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Column: How to reduce takeout plastic waste during the pandemic

Column: How to reduce takeout plastic waste during the pandemic

Column: How to reduce takeout plastic waste during the pandemic


5/26/2021
By Else Demeulenaere
For the Pacific Daily News

A takeout order in styrofoam and plastic packaging
Photo courtesy of the Pacific Daily News

This routine probably sounds familiar: Bring one child to school, set up two others for their online classes, prepare for your own scheduled zoom meetings at home, and think about what to eat after.

Although many families opted for homemade meals during the pandemic, by the end of the day, we are too tired to put in the effort and end up ordering takeout. Restaurants have focused on to-go orders instead of dine-in.

Therefore, during the pandemic plastic waste increased substantially on our island.

Due to health concerns, single-use plastic use increased because you can no longer offer your reusable container for your takeout meals.

Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to reduce your plastic waste.

Read the full article in the Pacific Daily News (April 26, 2021)

Else Demeulenaere
Else Demeulenaere
Else Demeulenaere is the associate director for UOG’s Center for Island Sustainability and a candidate for a doctorate in interdisciplinary studies from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the University of Guam. She writes a Saturday column in the Pacific Daily News appearing in the Lifestyle section. She may be reached at (671) 735-2918 or else@uog.edu.