As a follow up to my last post – Slowing down that fast food excess – the video from The Environmentals inspired me to create my own restaurant/fast food carry all to help reduce my waste when eating out. With 52 million meals being served each day by McDonald’s alone, there is a lot of trash going out the door. So here’s what I put together with items I already had in the house:
2 adult size forks/1 spoon and knife – all from a picnic basket set.
2 kids size forks and spoons -extras from a past birthday party
4 cloth cocktail napkins – gift from a friend
1 large size Reusable Fresh Snack Pack – I purchased this item some time ago to reduce my baggie usage. It’s PVC free and non-toxic. Easily folds up like an envelope with a velcro closure and will fit nicely in my bag. 
If for some reason, you don’t have any plastic ware handy, hang onto the set of plastic utensils the next time you are eating or taking out.
Don’t have cloth cocktail size napkins, just use a regular size or even cut leftover fabric down to size. A handkerchief will also work well or even a bandana.
Instead of the fresh pack, take some shelf liner and cut down to a small place mat size. Wrap up all your goods and keep tied with a ribbon or rubberband. And of course whatever you do, don’t forget the reusable water bottle for drinks.
The only thing I don’t have and would like to purchase for this are some stainless steel or biodegradable paper straws. I’m checking out options so will report back on that in another post. (Please share any information or experience you may have) Other than that, I think I’m set.
Yes, it sounds extreme to whip out my own personal place setting at Wendy’s or wherever and I wonder if others might actually consider it a little elitist or germophobic instead of environmental. Either way, labels I can definitely live with. How about you?
Give it a try - come back and post a comment to share your experiences and reactions.
