I’ve made huge strides in using kitchen cloths instead of paper towels to clean my kitchen and counters. I’m even using reusable clothes to clean up baby K instead of baby wipes. I feel so good about reducing our paper towel waste. Before I started this whole project, I was using upwards of 15 paper towels a day. And that was just me. Now the only time I’m using paper towels is when I’m cleaning just the toilets. I still use baby wipes but just for poopy diapers – though soon I’m going to experiment with cloth diapers and reusable cloth wipes. But that’s another blog post.
So while I feel great about cutting down on our paper towel waste, I’m realizing I still have much work to do to go more green. Specifically, with takeout.
Last Monday, my husband had back surgery and had to stay two nights at the hospital. When he came home, I was just too tired to cook. So one night I took the kids out to eat. We never eat Panda Express, but my boys were begging for it because they heard other kids at school talking about it.
So I let them try it. Being Chinese, I rate Panda Express like I’m sure Mexicans rate Taco Bell. It’s not Chinese food. But I thought we’d give it a try.
Well, the kids ate a vegetable stir fry and some chicken, while I got the eggplant with tofu and we split some vegetable egg rolls. We ate most of our food and were left with this: A huge bag filled with two food containers that I could barely fit through the garbage can at Panda Express. It just felt so wasteful, especially since we had nothing to bring home as leftovers. Big time FAIL on my end.
Now I’m on a mission to find reusable takeout containers that I can bring with me to restaurants and use instead of disposable containers. I figure I can leave them in my car and use them as needed.
I’m loving some of these containers:
To-Go Ware 3-Tier Stainless Steel Food Container - this set interlocks together and looks stylish
Lock & Lock Leak-Proof 3-Piece Set - this set includes salad, soup and sandwich containers
Collapsable Food Storage Containers 3-Piece Set – this set is great for keeping in the car since it collapses down to barely anything
Bon Appetit Lunch Box – this set looks just like the black takeout containers at many restaurants but it can be reused
Bento Lunch Box – this set is perfect for sushi and one-pot meals like stir-fried noodles or even a sandwich
Do you use reusable takeout containers? Please share your favorites here or in the Community.
This post was written by
Tracey Black is the founder and editor-in-chief for Don't Mess with Mama, the sassy mom's guide to parenting, green living and travel. She is a regular contributor to Redbook's Mamarama blog, and a social media strategist working with eco-friendly brands such as Stonyfield, Juice Beauty and others. She has three boys and lives in San Diego, Calif.
Great idea–I never thought of doing that!
Asianmommy recently posted..Olivia Munn on The Newsroom
What a great idea. I’m still working on phasing out our plastic Tupperware to more eco friendly choices but this is definitely something I’ll keep in mind through this process as well. Thanks for the links
Margaux @ YoungNesters recently posted..I’m guest posting about poop…
I honestly never thought of doing that! Great idea.
Meegs recently posted..Ahnu Shoes {review and early giveaway entries}
Great recommendations and very timely; we are trying to ban all plastic bags in Philly! I have found some wonderful alternatives to shopping bags, plastic bottles, napkins, etc., I will have add these to my list!
Sarah recently posted..Choosing Quality Toys Made in America at the Big Toy Book
This is a really good idea! I always have leftovers, but I just bring them home in whatever the restaurant gives me.
Shai Smith recently posted..Dairy-Free Sour Cream Recipe!
I’m always kicking myself for forgetting to bring my own takeout containers. It’s a habit I’m trying to get into so that carrying these is as second nature as taking reusable bags into every store.
Green Grandma recently posted..Hot Topic Tuesday — Latch On NYC
I never thought of this either! Great idea!
Oooh, I never thought of doing this! Thanks for the inspiration and for compiling such a great list to start with!
Sarah @ Nature’s Nurture recently posted..Pour Liquids Without Spilling {#TinyTipTues}
Great idea to leave reusable containers in the car! My family went to San Diego for the weekend and ended up with leftovers…I felt so bad using Styrofoam containers!
Love those stainless tiffins especially. My children each have one for school lunches. And I do take them to the local Indian restaurant for take-out.
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