Whenever I participate in local beach clean ups, the most common pieces of trash I find are Styrofoam bits from take out containers and cups.  We’ve already advocated the use of To-go Ware’s stainless steel containers and bamboo utensils for when you have no choice but to take out.  But today we’re asking you to be even more extreme and just say “No Take Out” and eat at home instead.

To help you do it, we’re sharing No Take Out, a new website where you can organize your culinary habits and “Make Mealtime Manageable.”  The mission is simple: “To help busy people deal with the challenges of modern life and rediscover the simple pleasures of family, friends and a home cooked meal…All menus are comprised of a variety of fresh seasonal foods, creatively combined to give you healthy meals in a reasonable amount of time.”

The website shares free recipes for delicious meals using seasonal ingredients and don’t take too long to prepare.  It offers some vegetarian options as well (Wednesday’s menu was Penne Radicchio Goat Cheese Pasta).

The website break’s down the meal prep is simple and clear.  You have a shopping list (for things you might need to pick up), a pantry list (things you probably already have), cooking tools, serving size, prep/cook times and even wine pairings.

My favorite part however is the Game Plan, which consists of directions for when you first walk in the door (i.e. preheat the oven, get out your tools, boil the water), prep and, of course, actually cooking.

Having a strategy laid out before you makes cooking at home simple and a lot  more desirable than what’s in a Styrofoam container.  It will also allow you to save some money and enjoy time at home with friends and family.

Here’s to eating seasonally and as take out free as can be in 2010.

www.notakeout.com

Tags: Cooking at Home, Home cooking, No Take Out, Seasonal menus, seasonal recipes, Simple Living, To-Go-Ware, waste free living