When the sun shines in the UK, it’s hard to deny a takeaway. In the midst of a rare yet typically overwhelming heatwave, it can be hard enough to find the energy to move, let alone think about preparing a meal for your family.
When trekking to the shops in the smouldering heat is out of the question, the great British takeaway is here to save the day. So what are the most eco-friendly options to tantalise your taste buds in the heat? We’re here to help you choose the most sustainable takeaways for summer.
WHAT MAKES A TAKEAWAY SUSTAINABLE?
To ensure you’re making a sustainable choice, think about these aspects of your takeaway food and drink options:
THE SOURCE OF THE INGREDIENTS
Importing exotic foods comes with an environmental cost. If your food has travelled a long way to get to you, it will have amassed some serious air miles. Airfreight is notoriously bad for the planet since so much fuel is burned, so be mindful of the ingredient’s origin when selecting your next takeaway.
HOW THE FOOD WAS PROCESSED
Meat typically takes a lot more energy to process than plant-based dishes. If there’s a vegan or vegetarian option available, you’ll be playing your part in protecting the environment by making a selection that avoids meat, but be mindful of vegan foods that aren’t eco-friendly. This might put you in a bit of a pickle.
THE PACKAGING
What is your takeaway packaging made of? Is it recyclable? Will it degrade naturally in a short space of time? These are things to look out for when scoping out your next takeaway meal. Synthetic materials like plastic and polystyrene are harmful to the planet, so opt for takeaways that offer natural packaging alternatives like paper, cardboard, Kraft and even plant-based bioplastic.
When all of these elements combine, you’ve got a super sustainable takeaway! Of course, that’s a big ask, especially if your options are limited. In this instance, it’s simply a matter of making the best eco-friendly choices that will do the least harm possible to the planet and your long-term health. So what are good options for sustainable takeaways?
THE BEST ECO-FRIENDLY TAKEAWAYS FOR SUMMER
Whether you’re after a sumptuous snack to keep you going or something more substantial, there are plenty of culinary delights to keep you refreshed and revitalised. If you’re looking for some sustainable takeaway inspiration this summer, why not try the following?
VEGAN ICE CREAM
If you’re after a cold treat to keep you going, nothing beats an ice cream, but most are made with dairy ingredients. Dairy farming takes a significant toll on the environment, ruling out most popular ice cream brands as eco-friendly. Fortunately, there are now plenty of vegan ice cream options to keep you cool on a hot day. Why not enjoy a scoop of plant-based ice cream this summer? It certainly doesn’t compromise on flavour, and it won’t leave you feeling guilty afterwards.
SUSTAINABLE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
You might not think that wetting your whistle this summer has anything to do with the environment, but it’s worth taking note of eco-friendly alcohol brands that take sustainability seriously. Some feature recycled and recyclable packaging, while others go further to ensure that their processes don’t use more energy than necessary. Some even use 100% green energy in their manufacturing processes, a rare feat in the alcoholic drinks industry.
FAIR TRADE HOT DRINKS
Does a hot drink on a warm day cool you down? The jury’s out on this one, but if you’re opting for a tea or a coffee this summer, make sure it’s a fair trade product. The UK imports hundreds of millions of pounds worth of coffee and tea, but not all of it is Fair Trade Certified, something that protects farmers in developing countries and ensures they’re being paid properly for the work they do. Oh, and if you take milk, make sure it’s plant-based.
VEGAN BARBEQUE ALTERNATIVES
If you’re brave enough to break out the barbeque and stave off the inevitable summer showers for a few hours longer — or you’re heading to a street food festival — there are some incredibly tasty vegan barbeque alternatives to various meats. They’re a lot better for the planet (and they’re likely better for you too), based on the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by cattle farming.
SEASONAL PRODUCE
Seasonal fruits like British-grown strawberries make a much more sustainable choice than imported produce like bananas or blueberries. These fruits travel thousands of miles to get to you, and if they’re forcibly grown out of season, they’re not likely to be as tasty or nutritious either. It’s a lose-lose situation for you and the planet, so opt for locally grown and harvested produce where you can.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Whatever food and drinks you’re into, you can have a much more sustainable summer by keeping your eye out for eco-friendly indicators like home-grown foods, naturally biodegradable packaging and plant-based dishes that avoid meat and dairy products. Don’t let the heat get to you — keep a cool head and start making more sustainable selections while the summer lasts!
