Warmer days are here and you’ll likely be in the vicinity of tempting treats from vendors soon. 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 by creating 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 that 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.
Fabric napkins with festive colours are a fun and practical addition and beeswax-infused cotton wraps make for a great alternative to cling-wrap for many of your snacks, being lightweight, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral – what a combo.
To make your zero waste to-go package complete, add some stainless steel, glass or bamboo straws. Many come with a small pipe cleaner for easy maintenance.
Plastic-free alternatives like these become particularly important when you are dining near waterways, where plastic is a danger to marine life as well as an eyesore.
Pack all your zero waste tools in a knapsack or basket and you’re set to enjoy trash-less treats in the sun. Dishes can be rinsed in a nearby sink or simply packed up for washing once you get home. A large reusable ziplock bag or used plastic bag should do the trick for storage en route.
If you 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. Tossing compost into the bush may seem innocent, but can draw animals of all sizes to frequent areas where they endanger themselves and humans.
While recycling is a step above trashing your beverage containers, thermoses or refillable water bottles go a step above by avoiding the need for anything single use. Aluminum, plastic and especially glass containers require energy to be recycled, so best to skip this cost to the earth by bringing a vessel to quench your inevitable thirst.
Refreshing and healthy drinks can be made with herbs from the garden and ice to keep things cool.
Bringing your own zero waste kit wherever you go is sure to influence others in your surroundings to do the same. Aim to be a zero waste ambassador this summer.
Let’s Talk Trash is contracted by qathet Regional District to deliver its waste reduction education program. For more information, email [email protected] or go to LetsTalkTrash.ca.
