How often do you eat takeout?
Marye Audet
The Secret to Greener Take Out? Being Prepared
My friend Jennifer Chait always knows the coolest and most awesome ways to go green. She constantly challenges me and enlightens me and that is something I appreciate. So, when I was reading her blog post, Green Your Take Out, this morning I was struck with a "DUH!" moment.
It was all about take out food; specifically greening your take out food.
Green Your Take Out
Maybe you have thought of it, but I never did. The idea of taking my own containers to restaurants to pick up take out? Never occurred to me. Jennifer has some great ideas for that, and links to something called To GoWare. This company has utensils, stainless steel food carriers and ceramic beverage holders for your every take out need. As Jennifer said, not all restaurants will allow you to bring your own takeout lunchbox due to health regulations. I realized that they would also work for bringing home leftovers.
Think Reusable
We rarely eat out. There are a lot of reasons for that, one being that I am somewhat the gourmet cook and my family are food snobs. I hate admitting it but there you go, it's true. Another is just the fact that the idea of GMOs in my food creeps me out.
Not buying take out food is the greenest, most economical way to go. Home cooking is healthier, better for the planet, and honestly a lot tastier. But...
Everyone has their moments when, for whatever reason, take out becomes inevitable. At least try to keep it green. Besides using the hints on Jennifer's blog you may also consider the following ideas:
- Keep a coffee cup in the car so when you have one of those "I need caffeine and I need it now" moments you have a reusable cup.
- Keep a container with folded cloth napkins in it in your car or purse. You might be eating fast food but you can do it with style.
- I love glass straws!
- Buy the separate components rather than up-sizing to a meal. Often hamburgers and fries are served in paper but full meal deals are served in Styrofoam. If you have to choose one or the other choose the paper.
- Take the food without the bag to keep it in. Just bring your own reusable bag or basket to carry your food in.