So, I was doing nothing today, when my husband came to me and asked if I was no longer happy. I told him I was indeed, still happy, but wondered why he was asking. He then informed me that it had been two days since I had updated this blog. Two days! 48 hours! 2880 minutes! Apparently I am falling down on the job.
I do have a lot of things to say, just a limited time in which to say them. Since I need to start watching my next IEW video I will leave you with a question. Last night at dinner (restaurant) we had a lot of leftovers, my eyes were bigger than my stomach I guess. Anyway, as the waitress brought me 3 styrofoam containers it seemed like a total waste. I told my husband that perhaps I should bring my own tupperware containers from home, because I always have leftovers when we go out.
Does anyone actually do this? Would this put me in the total cuckoo category? If you were at a restaurant and you noticed someone at a table next to you putting leftovers in their own containers would you call the funny farm?
or this…
I would love to hear your opinions on this one.
Thanks for all your comments. I am curious, for those of you who would say it would look planned, what exactly would I be planning? If I go to Outback and order a steak which comes with a salad and a side and I have leftovers (which I always do), what is wrong with having extra food? I am not talking about going to a buffet or an all you can eat place and taking home extras. I do like the foil idea, and of course I could always reuse the foil when I get home :).
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M3 says
Hmmm…I hate the styrofoam and I’ve always wished there was a different way to get things home. I think you should go for it.
Your Daughter says
I totally agree with you Mom! We really should think about our surroundings and how styrofoam affects it. So take the re-used yogurt and deli meat containers to Fuddruckers! 😀
Cheri says
I’ve always wondered the same thing, but haven’t been able to step outside my comfort zone and actually do it. YOU be the guinea pig and let us know how it goes, okay? Really – I’m not joking!
Gina says
I do this, because I HATE those Styrofoam containers. I feel funny doing it though. I do it quickly so no one sees. How silly I know!
Annie Jones says
I don’t think I’d do it. I’d be afraid it would be in violation of some kind of health code, especially in the case of the occasional restaurant where the server takes your plate and boxes your leftovers for you then brings it back to the table.
Normal to Natalie says
I say go for it! Carry your containers in your reusable shopping bags!
TheHappyHousewife says
From Nancy http://militarymoms.today.com/
Don’t do it. We had a dear Navy friend years ago who traveled with Tupperware and she never, ever knew how many people commented on her restaurant Tupperware tactics. People thought she was completely over the top. (I think it’s because, if you ask for a “box” you just ordered more than you could eat, while if you show up with your own food storage devices, it looks way too planned.)
If you can’t bear the styrofoam, why not make the food transfer in your car – stash your Tupperware there, instead. I realize you then have a styro disposal problem, but you could jam everything into one styro, then split it up later. (I don’t have trouble mixing my food groups in containers, but I know most people do…)
A REALLY prepared person would have a set of Tupperware, utensils for shoveling food into said T’ware, a plastic bag to stick the soiled utensils in, an ice chest and ice packs…
…uh…okay, so I own a plug-in ice chest…
Elisa says
I think it sounds like a great idea! Styrofoam is bad. Heck, I bring my own bags to the grocery store, Walmart, Target, anywhere, why not bring your own tupperware to the Outback? LOL
Go for it!
Emily says
It’s definitely okay and something I plan to start doing myself! These days it’s en vogue to be more environmentally conscious and this definitely falls into that category. Styrofoam containers, after all, are even banned in some states because of their lack of enviro-friendliness. Be proud that you are taking a small step towards making the world a better place for the future by not contributing unneccessary waste to the landfill!
Sherry says
Can’t wait to hear what you decide to do!! 😀
Jill says
I think that is a great idea!!!
I hate the styrofoam containers also!! I think it would be cute to decorate special “To Go” containers for when we go out to dinner.
Somebody's Mimi says
PLEEEAAASSSEEE DO NOT DO IT when I am with you. I go along with most of your thrifty ideas, BUT I’m going to say NOOOOO on this one! Just don’t order so much at one time. Order one item, eat it, then if you are not full order something else, eat it, order something else, so forth and so on… Or get glasses! I can’t wait to see what “The Happier Housewife” says about this one!
Somebody's Mimi says
I Can’t even believe you thought of that!! Okay, I take that back.
Somebody's Mimi says
Really, have you lost it…. or what? Wow.
Somebody's Mimi says
I mean do you stay awake at night thinking of this stuff?
Somebody's Mimi says
I am going to say an extra prayer for you.
sara l says
I’ve thought about, but never remembered to do this. The greater issue for me is transporting the containers. I hate purses, so most of mine are tiny or I just put my wallet in a pocket.
If it’s something you believe in and it doesn’t hurt anyone do weird looks matter?
Amy says
Tupperware (and maybe Rubbermaid now, too) makes containers that store flat and pull out (like an accordian) to the appropriate size.
Aunt T says
Funny farm; take the styrofoam. If you think they are a waste, just wait until you get home to transfer your food into a tupperware. If you are concerned with being wasteful, wash out the styrofoam and allow the kids to use it for crafts.
