When you’re out and about this summer, you’ll likely be in the vicinity of tempting treats from vendors. From curbside food carts to festivals to deli to-go counters, there are plenty of opportunities to get eats on the go.
The cost for this convenience, however, is often paid by Mother Nature. Mountains of trash and even recycling quickly accumulate around food on the go.
Whether it is a zero-waste event or an earth-conscious food stand, you can come prepared to enjoy all the delicious food and drink options without making a ton of trash. Create your own zero-waste to-go kit for you and your loved ones.
A great starting point is durable plates, cups and cutlery. You may already have some positively unbreakable camping gear stashed away you could easily fish out of storage.
Real cutlery is lightweight and easy to pack, but there are also bamboo and wood alternatives that will last for many years. To make the package complete, add some stainless steel or bamboo straws. Many come with a small pipe cleaner for easy maintenance.
Straw alternatives such as these become particularly important when you are dining near waterways. It’s so easy for a gust of wind or a child at play to send a plastic straw into the ocean or lake where they become a danger to marine life. You can make your zero-waste to-go kit complete with washable fabric napkins.
Pack all of these in a knapsack or basket and you're set to enjoy trash-less treats this summer. Dishes can be rinsed in a nearby sink or simply packed up for washing once you get home. A large, reusable ziplock baggie or old plastic bag should do the trick for storage en route.
If you really want to take your waste diversion to the next level, collect any uneaten food scraps along with paper napkins, wooden skewers and toothpicks. A sealable, lightweight container should serve this purpose well.
And, while recycling is a step above trashing your beverage containers, reusable containers aim even higher by avoiding the need for a small container in the first place. Aluminum, plastic, and especially glass containers require energy to be recycled, so best to skip that by bringing a vessel for your elixirs. Refreshing and healthy drinks can be made with herbs from the garden and some ice to keep things cool.
Let’s get zero wasted this summer.
Let’s Talk Trash is Powell River Regional District’s waste-reduction education program.
