Lisa Borden, Owner of Borden Communications + Founder of the TakeOut WithOut Campaign knew action could be taken to make a big difference. She and her team were committed to creating an outlet to educate others and share information, volunteering their full scope of services to branding and driving this non-profit campaign.
Below is an interview with Lisa.
How did TakeOut WithOut get started?
There are so many issues that I would like to focus on (and solve!) in my life and in my work, and when I noticed how many of us spend more time eating and drinking from restaurants instead of in our own kitchens, it inspired me to create the TakeOut WithOut Campaign. Restaurant waste is such a broad issue, and I feel like I am able engage a large demographic to think about their consumption and their overconsumption.
Tell us about your campaign and why people should join?
The TakeOut WithOut Campaign is all about raising awareness about the outrageous amount of unnecessary waste we create every day, and I believe that together our actions can be infectious and make a huge difference. We can’t aim for perfection, but we can aim for improvement by saying NO to unnecessary packaging, and even toting our own reusables. When you TakeOut WithOut, you enjoy your food, save your money, improve your health, and help our planet.
Tell us about the values of TakeOut WithOut and why you choose to recycle?
When you throw something away, where do you think away is? There is no away. It only takes approximately 20 seconds to put our food into “convenient” take out containers, but this packaging is actually extremely inconvenient as it can remain in our landfills forever causing continued damage to us and our world. We’re encouraging restaurants, and those who frequent them, to use reusable solutions whenever possible, and cut back to only what is necessary. TakeOut WithOut exists to help us to fill our stomachs, but not our landfills.
What is the importance of recycling?
Our campaign tries to focus on preventing unnecessary waste from even entering the cycle. In our opinion, refusing, retaking, and reconsidering are the more important “R”s. Recycling simply does not justify using or buying single-use disposables. But with that being said, anything is better than sending waste to the landfill.
Do you personally recycle? Why?
Absolutely. But I always try to refuse first, and then reuse before opting for the blue box.
In what ways can recycling be good for our future?
If you want your children, and your children’s children to get to experience the great outdoors the way you remember it, some changes need to be made. If you’ve ever been grossed out by trash on the sides of the road, or from the images of the plastic mass in our oceans, you know that this waste is growing exponentially, and if you’re not part of the solution, then you’re unfortunately part of the problem. Get connected to your actions and keep reading below to find out what we can do to make a positive difference.
What we can do:
ReFuse Unnecessary Stuff
When taking out, refuse the unnecessary packaging! Think about the spoons, forks, straws, and napkins that you get served (why do they give you enough for a family of 20 when eating alone?). Ask yourself before accepting all these items, “Do I really need all of this?”, “Am I going to be eating this right away?” (If so, why take the bag or the napkins)… just enjoy your muffin – and be neat so the napkin isn’t needed!
ReTake Your Own Reusables
Bring your own reusables (BYOR) and you won’t need to use the can – garbage, that is. You can bring your own containers, straws, cutlery, mugs, bottles, and even your own bag – It’s so easy to find and use!
ReConsider Your Habits
It’s easy to fall into a routine, so why not choose to create a new one? Reconsider and readjust your habits and adopt healthier eating strategies – it might be challenging at first – but it will save you time, money, your health, and our world. The bonus? You’ll feel like an eco-hero and will inspire others around you to follow suit.
What restaurants can do:
1. Join TakeOut WithOut.
2. Use reusables instead of disposables for everything possible.
3. Use compostable, safe options for required disposables.
4. Reduce the amount of packaging to what is only absolutely necessary.
5. Sell smart & safe solutions such as bottles, containers, straws, bags etc.
6. Incent customers to bring/use reusables by offering a discount or something for free.
7. Recycle and compost on site.
8. Donate surplus food to a community meal service or directly to those in need.
9. Applaud yourself! Change comes from without.
10. Share this list with others and encourage them to be TOWO champions.
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