The Recyclist: I don't need a doggy bag, thank you. I've got my own

I don't like to leave food on a plate at a restaurant. Maybe it's because I grew up with a "there are children starving in China" kind of mother. More likely, it's because I have a chowhound at home who enjoys a side dish to his Purina. That's why, more often than not, I leave a restaurant with a Styrofoam doggy bag.

But no more.

In an earlier post about my efforts to reduce the amount of trash I produce, I happily reported how Long Beach -- where I live -- recycles Styrofoam. Several readers rightfully pointed out that just because I can recycle those clamshell takeout containers doesn't mean I should. Another pointed out that "reduce," after all, was the first word in my newly self-proclaimed "reduce, reuse, recycle" mantra.  A third pointed out something so painfully obvious I felt like I had been whacked with a rolled-up newspaper: Why not bring my own plastic containers from home for my doggy bag?

Um. Good points.

So now, I am packing plastic. I've collected a handful of my B-team plastic food containers and placed an array of sizes in my car trunk, along with some plastic bags. (You already know about my obsession with plastic food containers.)

Of all the little changes I've tried to make, though, this one has been the hardest to work into my routine. I  repeatedly find myself about to pay the check, when I realize I've forgotten to bring a plastic container into the restaurant. It happened again on Sunday at the new Sunrise Cafe. But this time, right after we ordered, I walked back out to the car and fetched a plastic container and a bag, betting that we'd need it. I was right.

I felt a little self-conscious scraping the remains of a pancake and an egg sandwich into the container. But here's the reality: No one noticed. No one cared. I don't even think my husband noticed, because his nose was buried in the Sports section. But that's one less Styrofoam container going into the recycling.

And one happy dog.

So what do you think of this? Goofy? Long overdue? Not much, because one Styrofoam container won't make much of a difference? Do you have other suggestions for limiting restaurant trash? Leave a comment.

-- Rene Lynch
twitter.com/renelynch

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Photo: The remains of Sunday's breakfast, safely stowed in what was once a Chinese food takeout container. Credit: Rene Lynch

Comments

[Arthur]

Congrats! I started doing this awhile back when I realized that I rarely eat all my meal and I should start saving money by eatting my resturant left overs for lunch the next day!So I, too, carry a reusable container with me when I go out to eat!

[Linn]

My mom's always done that. And you know what? Nobody has ever noticed, nor cared. She saves her disposable coffee cup (when she doesn't have her travel mug with her), and sticks it in her purse with a napkin stuffed in it. She's done that for decades. I love it!! You're the first person I've heard talk about doing that, and it brought it all back! Thanks :-).

[mtlyorel]

Kudos Renee! I've always done this and wish that more people would follow through. And yes, no one cares, no one noticed. Human beings are way too self-conscious for our own good. Actually, the waiter/waitress noticed and complimented me on how he/she wished more people would do the same. (I kind of think it also helps lessen the workload for them.) So, by packing the leftover in my own tupperware, I save the environment, pat myself on the back, scored points with the wait staff, and save the hassle of transferring the food back into my own container at home. Besides, those styrofoam containers are poisonous and atrociously designed to spill and make a mess.

[tina townsend poole]

You are doing your society proud. Keep it up.

[Bianca]

love this idea! will definintely put into action this weekend.

[oakley]

I've been thinking about doing that for quite sometime. We often order food from a corner restaurant to go. I feel like I should show up with my plates and trays instead of dumping yet another foam and plastic containers.

Hey, us women carry around big purses for some reasons, right? :)

[Joan]

I've always kept takeout containers in my car for use after family events where we always have too much food. I think this is a great idea especially for restaurants that you know serve hefty portions.

[moni]

I carry a little pyrex bowl and lid in my purse. Doing this also helps me eat better since I'm less likely to overeat when I know I can have my delicious leftovers at my next meal.

[gymie]

Uhhh you really shouldn't be feeding your dog restaurant leftovers. I know your example here is a pancake and egg sandwich which admittedly seem okay, but most restaurant meals have much more sodium in them than you think.

So do your dog's health a favor too, and eat your leftovers yourself.

[DJ Steve]

This is a great idea. One I've oft thought of doing. I'm going to try and put it into action this week. Only drawback being a male is trying to find a way to not awkwardly walk into a restaurant with container in hand. Sans European carryall, it could be tough to not look like a cheap bastard and/or something even more shady

great idea though!