Sustainable Recess for First-Graders
As is the case every year, a new chapter begins for first-graders in Mainz with a traditional initiative aimed at reducing waste: Reusable is better than disposable. For nearly three decades, all first-graders in Mainz have received a lunchbox when they start school, and for the past few years, they’ve also received a reusable water bottle.
The Mainz and Mainz-Bingen Municipal Waste Management Authority (KAW) has been collaborating with the Ditsch pretzel bakery since the campaign began, and a few years ago, the Bundesliga club 1. FSV Mainz 05 also joined the initiative. The kids are surprised with a colorfully printed lunchbox featuring the KAW mascot “Freddi Paleddi,” Ditsch’s popular pretzel stand at Mainz Cathedral, and the cathedral itself, as well as a bright red FSV water bottle. In addition, there’s a delicious Ditsch pretzel for the first official break at school. Just like any well-stocked back-to-school goodie bag, this sustainable breakfast break set is simply a must-have for the start of the school year.
This year’s lunchbox campaign was officially launched on August 13, 2026, at 10:15 a.m. at the Martinus School in Mainz-Weisenau by Ata Delbasteh (Commissioner for Schools and Culture), Ulf Cöster (Director of the School District), Olaf Backhaus (KAW Board Member), Georg Christoph (Plant Manager at the Ditsch Pretzel Bakery), Lena Neuser (Head of Marketing/Brand Management at 1. FSV Mainz 05), Dimo Wache (Club Ambassador for 1. FSV Mainz 05), and Susanne Klemm (Principal). At the event, they each distributed 99 lunchboxes, pretzels, and water bottles to the first-graders.
The Background of the Campaign
With the fundamental goal of raising awareness of “waste prevention” among first-graders, the campaign was launched 29 years ago as part of the “Clean City” initiative “Our Mainz—Get Involved. Clean Up. Feel Good.” Through this initiative, KAW, the Ditsch pretzel bakery, and 1. FSV Mainz 05 are pioneers in raising awareness about reducing packaging waste and using reusable packaging instead. This raises children’s awareness of the issue of waste and encourages parents to reduce waste.
The Process
All participants put a great deal of effort into planning and carrying out the campaign: Many hardworking little helpers ensure smiling children’s faces on the day of the event. Afterward, the approximately 2,100 pretzels, lunchboxes, and water bottles are counted and packed separately by school before being delivered by KAW and 1. FSV Mainz 05 staff to the 28 elementary schools in Mainz.