We support "bring your own to-go box"

My name is Natalie Hanke and I am working towards my Bachelor of Science in Environmental Practice with Royal Roads. This program has encouraged me to support and find new ways to transition our economy into one where economic growth does not equal environmental degradation. Recently, I started a campaign to bring awareness to the idea of bringing your own "to-go" box to restaurants—rather than expecting restaurants to provide them for you.

I am writing to you to request a favor. Operation BRING YOUR OWN TO-GO BOX is officially live. Like many of you, I am very passionate about changing "traditional" mindsets, into those that better reflect sustainable initiatives. I have worked in the hospitality industry most of my working life to pay my way through school and for supplemental income. 3 weeks ago, I had an epiphany: PEOPLE NEED TO START BRINGING THEIR OWN TO-GO CONTAINERS TO RESTAURANTS ON A MASS SCALE. No one thought people would start bringing cloth bags to grocery stores, this is changing. No one thought people would bring their own mug to Starbucks, this is changing. Many people feel entitled to a "box" provided by a restaurant to take leftover food home in when they dine out.

Last week, I traveled to Edmonton to hit up my hometown and start the initiative "WE SUPPORT BRING YOUR OWN TO-GO BOX". I went to numerous restaurants to speak with owners, managers, and the general public; about why people should bring "Tupperware" that has already been produced when they eat out. Restaurants SAVE money. Many "to-go" containers are not recyclable, and even biodegradable containers cost energy to produce and have associated shipping emissions. I created a simple sticker that is posted below. I asked restaurants that agree with my idea, to post the sticker on their door, or somewhere viewable to customers. I asked everyone I spoke with to please post the idea to their social media (they took photos of the sticker) and also spread the word via mouth on why they support the idea and think it is important. I was blown away by the support I received. Many independent restaurants put the sticker up immediately, and chains sent the idea to their social media co-coordinators. At the end of my day, I ran into Edmonton CityNews shooting live on location. I pitched them my idea, and we are in the works of setting up an interview to spread the initiative further (can't believe my luck!). 

I am asking for your support in spreading the word. This is a simple thing the consumer can do to lessen their footprint and stop the unnecessary use of "to-go boxes". Keep a container in your car/bag etc. and use it if you anticipate not being able to finish your portions. Can you please post this on your social media (or wherever it will gain momentum), and speak about it to your friends, families, and neighbors? Take a photo of the simple message below, make a blurb explaining why YOU support the initiative and help make a difference. Let’s stop the use of "to-go" boxes in Canada (in the world). It has to start somewhere.

Click here to watch the national news coverage from CityNews Edmonton which aired October 12, 2019.

Thank-you for your help!