Created by: friend on 2000-01-21 17:07:10
Last modified by: friend on 2000-01-21 17:08:16
Summary: To-go containers are a convenient, but inefficient and
environmentally harmful food storage device.
Author's statement:
Alot of energy is used producing, preparing, packaging,
and cooking the food we eat, from the people and machines
that harvest or manufacture it, the transportaion industry
and the fuel used delivering it to the flame in the oven and
sewage treatment after the fact. There are energy resources
being expended at every turn.
When we eat at a restaurant, taking left-overs home in
a to-go container or we get take-out at a fast food joint,
the price of the container is figured in. What is not figured
in is the cost to the environment.
Often made of styrofoam, using ozone damaging chemicals
in its manufacturing process, or cardboard and other paper
products, these containers unnecessarily cram our landfills.
Sometimes aluminum foil is used to wrap food for transport.
Foil is an excellent option as a to-go container, provided
the foil is cleaned and recycled after use. Paper products
could be recycled if they are not oil and food stained, but
this is very rare.
The best option is to bring plastic washable containers
to the food establishment. These are more leak proof, saving
car interior and clothing, they keep food fresher and they
don\'t pollute the environment.
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