Whether you have the kids in tow or you are heading out for a much needed reprieve, eating out can be a fun break from the usual hum-drum of the home kitchen. But eating out also gives you less control of what you will eat and how it will be served. Here's how to eat out the green parenting way.
Go Local: Keep the location in mind when you select a venue for your meal. Choose a spot that's close to home to minimize driving. If possible, walk, take public transportation, or ride your bike and you will save time, money, and traffic/parking frustration.
Eat Your Greens: Patronize restaurants that use local and organic foods in their selections. Check with your favorite restaurant to find out if they incorporate healthier “green” foods into their recipes. Check out the Eat Well Guide for a list of restaurants that use local, sustainable ingredients.
Go Veggie: If you have a choice, go for a vegetarian selection. A vegetarian meal is better for your health and that of the environment, and it is often one of the cheaper items on the menu. And it may just give you a creative new meal idea to try at home.
B.Y.O.P (Bring Your Own Place Setting) Sometimes you can't always control where you will be eating. If you know you will be headed to a restaurant that uses paper napkins or plastic silverware, consider bringing your own reusable napkins and silverware from home to minimize waste. Sure, you may get a few odd looks. But any parent who has ever taken their child to a restaurant should be used to these looks by now.
Greener Take Out: If you decide to abandon the restaurant setting and get your order to go, ask that your food be packaged in as few boxes/bags as possible. Also ask the restaurant to forgo the usual wad of napkins, plastic utensils, and unnecessary condiments.
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