So we've been on the road for about a month now! How's our Zero Waste plan holding up? To be honest, is could be even better! We've had no issues buying package free items from bulk sections of grocery stores, and most produce is also without packaging. What the biggest obstacle we've faced so far? Eating out! If you cook often at home, it's a breeze to go Zero Waste, however if you're eating out more often than not... That's when it gets really hard.
The dilemma we've faced is that we can't afford to dine at restaurants that often, since it's pretty expensive. Also some times when you're in a hurry like before catching a ride, then restaurants really aren't an option. But when it comes to other food options, it often falls down to fast food. That's where it's virtually impossible to get package free stuff, as most establishments have strict FDA regulations to follow. Also they can get very busy and I wouldn't want to hold up the whole kitchen line just to satisfy my own insistent. It's a good insistent, but I still believe that you should trouble everyone jut for your own stuff.
(Note: from SF to Seattle I got my coffee on Amtrak directly into my travel mug, but from Seattle to Chicago... The staff crew said that FDA regulations doesn't allow "outside" containers anywhere near the coffee dispenser sprouts, It's dumb, but I couldn't really argue with him. So he went ahead and used a paper cup and then poured into my mug.) Anyway, my point is that it can be hard when you're not doing the cooking.
But recently, we've found a good alternative which both were right before we were ready to travel on the bus/train! Here enters... The salad / hot bar! (by coincidence both times we went to Whole Foods) In SF, I went to the cashier and asked if it was ok to use my own container at the salad bar. (I already had a sticker on my container with the tare weight.) He told me he'll check the weight, and once he did it was ready to go! Before our bus to Ann Arbor from Chicago, I asked the staff if I could use it for the self checkout. He nodded. Alrighty!
So if you're doing self-checkout, there'll be an option to select "other" container. A staff will come to assist you with putting in the correct tare weight. For the pizza, there's no weight involved so simply just type in the quantity! Easy! Now it's time to eat!
Although I wouldn't really call Whole Food's salad / hot bar cheap, you can good healthy food that's not too expensive if you're smart in what you grab. (Like, skip out on those mashed potatoes) For the 2 of us, we spent 20 USD so that rounds out to 10 dollars each, which is pretty much how much you're paying for a combo meal at McDonalds. Here you get it with more veggies and without the packaging! (Also, plenty of vegetarian / vegan options!)
Happy eating!
