Reusable Containers – The Road to Zero Waste
In our fast-paced world, takeout food is very convenient, however, it also creates a huge amount of waste in throw-away packaging. The solution: reusable containers.
Everything from beverages to food seems to come in some sort of disposable packaging these days. Yes, it’s true that some of these containers, such as plastic water bottles, can be recycled. However, it still takes massive amounts of energy to recycle these containers into new ones. In addition, many are not recycled correctly, and therefore end up in the landfill anyway.
Rather than just throwing packaging away, or sticking it in the recycling bin and hoping for the best, we can reduce the need for that packaging altogether by bringing our own reusable containers. If you think about the amount of takeout the average person goes through in a year, bringing your own reusable containers could reduce an awful lot of trash. Much like keeping reusable bags in your car to replace plastic for shopping, you can keep a set of reusable containers and utensils in your vehicle, so you can still enjoy your handy takeout or fast food meals when you’re in a hurry without contributing the waste created by takeout packaging.
Water Bottles
One of the easiest containers to replace is the beverage container. Purchase a stainless steel refillable water bottle that you can use over and over again to save on plastic water bottles. You can use them in place of water bottles, coffee cups, or any other beverage. Not only do these reusable bottles save on waste, but many of them are also insulated keeping your beverage cold (or hot, depending on what you’re drinking) longer. When you get home, just wash it out and you’re all set for the next day. Zero waste beverage accomplished, and no money spent on buying plastic water bottles.
Reusable Containers and Silverware
Bringing your own reusable containers and silverware for takeout food can reduce a lot of waste. Most food places are happy to accommodate your containers since it saves them money too. They don’t have to use up their disposable containers if you’re already bringing your own.
When I’m at the Victor farm market, I usually stop at Christy’s Cafe for a bit of lunch, because I rarely have time to make my own before I leave the house. That bit of lunch usually consists of a cup of soup with a plastic spoon. I realized it was making unnecessary plastic waste (I do this every week after all). So, I took another step on the journey to zero waste and began bringing my own metal spoon. I then wash it when I get home, and reuse it again the next week, completely eliminating the plastic spoon. The real spoon is nicer to eat off of too, and I don’t have any plastic spoon guilt. Win-win.
Straws
It’s been estimated that Americans go through 500 million plastic straws per day. That’s a lot of straws, which are not recyclable and end up in landfills or the oceans. Personally I’m not much of a straw person. However, if you’re someone who just can’t enjoy a drink without a straw, you might want to invest in a reusable straw. They sell bamboo and stainless steel straws, both of which can be reused over and over again (they usually come with a convenient cleaning brush). Many people now carry these reusable straws in little cases. When they go out to lunch, they can tell the waiters to skip the straw, and use their own.
What types of throw-away packaging waste have you been able to reduce from your life with reusable containers? Let me know in the comments below.
Written by Amber Reifsteck, The Woodland Elf
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