Green Living

It’s hard to avoid getting taking out. Between 12-hour workdays, family, friends and other obligations, I’m amazed by anyone who has the time to cook. Our “to go” lifestyles come with a consequence: excessive amounts of waste.

In my last job alone I witnessed excessive amounts of waste created by 150 people (including myself) using plastic plates and utensils for breakfast, lunch, and often times dinner. Imagine what would happen if those 150 people didn’t have to use all of these plastic and paper products. How much waste could be avoided? This doesn’t have to be imagined, it can actually be realized. Meet To-Go-Ware, your solution to excessive “to go” waste.

To-Go-Ware is a conscious company who creates products that are perfect for taking your meals “to go”. You can use their stainless steel containers to take your leftovers for lunch, or to your favorite restaurant when ordering take out. Their bamboo utensil set is a much better option for cutting meat compared with a plastic knife. By being stylish, practical, and environmental, these products make it really convenient and easy to do the right thing. You instantly shift from being part of the problem, to being part of the solution.

The company also gets points for their collaboration with two groups that are creating change and opportunities for people in India and South East Asia. Their work with Conserve, an NGO in east Delhi India has helped create 300 jobs for the poorest men and women of theses urban slums. They have also partnered with Weave, a fair trade, education and empowerment group that creates work opportunities for displaced women and children from Burma.

These products will be featured at the Eco Gift Festival at the Santa Monica Civic Center this weekend. As far as this ydt contributor is concerned, these products make thoughtful gifts, not only because of the practicality, but also because of the social value the present as well.

To learn more about them stop by the festival or visit their site www.to-goware.com
Eco Gift Festival: Santa Monica Civic Center, 1855 Main St. Santa Monica, CA 90401

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We are proud to announce that ydt is officially media sponsoring the 2008 Eco Gift Festival taking place this weekend. We will be devoting a majority of this week’s posts to different companies and groups that will be at the Festival. We will also be there on Friday interviewing some of the vendors, so please check back for a video soon!

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Tags: bamboo products, eco gift festival, Fair Trade, green utensils, non profit organizations, To-Go-Ware