Take Out Food – Can it be Eco-Friendly?

Take Out Food Is Not Green – Could It Be?

 

pizza take out foodI’ve just read an article which informed me that the U.S. throws out enough paper and plastic cups, forks and spoons every year to circle the equator 300 times.  Apparently a lot of that figure is made up of items from take-away / take out food.

That’s a lot of single-use stuff that is going to go to landfills, or getting blown away by the wind – and the plastic won’t bio-degrade.

But why America?  Do Americans eat more take outs than other nations?  I don’t know.  Is it perhaps because statistics are measured more in America than elsewhere?  I did a bit of research and was unable to find comprehensive statistics which showed me fast food consumption by nation, at least in my quick search.

Here on the tiny tropical island where I live, people seem to eat a lot of fast food, mostly from street stalls similar to those you see all over Asia, although there are some pizza and burger chains – and there’s even one, solitary Macdonald’s (which seems to be frequented mostly by visiting tourists).  But what is “a lot”?

burger take out food
Fast Food

Why is take out food not green?

The fact is, when you buy take out food, you normally also get a whole pile of other ‘stuff’ such as plastic forks and spoons, napkins, chopsticks, ketchup, sugar and so on.  Plus, fast food often comes packed in styrofoam (made from petroleum), or in cardboard that is difficult to recycle due to the oils and grease from the food.  None of these things are eco-friendly.

So, what can you do? 

Here are some easy tips to make sure that you contribute as little waste as possible:fish chips take out food

  • When you are ordering food to pick up, let the restaurant know you don’t need any forks, spoons, knives, napkins, chopsticks, parmesan, ketchup, soy sauce, sugar packets, etc.  Use your own reusable utensils and napkins at home.  Use your own condiments from your fridge and cabinets.
  • When you go to pick up the food, bring your own bag to pack it all in.
  • To go the extra mile, ask restaurants if they are willing to pack your food in your own reusable containers.  For foods like sushi, this is easy to do.  Then just arrive toting your containers and hand them over.  (This is what I do for my once-a-month treat with Chinese food). This is also something you might consider doing when you dine out and want take your leftovers home with you).

This style of take-out ordering is called “eco to go.

It is not only good for the environment; it’s good for the restaurant owner, who saves money.  Restaurants can also boldly display “eco to go” and engender loyalty amongst customers.  And you as the customer know you are doing your bit to reduce the waste you create.

So, remember “eco to go” next time you order take out!

 


Tags

eco-friendly fast food, fast food, take-away food, take-outs


  • I had not heard of Eco to Go but I love the idea of eco-friendly fasd food. I don’t do very much take-away food but sometimes in a pinch I need to go to some take-outs. Of course, I’ll be going even less pretty soon as I received my copy of “Edible Estates” yesterday thanks to you and so far I found out I’m in zone 8. More to follow and thank you again.

  • I must admit that it would never have occurred to me take my own containers for ‘take-out food’. Great ideas as there is no doubt that even if you use the sauces, the plastic sachet and polystyrene containers just go to waste (landfill) to remain there forever.

  • Clare, I had never heard of eco to go until I just read your eco friendly blog. Thannks for sahring another great tip.
    Scott Sylvan Bell

  • Thanks for the outstanding suggestion! For someone like me where its a constantly on the go situation this would really help out. Are there any stores that carry the containers and bags your speaking of?

    Thanks!

  • Good article. First of all, I don’t eat in fast food joints. The food is too nasty! Ick. I’m surprised that people like that stuff so much.

    I don’t know if it is California or what, but I have tried to bring back the containers for a vendor to re-use and they are not allowed by the health department. I have seen places where you can bring your own cups for coffee or bowls for soup, but the to-go containers they cannot re-use. I don’t understand what the difference is.

    But yes, I’m all for it. I recently bought one of those bamboo utensil sets that I use instead of plastic forks and spoons.

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