Plastic Reduction at the Restaurant

We often associate plastic waste with to-go dining, but there can also be plastic waste generated while dining-in at restaurants. Keep reading to learn some simple plastic-reduction solutions for dining in at your favorite restaurant!

Straws
Regardless of where you go, you can pretty much expect plastic straws to be offered. The first step is refuse, by telling your server you do not care for a straw with your drink. If you enjoy using straws, you can bring your own alternative straw. Metal, glass or bamboo straws are available locally and can be ordered online.

Plastic Utensils
If you are dining at a quick, casual restaurant, there is a possibility that plastic silverware will be offered. Try to come to these restaurants prepared with reusable bamboo or metal silverware, or ask if they have metal silverware you can use.

​Dining with Kids
When dining out with children, consider the plastic that may come with their order. Often times kid’s beverages come in a plastic cup with a straw. An easy first-step would be to ask your server to not bring straws for their cups. One step further would be to bring your own clean, kid-friendly cup, and request the server fill your cups from home with their drinks.

Bottled Water
Choose tap water over bottled water when given the choice. This eliminates the use of a single-use plastic water bottle AND saves money on your bill. Besides, typically tap water is the same or higher quality than what is found in bottled water.

Leftovers
If you think you might have leftovers, grab a reusable container from your home to bring to the restaurant. By coming prepared, you are not forced to decide between leaving your leftovers at the restaurant and taking a single-use to-go container home with you.
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Vote With Your Dollar
​Some restaurants are already taking steps to a plastic-free dining room, by stocking compostable single-use products, not offering straws, and other waste-reduction strategies such as composting food waste and using renewable energy. Do your research to find out which businesses in your community are already taking the steps to be environmentally responsible and plastic-free, and support these businesses!

Sincerely,
Julia Krebs-Moberg
Waste Reduction Education Coordinator
Asheville GreenWorks
AmeriCorps Project Conserve