Re-use, Re-use, Re-use!

I have always prided myself on my eco-sensitivities, but I felt a little knocked off my eco-high horse this past summer when I read an article on a minimalist lifestyle blog about bringing your own reusable containers to restaurants. I can't find the article again, but it was one of those things that makes you clasp your hands to your head with its obvious simplicity. How could I, growing up in a city where recycling is practically a religion, have not stumbled upon this solution? Finally - a way to stop feeling guilty about styrofoam and a way to save time repackaging leftovers.

The author of the article, as I recall, had not experienced any problems with bringing her own containers. I have been able to do this about four times now and staff haven't said anything to me. Usually it's a matter of remembering to pop the container in my bag. Most waitstaff are too busy to even notice, really, and the one time a waitress actually saw me parsing out my fettucini alfredo, she didn't say anything. She might have thought it was weird, but I'll never know!