It takes approximately 20 seconds to put our food into take out
containers. Convenient? No, it’s actually inconvenient since the
packaging can remain in our landfills forever, causing continued damage
to us and our world. The American population tosses out enough paper
bags and plastic cups, forks and spoons every year to circle the
equator 300 times (www.cleanair.org). We can’t aim for perfection, but we can
aim for improvement by saying NO to unnecessary packaging and even
toting our own reusable’s. TakeOutWithOut – enjoy your food, save your
money, improve your health and help our planet!
I personally applaud their efforts and more information on their campaign can be found on their website, however I thought we’d look at some ways to assist in this campaign.
Refuse
When picking up take out, or food on-the-go refuse all the unnecessary napkins and straws etc that they tend to give. Really do you need a pile of 15 napkins for one meal? So many of these places just stuff in multiples into the take out bags and they just end up in the trash so refuse the offer and instead search for alternatives. Plus really think about whether you need them in the first place! Most times when we pick up take out food we’re taking it straight home to eat so the disposables really aren’t needed!
Reuse
If you know the place you are eating uses disposable cutlery, napkins etc then why not bring your own from home? Then you can simply take them home, wash and reuse next time. Bringing your own is so easy, even if some people give you strange looks if you make might perhaps make them THINK about their own choices in the future.
Reconsider
Fast food isn’t really eco-friendly so why bother in the first place? Choose instead a locally owned restaurant that offers meals with locally produced fruits and vegetables. Or how about instead you take a packed lunch? Not only is this eco-friendly but you’ll save money in the long run too!
Why not take some steps to reduce the landfill trash and join in at Take Out With Out!
