Mrs. Money: Eco-Friendly Dining Out

One of my guilty pleasures is dining out.  There's something about not having to cook, clean, and serve a meal that makes me giddy.  Unfortunately, a lot of the time eating out can have not so friendly eco consequences.  There are ways that you can "green" your dining out or take out experience.  Here are some of the things my family does to save money and the environment.

• Share a meal.  Often times the portions are much more than one person should be eating anyway.  Choose a dish that you can split with your dining partner, or divide it in half and know you're taking the other half home to eat later.  You'll save money and calories!


• Drink water.  Not only is it much healthier for you, but you save money as well.  I know that drinks in restaurants are now running around $2.29 where I live.  Water is free, and it doesn't have to be transported or created like sodas, reducing your carbon footprint.


• Bring your own carry-out containers.  I keep a reusable container in the car for leftovers from restaurants.  I find that it's much easier than trying to remember it every time!


• Decline the plastic kids' cups and request regular cups instead (if your child can drink from one).  My husband is a chef, and I've seen first hand the number of plastic kids' cups that get thrown away.  It makes me sick!


• Think about where you're eating out.  Some restaurants, like Moe's Southwest Grill, use grass-fed beef and other wholesome ingredients.  I try to support local restaurants and establishments that follow my belief system. 

How do you go green while dining out?

Mrs. Money writes at the Ultimate Money Blog, where she shares tips on frugal living, how to live green, and living a simpler life.