10 Eco-Friendly Strategies for Takeout Food

By making the environment a priority, the bonus is that you and your family are doing your part to promote the science of sustainability.

Repurpose leftovers. Chop up the bread from your soup into croutons for your salad the next day, or save the extra salsa for an appetizer dip.

Check out takeout places that feature organic fruits, vegetables and meats. Organic means that their agricultural growing methods must meet strict standards related to pesticide, fertilizer and hormone use; soil quality; and animal-raising practices, according to the rules defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program for certification.

Save food scraps to create a compost pile.

When heading to the beach or park with takeout sandwiches and chips, pick up and dispose of all cartons, bags, and empty cups and containers to leave the places unlittered.

Be sure to recycle all your water and soda containers. Or consider putting a water filter on your tap.

When you order, suggest to the server that you bring your own carryout bag. This probably isn’t going to work at the fast-food drive-thru, where speed is critical.

It’s okay to tell the restaurant to leave out the plastic utensils. If you’re frequently eating on the go, consider investing in reusable utensils.

If you’re bringing your food home, use the ketchup, mayo or mustard from your own kitchen. Takeout bags are usually stuffed with too many extra packets of condiments.

Check local recycling rules; you can find them on your town’s recycling website. Ask questions first. Before ordering for takeout or delivery, look into your local pizzeria’s or Chinese restaurant’s sustainability and food safety practices. Are they committed to combating climate change and protecting the planet?