The New York Times reported that the Urban School Food Alliance, a committee made up of six big-city school systems nationwide, has initiated a sustainability pilot program. The preliminary initiative is switching from plastic trays to plates made from sugar cane. These recyclable plates cost 11 cents more per plate to manufacture and take slightly longer, but there’s no denying the positive message it reinforces to children about the importance of being environmentally conscious amongst other eco-friendly benefits. A few schools in Miami have already made the switch to sugar cane plates. The next project will be switching over to antibiotic-free chicken. Completely revamping school systems’ food programs nationwide sets the precedent for other institutions including hospitals and universities. Perhaps it won’t be too long after all before all restaurants nationwide enforce sustainable practices.