Ordering take-out is something I don’t do very often, but with a full-time job and a part-time job, occasionally there just isn’t enough time between them to make a meal.

My take-out meal of choice is sushi.  Although, the more I learn about sustainablilty, the more I realize I probably shouldn’t be eating sushi.  More on that later, I’m sure.

It’s always bothered me how much waste is involved with ordering take-out.  First you get the plastic or -horror!- styrofoam packaging that contains the food.  Along with that comes the plastic utensils, paper napkins and condiment containers.  All of this is wrapped in a plastic bag with cardboard dividers to keep everything standing up.

All of this goes into the garbage as soon as you’re finished eating.

The other night I decided to order sushi again, but this time I grabbed my own container and chop sticks before leaving home.  I dropped the container off at the restaurant with my order, and asked them to refrain from giving me napkins, a bag etc.

When I was finished eating I packed my container and chopsticks away and threw nothing into the garbage.

It’s really easy to grab some tupperware and utensils before you leave the house if you know you’re going to eat out.  And even though you have to wash a few things when you get home, it’s worth the effort, because you’re keeping trash out of the landfill.