The Green Buck Stops Here

I’m guilty of forgetting about this too often so don’t call me perfect but… taking your own reusable containers to restaurants and fast food joints can make a big difference for our environment.

Styrofoam is a favorite choice of restaurants because it’s cheaper for them but is the most toxic container to the environment. Not only does it not break down in the landfills, when it breaks it releases toxic gasses from the little bubbles inside and you can’t just throw it into the recycle bin. Paper and cardboard containers will break down in the landfills but you can’t recycle them if they’ve been contaminated with food. Plastic bags can be recycled but you have to collect them then take them back to the store.

A couple of benefits to consider besides the environment:

1. Saucy Asian foods don’t drip out of the Styrofoam containers, through the plastic bag and on to your car upholstery or your nice clean shirt if you have your own tight fitting lid.

2. Fewer fast food containers floating down the roads and alleys after trash/recycle pickup days.

Any kind of reusable container will work that fits the food and will get it home clean and in one piece. You can google “Reusable Take-Out Containers” and can come up with all sorts of cool stuff or you can just dig through all those Tupperware containers we all have stuffed in our cabinets. I have to explain what I want when I take my own take-out containers just like I used to explain to the grocery clerks not to wrap my groceries in plastic bags before putting them into the canvas bags, but they do eventually catch on.

Most people think putting food waste into the trash can is harmless because it just rots away at the landfill. The fact is that rotting food creates a lot of methane which is a serious contributor to greenhouse gases. OK, then, just put down the garbage disposal. The problem of that is it’s hard on your pipes (ever had to pay a plumber to unclog your sewer pipes?) and it goes into the city sewer system. It still emits methane as it decomposes and the city has to use more energy to clean up the mess. The cost, of course, is passed on to you through your utility bills. My city has even asked us NOT to use our garbage disposals. Fortunately, there are several easy alternatives:

Supplement your pets’ diet:

Be careful with this one. There are several foods that you should not feed your pets. I don’t remember where I got this list but I remember it was from a reliable source. You can ask your vet or do a search on-line for more information.

Avocados, Beer, Nuts, Chocolate, Candy, Caffeine, Grapes, Raisins, Onions, Bones, spoiled food of any kind and, my own addition from personal experience, Pork.

Despite what some pet food manufactures may say, adding safe food scraps to your pets’ food is good for their health and gives them the variety they crave. They have different tastes just as humans do so experiment to see what they like. Limit very salty and processed food. They don’t need it any more than we do and the processed food might be hiding an ingredient that could be harmful. How does it save money? Mix it up in your pets’ food. You use less pet food and adding food that would otherwise be thrown away.

Feed the wildlife:

There are many foods that your local wildlife would gladly dispose for you. It’s probably best not to put your pile too close to the house or you might have uninvited guests in for seconds.

Composting:

This sounds like a lot of work but there are different way to do it and you end up with rich and free fertilizer. Any food that does not come from animal sources, except egg shells, and is not too greasy will work. Just toss it in with your yard scraps, etc., and let nature take it’s course.

If you don’t want to do the compost thing, you can bury your scraps directly into your garden. Just spread it out so your plants don’t become overwhelmed.

Worm Condos:

This is a excellent option for anyone who doesn’t have pets or a yard. The worms will turn your waste into worm castings which is one of the best fertilizers and is very expensive if you buy it at the nursery. There are many different ways to do this. You can buy worm condos or you can easily and cheaply make your own. You can buy worms (red wigglers) on-line, from a bait shop or just dig them up yourself. The same rules for food in the compost goes for worm condos. There’s a wealth of information on the internet on the subject. Don’t just click on the “sponsored inks.” Look around for what other people have done so you can find something that works for you.

If none of these ideas spike your interest, just don’t buy and cook more than you can eat. That’s about as free and easy as you can get.

After so many years of being the one in charge of keeping everyone fed, I’m burned out. I cringe at dinnertime because I really DON’T WANT TO COOK! I’m still in charge of this never-ending task but I found a solution that’s easier than making a trip for take-out. It’s a big plate of fresh steamed vegetables.

Buy a variety of fresh veggies (organic and local is best), cut them up in large chunks and stick them in a steamer. After 10-15 minutes, your work is done.

I didn’t buy a special expensive steamer, I just bought an inexpensive steamer insert that fits into the bottom of any deep pot. Fill with water up to the steamer bottom, throw your veggies in and cover with a lid. Cook on high for 10 - 15 minutes, depending on the veggie and your preference. Steaming veggies retains much more of the nutrients, taste, color and texture. You can add any flavoring you want but I think the taste of the veggies is wonderful as is. Because they have retained more of their nutrients, you feel more satisfied and you don’t have such an urge to snack later on in the evening. There’s not much to clean up which makes me happy.

You really don’t have to eat meat three times a day. That’s something that developed in our culture over the years because… well… I guess just because we could. Protein comes from many different sources, not just meat. Eating a variety of grains, fruit and veggies throughout the day will give you all the protein and nutrients you need without supplements. A great source of information on how to get all the essential amino acids you need without meat is Diet For a Small Planet by Frances Moore Lappé.

Now, if I could find a way for my groceries to magically appear in my kitchen, I’d be a very happy woman.