Aunt T says
Uncle J says: Why bother with tupperware? Take your plastic wrap and cover your plate with the leftovers. Assure the restaurant that you will wash their plate(s) and return them next time you are dinning with them. 🙂 OR Bring your own dishes and have the chef place the food on your on plate. Cover your own dish with the leftovers in wrap and take home. No need to return plates!
Amanda says
I think that the weirdness factor depends on where you live. A quick google of “tupperware for takeout” shows me that this is gaining ground as a popular option on the west coast and canada. I’m pretty sure people would think you were nuts down here in Texas where I live. But who cares?
Just call the restaurants ahead of time and ask if they have a problem with it. Let them know that you are uncomfortable with the negative environmental impact of their establishment and would like to take steps to mitigate that impact (sounding lawyerly always helps when dealing with management, lol).
Somebody's Mimi says
I’m sorry, I’m still laughing at this one! I like Aunt T’s idea. Or use the cleaned boxes for storage, hairbows, little toys, pencils, markers, I’m sure YOU can think of something to put in them.
Cammie says
I would think that is odd, but I totally understand why you would want to do it 🙂
Aunt T says
Ideas for reuse: http://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20080222/how-can-i-reuse-or-recycle-styrofoam-containers
Kristin Maynes says
I never thought about it like that…..I agree with one of the other gals, though……it might look way to planned. On the other hand, they have those eco-friendly bags at stores to reuse. Maybe someone should come up with eco-friendly boxes to reuse instead of styrofoam.
Heather says
I would definitely call the men in the white coats! I don’t particularly care if others are laughing at me though. People are doing some pretty extreme things to “go green” these days, what’s the big deal about Tupperware .I do have an idea though. We have a favorite restaurant that wraps leftovers in big sheets of aluminum foil. Maybe you could ask for a sheet of that to wrap your food in a an alternative. Or be bold and take your own stuff. Let us know if you try it!
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Jane says
I work in a restaurant, and believe me when I tell you that a customer bringing Tupperware would be FAR from the weirdest thing I’ve ever seen. Not even on the Top 10, by far.
Also, because I work in a steakhouse which usually gives large portions, many people order more food or order a larger steak size than they can eat, because it’s cheaper by the ounce to save it for the next day. $15.99 for one meal, or $19.99 for tonight’s diner AND tomorrow’s lunch?
If you’re worried about looking weird carrying in the Tupperware, you could always keep it in the car. Then, when the waiter asks if you need a box, tell them you’d like to take it home but you have a plastic container in the car, and you’d prefer not to use Styrofoam. If they’re any kind of service person, they won’t bat an eye. Then it won’t look like you planned it all along.
Sherlyn says
Hey thanks for the comment. I do plan on doing it – As soon as I get the containers that will fit in my purse. I’ve really been trying to do small things that can make an impact. I love reading your blog! Keep writing!
Marla Hartson says
You mentioned using aluminum foil. I think that might be a great idea. If you had a roll of aluminum foil just for left overs, you could bring it in if you had a large bag, or leave it in car until the end of the meal if not. The advantage of this approach is that other people in the restaurant might see you using it and request it as well. The disadvantage is that it’s not that great for liquids. I think this is an area where we need to think green, but I’m not sure Tupperware is the answer. Chinese take-out containers would be better than styrofoam.
Jafael says
I’m coming to this entry a bit late, but I had to comment. I’ve brought my own containers for left-overs to restaurants for the past couple of years! I, too, hated the wastefulness of the packaging, which I invariably repackaged as soon as I got home so I could make it air-tight. I found that the little 2 cup sized rubbermaid bowls with the screw on lids work for almost everything I ever order (they even work for soup). I keep a canvas sack in the car with five of those containers, because I usually eat out when I wasn’t planning on it.
I do get weird looks sometimes, but no one has ever questioned me about it. I typically make sure I package up my food before the server tries to take it away, so I don’t have to make any awkward explanations. I’ve had a couple people tell me what a great idea it is, too.
Anne M. says
you know someone above mentioned how Chinese take-out containers would be better – I do believe those can be bought in the craft stores like these – http://www.save-on-crafts.com/takeoutboxes.html
or you could even get this – http://www.webstaurantstore.com/third1317/products/green-wave-paper-take-out-containers.html
or get this – http://www.ecowise.com/index.php?cPath=22_187
just about ANYTHING is better than Styrofoam, though.
honestly I don’t believe it’s something to be ashamed of – and anyway as long as it’s something YOU want to do – why not?
good luck to you either way =)
ps – I take shirt boxes, the white ones you can buy during christmas, and line the bottom with aluminum foil for any extra pizza when eating at a pizza place – it can be used over and over then!
Kayla Whited says
Let’s take a step back from the crazy train and say “conscious”
Everyone should be bringing their own tupperware containers! If being conscious about the environment is looked down upon- screw those people. You’re doing nothing but bettering OUR Earth. I thank and appreciate what you’re doing. And one day….. so will all those down lookers 😉