3 Actually Easy Ways to Make Less Trash Each Day
Make today the day you start creating less trash by eliminating food packaging waste.
By Kayla Mahoney
Delivery services, takeout food, and meal kits have become game changers in our busy, hungry lives. They are easy to use, fast options that get delicious meals in our bellies in less time than it takes to choose a movie to watch on Netflix. But are we ignoring the impact these pre-packaged options have on our environment?
How many times have you opened your delivery, takeout, or meal kit only to find it overflowing with pre-packaged cutlery, disposable napkins, condiment packets, and multiple individual containers? We all know where these end up, and it’s not at the home of some rich eccentric spork collector.
Packaging makes up the largest category of municipal waste in the United States, and our increasing dependence on food apps and takeout is only making the problem worse. To do your part to reduce food packaging waste, here are 3 actually easy ways to make less trash each day.
1. Buy groceries offline, not online
Shop at local farmers markets instead of big chain supermarkets or meal delivery services. If you bring your own reusable containers, you can reduce your food waste while helping out your community’s farmers and growers. Extra points for glass containers which are 100% recyclable and reusable.
2. Dine out, not delivery
When you dine out at a restaurant you create zero of your own food packaging waste. Cut out all the plastic bags, disposable cutlery, and individual containers for an IRL sit-down meal. To skip that restaurant’s wait times completely while enjoying the same great dining experience, use Allset for quick and easy dining that’s prepaid and served right as you arrive.
3. Do your research
Environmentalists urge that of the three Rs (reduce, reuse, and recycle), the first two are the most important. To ensure you’re doing your best at both, add another R into the mix and do some research by googling sustainable companies and restaurants that are fighting the good fight in reducing their food packaging waste. Supporting these businesses is an easy way to do your part.
A few other tips to reduce food packaging waste:
- Bring your own reusable water bottle and refillable coffee mug for all your beverage needs. They can be utilitarian as can be, or a cute accessory to any and all outfits.
- Buy in bulk and use reusable containers for snacks and leftovers. Often times this will lead to healthier choices like carrots and nuts over candy and chips.
- Carry a small, foldable cloth bag with you at all times. This way you’ll be prepared for any unscheduled shopping trips or miscellaneous extra bag needs.
Living a zero-waste lifestyle can be intimidating and almost impossible for most of us, but making these few easy changes can add up to a positive impact on our planet. Start today by making better choices for a better future. And with the amount of money you’ll save on trash bags, you can treat yourself to a nice meal without a disposable spork (or spork collector) in sight.
