3 Ways to Reduce Takeout Waste

It’s 8 p.m., and your stomach is rumbling. But the weather outside is no match for that flimsy $10 umbrella, and there’s no way you’re changing out of those sweat pants.

Getting your food to go? Just say no to single-use packaging when possible. Photo: Flickr/Mykl Roventine

On this night, fast and cheap delivery is just your only option. But with that four-topping pizza or entree of Pad Thai noodles comes more than just a fully belly.

Takeout and delivery restaurants are notorious for loading you up with everything from polystyrene foam boxes to plastic silverware and packets of pepper.

Reducing this unnecessary waste, however, is easier than you think.

1. Just say no.

It really is that easy. Oftentimes if you’re ordering in or carrying out, you can often request no plates, napkins or plastic cutlery. This will cut down enormously on waste. The disposables may be handy for a picnic, but are they really necessary when you’re eating in your own kitchen?

But this article is all about convenience. If you live in one of the 13 cities in which food delivery website GrubHub.com operates, greening your order is as simple as checking a box.

In an effort to help cut down on waste, the website makes it easy to request no disposable utensils, paper napkins and straws. If you don’t need them, just opt out.

This option is just one of the handy website’s green features. GrubHub.com also works with Carbon Solutions Group to offer carbon credits that offset the footprint associated with your delivery.

2. Reuse your to-go containers.

Polystyrene foam containers are usually the packaging material of choice for many restaurants. It’s lightweight and insulated to preserve food. However, it’s hard to recycle, and many cities have actually banned it.

But another popular choice for eateries is containers made from plastic #1 or #2 that even include lids. While these are more easily recyclable, they’re even better to keep around the house for packing sandwiches or storing leftovers (this author admits to hoarding a stack that has come in handy for hand-packed lunches).

As for those aluminum bowls common to calzones and noodles, this material can be reused over and over again. Simply wash, dry and store.

3. Compost your leftovers.

Composting can be confusing, but there are so many simple things in your takeout dinner that can go in that bin. Non-greasy vegetables, noodles, fruit peelings and even napkins can be composted.

As for you city-dwellers, you have no more excuses for passing on compost. We’ve spelled out how to compost in urban areas, even if you don’t have time, space or a backyard.

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