billion pounds of lunchtime trash per school year. To reduce lunch trash and the associated waste removal fees, schools across North America have begun to implement waste reduction programs, many centered around reducing lunch waste (see www.wastefreelunches.org). As families become increasingly more aware of the environmental impact of their lunch choices, they begin to look for convenient ways to pack healthy, waste-free lunches. Healthier Kids Children who eat well have a lower incidence of obesity and perform better in school; they are more energetic and can concentrate well. Thus, it’s no surprise that families are looking for convenient ways to pack healthier lunches, and the Laptop Lunch System helps them do just that. “It’s cool packaging without the packaging,” says Evan Chipman, age 9. “Some kids use disposable lunches that come with candy and stickers, but they’re high in fat and don’t taste very good. Our school likes waste-free lunches, so we use Laptop Lunches. My mom puts a treat in the little container. It’s always good, and it’s always a surprise.” Convenience and Cost Savings for Parents A family that packs prepackaged lunches will spend about $4.02 per lunch or $723.60 per school year, while a family that packs waste-free lunches will spend only $2.65 per lunch ($477.00 per school year). Laptop Lunches make it easy and convenient to realize these savings. The complete Laptop Lunch System will pay for itself in just five weeks. The Laptop Lunch Container Inspired by the Japanese bento box, the Laptop Lunch container features a stylish hinged outer container, four inner food containers and a dip container for sauces, salad dressings, and dips. The inner containers can be included or omitted as needed. The Laptop Lunch container is FDA-approved for microwave use and is dishwasher safe. It comes with a fork and spoon made of stainless steel with attractive plastic handles. The Carrying Case The new insulated carrying case, which resembles a laptop bag, is black with a navy blue neoprene front panel, a handle and shoulder strap, and a rubberized ID tag. Inside is a water bottle and mesh pouch for an ice pack (not included). The Laptop Lunch container and drink bottle fit comfortably inside the carrying case, which also features an outside zippered pocket for additional items. The Laptop Lunch User’s Guide The Laptop Lunch User’s Guide packs 96 pages of fresh ideas for making wholesome lunches that kids (and adults) love. It features strategies for improving lunchtime nutrition and reducing waste, tips for picky eaters, creative lunch menus, and kid-friendly recipes. Laptop Lunches This Holiday Season Laptop Lunches are certain to be in great demand this holiday season. “Families will be looking for practical gifts this year,” says Obentec co-founder Tammy Pelstring. “We’re in tough economic times, so shoppers will have less to spend. They’ll be looking for practical gifts that not only enrich their lives, but also help them reduce spending throughout the year.” Pricing and Availability The complete Laptop Lunch System sells for about $34.00, with volume discounts and school promotions available. Laptop Lunches can be purchased online at www.laptoplunches.com and at select retail outlets nationwide. Visit www.laptoplunches.com/retail.php for a complete list of Obentec retailers. About Obentec Obentec, Inc. manufactures reusable lunch containers and lunch accessories, and publishes books aimed at improving family nutrition and reducing waste. The company was founded by two Santa Cruz, California moms, Amy Hemmert and Tammy Pelstring, whose mission is to make a positive difference in children’s health and the environment. Editor’s Note: High-resolution images of the product and founders are available for download at www.laptoplunches.com/press-images.php. If you would like to request a sample of the product, or if you need hardcopy photos, please contact Amy Hemmert. |
