Chloe Zhang
Ordering takeout is a convenient way to enjoy delicious food from our favourite restaurants without having to cook or leave the comfort of our homes. However, the convenience of takeout often comes at a cost—a cost to the planet. Single-use plastic containers, cutlery, straws, and other packaging generate a significant amount of waste. While some takeout containers can be recycled, many end up in landfills, contributing to the plastic waste crisis. To reduce our environmental impact, we can explore alternative options for takeout, such as bringing our own containers, supporting eco-friendly restaurants, and being mindful of unnecessary single-use plastic items. In this article, we will discuss practical ways to minimise plastic waste when ordering takeout, so we can enjoy our favourite meals while being kind to the planet.
How to get takeout without plastic containers
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Find out beforehand | Check if the food is packed in eco-friendly containers |
| Choose the right cuisine | Chinese food and pizza are usually packed in cardboard or compostable containers |
| Reduce your footprint | Order appetizers or sides instead of a full meal to avoid leftovers |
| Reuse containers | Use takeout containers for picnics, storing meal-prepped vegetables, or gifting |
| Donate containers | Check if your local soup kitchen accepts donations of plastic containers for leftovers |
| Bring your own containers | Some restaurants will let you bring your own containers for pickup orders |
| Encourage eco-friendly practices | Politely suggest that your favorite restaurant switch to biodegradable containers |
| Recycle responsibly | Check with your local recycler to understand what types of plastic they accept |
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What You'll Learn
Reuse containers for picnics or storing leftovers
If you want to reuse takeout containers for picnics or storing leftovers, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to determine what type of container you have. Some materials, like polystyrene, should be avoided for reuse as they can easily fragment and leach chemicals. Glass containers are generally safe to reuse as long as they are in good condition, with no visible cracks or damage. If you're unsure about the material, look for the recycling symbol on the bottom of the container to identify the type of plastic.
When reusing containers for food storage, it's crucial to ensure proper sanitation. To sterilize a container, soak it in warm (not hot) soapy water for 5-10 minutes, clean it gently, spray it with isopropyl alcohol, and let it air dry. You can also create a sanitizer solution with 200ppm chlorine bleach and mist the container after washing. Avoid washing plastic containers in the dishwasher, as they can leach out plasticizers over time.
Takeout containers can be handy for storing leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer. To prevent food from drying out and developing bacteria, ensure that your containers are airtight. You can also use takeout containers for picnics by storing prepped ingredients or ready-to-eat meals. This helps reduce the use of single-use plastic bags.
If you're looking to reduce your plastic waste, you can also consider bringing your own containers when ordering takeout or dining out. Some restaurants will allow you to bring your own containers for leftovers or when picking up your order. This way, you can avoid disposable containers altogether.
Finally, remember that reusing plastic containers for extended periods may not be advisable due to the potential for microplastic contamination. Consider alternating between different containers or using other materials like glass or stainless steel for long-term food storage.
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Ask restaurants to exclude single-use items
Restaurants can significantly reduce their plastic waste by switching from single-use plastic items to reusable alternatives. Single-use plastics make up 40% of the plastic produced globally, and food service products are a large contributor to this.
To start, restaurants can conduct a stock room or bin audit to understand the amount and type of single-use plastic they are using. This includes items like milkshake cups, coffee cups, plastic plates, knives, forks, and plastic straws. Once they have a clear idea of the scope of single-use plastic in their operations, they can begin to make changes.
A good first step is to eliminate unnecessary disposable items, such as straws, drink stirrers, toothpicks, and lids for cups. These items can be made available upon request only or replaced with reusable alternatives. For example, paper straws can be offered instead of plastic ones, and metal utensils can be provided instead of single-use plastic ones.
Another effective strategy is to switch from single-use condiments to large bottles that can be refilled. Items like soy sauce, tomato sauce, mayonnaise, butter, jam, vinegar, salt, and pepper can be purchased in bulk and refilled as needed, reducing the amount of plastic waste generated.
Restaurants can also encourage customers to bring their own reusable containers for leftovers or takeout orders. This can be incentivized through discounts or loyalty programs. Additionally, if a restaurant offers delivery, they can provide plastic-free delivery options, such as partnering with companies like Dispatch Goods, Usefull, or Vessel, which specialize in plastic-free delivery.
By implementing these changes, restaurants can significantly reduce their plastic waste, demonstrating their environmental values and appealing to environmentally conscious customers.
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Request eco-friendly containers
Ordering takeout is convenient and enjoyable, but it often comes with a side of single-use plastic waste, including containers, that can be harmful to the environment. While some takeout plastics are recyclable, most are not, and even those that are recyclable may not be accepted by local waste management.
To reduce your plastic waste when ordering takeout, you can request eco-friendly containers from the restaurant. Some environmentally-conscious restaurants already use eco-friendly bioplastic containers and biodegradable paper containers. Support these establishments, and if your favourite takeout spot doesn't use these containers, consider politely encouraging them to switch.
