Following on from yesterday I’m keeping to a bit of a theme. The reusable takeaway. We all like a good takeaway, for my husband it is a doner kebab with lots of chilli, the girls and I worship at the door of our wonderful Indian takeaway Jalsa in Ushaw Moor (their Chicken Makatoni is to die for). BUT and there is a big but, all those plastic/styroform boxes are the pits. At least our lovely Jalsa uses tin foil boxes so they can be recycled but still, we can do better.
I don’t drink coffee much, and when I do I like plain black from a cafetiere so all the fancy coffee shops are lost on me. On the other hand I do like tea, I like tea a lot, I like lots of different types of tea. I’m not a great one for buying a tea on the go, but there are times when I am out and about or waiting for a train when the only thing that I really want is a good strong cup of black tea. But I don’t want a non-recyclable cardboard cup from Starbucks. And they aren’t easily recyclable see here . Those plastic coffee pods are bad, but those cardboard cups are just as nasty.
Did you know that almost every coffee shop / tea room will let you take your takeaway in your own mug/thermos so long as it has a secure lid? This is what I take my tea away in.
Joco glass mug with silicone lid. It also comes in a lovely sturdy cardboard tub that I now use to store my Earl Grey!
You met my water bottle yesterday. I fill it up with tap water if we stop at a cafe or restaurant. Most cold drinks come in their own bottles, but not all. Plenty of smoothies, juices and cold coffees are made to order and are served in plastic cups. I use my joco mug or water bottle.
Finally food. We have these brilliant stainless steel lunchboxes which come from the same company as the water bottle. I’ve not yet tried them at my Jalsa (will update you when I do). However, I have taken sandwiches, paninis, salads, pies and even a doner kebab away in it.
Don’t be afraid to ask, the worst thing they can say is no. I have yet to find a health and safety (the usual excuse) reason why I cannot use my own container so even if you do get a no, ask why!
Love Gillie x
one pair of shoes at a time 
The worst they can say is no–that is spot on! Why not ask and see?! They may find the request a bit odd, but they don’t really care so long as you’re spending your money with them. We don’t eat out much, but when we do we visit this fantastic little Thai place. I always bring a couple small containers for taking leftovers home in. They never mind and then I don’t have to have Styrofoam to dispose of. I can’t believe people still use stuff like Styrofoam….
I’ve yet to be refused. I’ve had some funny looks but only because I suspect I am the first person to say I don’t want your packing. Ten years ago I was odd because I brought my own bags at the shop!