|
Continuing our focus on food and plastic packaging, today we’ll discuss an area that’s especially challenging – plastic waste associated with takeout and on-the-go food and beverages.
Restaurant to-go products
The convenience of takeout food comes with a price: a lot of plastic packaging is used to transport your food and maintain its quality. More plastic is wrapped around your meal than you might think! There are obvious sources like StyrofoamTM containers and plastic bags, but there are also sneakier sources like paper boats, paper cups, deli wrap, and bakery tissue. These items have plastic linings or additives to make the product leakproof and grease resistant.
When you place an order for pickup or delivery, you can add a note or verbally mention your request for no utensils, straws, and/or condiments. None of this plastic can be recycled, and a lot of it goes into the trash without even being used
Some restaurants in the metro provide a discount for using your own mug, others have started using returnable, reusable takeout containers through programs like Forever Ware, and many other restaurants use certified compostable packaging. Consider posting to the feed to share about places you have visited and their good practices!
|
Prepare to say no
Sometimes you must think ahead and give instructions to people around you. Make a mental note of the situations where you get something you don’t want. Pick one go-to scenario and work on getting comfortable with refusing the item in advance.
Practice saying, “I have my own bag,” “I brought my own utensils,” “No straw, please,” or similar requests before anyone has the chance to offer you a disposable option. It may take you a few times to find the right timing, but practice makes perfect. In time, you will gain confidence to go about your day practicing habits that avoid waste and say a firm "No thanks!" to single-use plastics.
Assemble a to-go kit
|
One simple way you can prevent waste is to put together a “to-go” or takeout bag. A to-go bag is an easy-to-grab kit of reusable items such as napkins, utensils, plates, drink containers, and food containers for when you eat outside of your home. You can keep a small bag stashed in your car or inside a cupboard for any events with food, like a picnic, a meal at a restaurant, or a party.
Spending a few minutes assembling this kit will help you avoid single-use items and packaging for leftovers. Remember that even if you recycle a disposable item, the goal of this challenge is to reduce the amount of plastic waste you go through in the first place.
|
 Take action
If you’re ready to focus on avoiding plastic waste from takeout orders and while out-and-about, choose the following actions related to today's content in the on-the-go category:
- Use a reusable mug or cup
- Skip the straw
- Assemble a zero-waste kit
- Use reusable utensils
- Pack a lunch
|
Thank you to our many organizational partners for helping promote and engage participants for this challenge. Today we want to give special thanks to MNimize, Amy’s Cupcake Shoppe, The Vine Room, and Chowgirls. These organizations help others use less plastic by reducing plastic use in their own establishments, giving customers plastic-free options, and promoting sustainable practices. We’d also like to say thanks to Sustainable Stillwater MN, Vadnais Heights Economic Development Corporation, and Cooperativa Mercado Central for promoting and supporting local businesses.
Friday, February 2: Tips for getting started with the challenge
Monday, February 5: The problem with plastics
Wednesday, February 7: Types of plastics
Friday, February 9: Effectiveness of plastics recycling
Monday, February 12: Going plastic-free with your family
Wednesday, February 14: Reducing plastic in your wardrobe
Friday, February 16: Plastic-free pets, your other children
Monday, February 19: Changing how you shop
|