When ordering, remember to ask for no single-use plastic items, such as cutlery, napkins, and condiments, that you already have at home. If you plan to pick up your food, you can also ask the restaurant if it's possible to bring your own containers for them to fill. This simple step can help reduce the amount of single-use plastic waste generated by your takeout order.
Additionally, some services, like To Go Green, offer reusable takeout containers that you can return after use. You can order from partner restaurants through their platform, and then drop off the containers or request a home pickup within three weeks. This option not only reduces waste but also provides a convenient way to enjoy your favourite meals while being mindful of the environment.
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Donate containers to soup kitchens
If you want to reduce the amount of plastic waste you generate from takeout, there are several options to consider. You can start by supporting environmentally-minded restaurants that use biodegradable paper containers or eco-friendly bioplastic containers. When ordering, remember to ask for your order to exclude single-use plastic items like straws, napkins, and condiments that you already have at home. If you plan on picking up your food, you can also ask the restaurant if they would allow you to bring your own containers for the order.
However, if you already have a collection of plastic takeout containers, you can put them to good use. You can reuse them for storing prepped vegetables in the refrigerator or carrying snacks or meals on the go. You can also use them for non-food purposes, such as painting and decorating them for art projects or using them as planters for non-consumable plants.
If you want to donate the containers, one option is to reach out to local soup kitchens. Some soup kitchens, like the East Boston Community Soup Kitchen, accept donations of takeout containers as they are essential for their daily operations. They may also accept donations of food, clothing, towels, and toiletries. However, it is important to check with the specific soup kitchen beforehand to confirm their needs and any restrictions they may have on donations.
Another option for donating containers is to offer them to friends, family, or neighbours who might find them useful. Before donating, it is important to properly sterilize the containers by soaking them in warm soapy water, cleaning them gently, and then allowing them to air dry. While donating containers is a great way to give them a second life, it is worth noting that some organizations may not accept them due to sanitary issues and food safety concerns.
Lastly, if you are unable to donate or reuse your containers, make sure to recycle them properly. Check with your local waste management entity to confirm which types of plastic they can recycle.
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Avoid polystyrene and black plastic
Polystyrene and black plastic are two of the most harmful types of plastic packaging. Polystyrene, sometimes called Styrofoam, is made up of multiple styrene molecules. Over fifty chemical byproducts are released during its manufacturing, contaminating the air, water, and communities that live and work near these facilities. The US Department of Health and Human Services identifies styrene, a main component of polystyrene, as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen". Styrene exposure is linked to "increased risks for leukemia, lymphoma, or all lymphohematopoietic cancer".
Black plastic is also problematic. The black colour is created by adding carbon black to the plastic. Carbon black contains compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which have carcinogenic properties. Black plastic often ends up in landfills, incinerators, or the environment after just one use. This is because the technology used by recycling facilities to sort plastics cannot "see" the colour black. As a result, most recycling facilities reject black plastic. To meet the demand for black plastic, electronic waste (e-waste) is often used instead. However, e-waste can introduce toxic chemicals such as phthalates, flame retardants, and heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, nickel, chromium, and mercury. These chemicals pose serious health risks, including reproductive and developmental problems, brain and kidney poisoning, disruption of thyroid function, and long-term neurological damage.
To avoid polystyrene and black plastic takeout containers, you can:
- Research restaurants that use eco-friendly bioplastic containers and biodegradable paper containers. Support these establishments and encourage others to switch to these containers.
- Ask for no single-use plastic cutlery, straws, napkins, and condiments when ordering. Use your own reusable alternatives instead.
- If you are picking up your food, bring your own containers for the restaurant to fill.
- If you do end up with polystyrene or black plastic containers, avoid microwaving them or exposing them to high heat, as this can cause chemicals to leach out. Instead, transfer the food to a glass, ceramic, or metal container.
- Reuse the containers for storage, gifting, or giving meals to others. You can also use them for gardening or art projects.
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Frequently asked questions
You can ask the restaurant to exclude single-use plastic items like cutlery, napkins, and condiments that you already have at home. If you're picking up your food, you can also ask if they'll let you bring your own containers.
Most black plastic containers are non-recyclable. Polystyrene foam containers, often referred to as "Styrofoam", are also widely used for takeout but cannot be recycled. Chinese containers and clamshells are technically recyclable, but because oil often seeps into the cardboard, they are usually thrown away.
Some environmentally-minded restaurants use biodegradable paper containers or eco-friendly bioplastic containers. You can support these establishments or kindly encourage your favorite restaurants to switch to these alternatives.
You can use takeout containers for storing leftovers in the fridge, but it is recommended to transfer the food to another container before reheating. Takeout containers can also be used for gardening, gifting, or donating to organizations like soup kitchens. However, it is important to properly sterilize the containers before reusing them and to dispose of them once they start to appear worn or scratched to reduce the risk of bacterial buildup or leaching plastic.
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