Is it OK to take a doggie bag?
I often go out for meals with friends. I find the portions too large, so I ask for a container to take some home. I have no problem doing this when I’m paying for my own meal. But, is it ethically OK when someone else is treating me and covering the bill? It’s one thing to pay for my lunch when we’re together, but now they’re also buying lunch the next day! Also, what if a volunteer organization is covering the cost of a banquet that is a thank-you event? What about a wedding?
Canadians are highly irresponsible about the amount of food we waste. Putting a precise number on wastage is difficult, but various sources agree it’s close to 50 per cent of the food we produce. This, in a country where food banks continue to grow and too many kids rely on school breakfast programs. Only a small amount, perhaps 10 per cent, of this wastage can be attributed to the restaurant industry.
But that’s still an enormous amount of good food in the garbage.
Most restaurants serve portions that are far too large for the average person.
What’s worse, ironically, is that the poorer the quality of food served, the more likely it is to be ladled out in humungous portions. Cheap eateries seem to believe that quantity is a substitute for quality; if you feed the masses enough crap, they’ll stop noticing it’s vile when their arteries shut down or they succumb to hyperglycemia.
There are several ways, as ethical diners, to combat this. Ask for half portions, or share an entrée with a spouse or friend. Good restaurants will divide an entrée on to two plates, sometimes for a nominal charge. There’s no reason to feel apologetic about sharing; it’s not a reflection of your gastro-inadequacy, but rather a response to the portions offered (Italian restaurants usually serve helpings of lasagna sufficient to feed Sicily).
Another option is the seniors’ menu. Many restaurants are smartening up; they’ve learned that the mere fact you’re over 65 (or 55, or 12) doesn’t imply you’ll only eat hot turkey sandwiches drowning in gravy. Smart restaurants offer much of their normal fare in smaller portions, and they won’t demand ID to be sure you’re ancient.
And yes, if you order what you’re craving and the serving is too large, take the rest home. There are times, when travelling for example, that this might not work, but normally if there’s a significant portion left and it’s not all broccoli, take it home and eat it. Who paid for the meal is completely irrelevant. Once purchased, it’s yours and ethically it’s up to you to finish it. We need a change in attitude here: doggie-bags are not a sign of gluttony, but rather of responsibility.
Finally, a note about buffets — and it’s simple, really. Don’t be a pig! Buffets offer variety, usually at the expense of quality. But even fish don’t swallow every piece of bait they see; just because the Mandarin lays out 5,000 crab legs doesn’t mean they’re all for you. Take a reasonable serving and finish what you take. It is not OK to take more than you need, sending leftovers back to the kitchen garbage or sneaking them home for tomorrow’s lunch. Send your questions to star.ethics@yahoo.ca.