Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Got Takeout?

Mom is crazy psycho about takeout food containers. She feels really guilty ordering takeout because of the waste it creates. All those styrofoam, plastic, and cardboard containers get tossed in the garbage after the food is gone, but the containers never really go away, do they? When I found out about this campaign last week, I knew it would be right up Mom's alley.

The mission of takeout without is to reduce restaurant waste. Yeah! Why didn't Mom think of this? And why did it take so long for someone to think of this? I love their tag line - fill your stomach not the landfill. So catchy! The campaign may have just started, but it's being propelled forward by people who are looking to keep takeout waste out of landfills.

So what is the campaign all about? How can you reduce your takeout waste and still order takeout? According to the takeout without website, the campaign is based on three creeds:

ReFuse Unnecessary Stuff - this is where you can make the biggest impact. Think of all the napkins, straws, forks, etc. that you're given when you get takeout. Do you really need all that? Are you going to use 10 napkins to eat your Subway sandwich? I think not. Refuse the napkins. Are you going to eat that Chinese food at home? Probably. Refuse the forks and spoons. Are you going to eat that bean burrito from Taco Bell in your car? Of course! Refuse the bag the drive-thru person insists on putting the burrito in. You can avoid so much waste just by refusing it.

ReTake Your Own Reusables - duh! How obvious is this? Lots of people take their coffee mugs to Starbucks so why not take this a little further? I'm talking about bringing you own silverware, straws (glass of course), napkins (cloth), and reusable bags with you when you eat out at places that use disposable goods. It may sound like a pain to do, but if you start small and bring one thing at a time, before you know it, it will become second nature. Mom has a friend that brings her own leftover container to restaurants. She has been doing this for years and because of her, Mom now does this too (not that Mom ever brings leftovers home).

ReConsider Your Habits - for some people, this is harder to do then any of the above. Let's face it - preparing meals at home is healthier than eating takeout. You can control the ingredients and the portions, making and eating just what you need. You will also save money and feel better, physically and mentally. I know that a lot of people eat takeout because of convenience, so this creed may be a challenge. Change takes time, so take baby steps.

takeout without is just getting started but it's already making a difference. They are trying to get restaurants on board. They want people to feel comfortable and welcome bringing their own containers, cutlery, etc when eating out. This not only reduces waste but also saves the restaurants' money. They are even hoping restaurants will offer incentives to people for taking these actions. How cool is that?

By taking steps to reduce takeout waste, we become role models for doing the right thing. We not only keep waste out of landfills but we also send a message to restaurants that we care about the environment. Caring about the environment means we care about each other. We care about each other because we're all in this together. So join the campaign. Be part of the movement.

12 comments:

Pugelicious said...

Great idea - it is important to be thoughtful about waste. So often we ditch things without even giving it a second thought. Some great ideas. Thanks for the reminder.

Anonymous said...

Now that is a good idea!

One of our local chinese restuarants uses plastic resealable containers so when I am finally done with them, i stick them in our tupperware drawer and when that is done, into the recycling they go!
I am big on recycling, anything that potentially could be stuck in the blue box is.

Smushie Ranch said...

Hmmm, that does give mom something to think about. She does try to reuse the napkins and stuff. Like when we are out and about in the car and once of us gets an eye boggie that needs wiping.

We thought if ya don't wanna waste, we'll just open our mouth at the take-out window and they shove the food in! No container needed! bol!

Gunther

Stubby said...

Hi Debbie! It is so important to think about waste - creating it and disposing of it. We live in a disposable single-use world and that must change. I just want people to be aware of the consequences of their actions.

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Lex! I'm glad you like this program. Seems kind of long overdue, don't you think?

I'm so glad to hear that you use the containers and then recycle them when they can no longer be used. Please continue to spread the recycling message so people will follow your lead - anything that can be recycled should be recycled.

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Stella, Gunther & Betty! I love the idea of opening your mouth at the take-out window and shoving the food in - simply brilliant! Us pugs are waaayyy smarter than our parents. No waste when pugs are around!

Stubby xoxo

Pugsley and Lola said...

We sure wish our mom would let us help with the leftovers!! We REALLY need to learn how to recycle at our house:( We are not very good at it:( We will have to work with our family to do better:)

We are already working on our Valentines:) We are soooo excited to see what everyone else sends out!!!

Pugs & Kisses
Pugsley & Lola

RILEY AND STAR MY MALTESEKIDS said...

Hi Stubby,

We just wanted to say "Happy Thursday"!

Luv ya buddy,
Riley and Star.

Archie and Melissa said...

what a great idea and creative solution!
i love when people think outside of the box!
xoxoxo
m & e

Stubby said...

Hi Pugsley & Lola! I'm right there with you guys! I offer to help with the leftovers all the time, but noooo.

You need to get your parents on board with recycling. Do I need to come down to Indy and talk to them? Maybe give them some pointers?

I've started working on my Valentine's too and am super excited to see what everypug sends.

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Riley & Star! I'm so glad you stopped by. I am way behind on blogging because I've been taking too many naps.

I hope you guys had a great Thursday!

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Melissa & Emmitt! There are so many creative people out there that are thinking outside the box all the time. I'm just amazed at what people come up with and inspired by it too.

Stubby xoxo