Ideal Bite

Need to fuel your stomach, but don't have time for a long pit stop?

06.11.2008

Submitted by tmeronek on Wed, 06/11/2008 - 12:27am.

The Bite:

Make it fast, and keep on truckin'. When you're on the road, fast-food restaurants aren't usually the greenest or healthiest option - but no matter where you stop, you can make your meal a little bit better for you and the planet.

The Benefits:

A tidier big rig. Take just what you need; how many of the 11 billion Heinz ketchup packets sold annually are just collecting dust in your glove box?
Three honks for less gas use. American drivers use more than 2 billion gallons of fuel each year while idling (in drive-throughs and otherwise) - and idling creates twice the emissions of a car in motion.
Truck-stopping global warming. Some major fast-food chains are switching to wind power for their energy, use only sustainable wood for stores, and incorporate organic ingredients.

Personally Speaking:

At LAX on business, a starving Heather caved and went to McDonald's for fries (sans big bag and ketchup) for the first time in at least five years...and she has to admit they were better than she remembered.

Wanna Try:

Go inside. Your legs will get a stretch, and you'll use less fuel than driving-through. It's often faster too.
Order "for here," even if you're taking out to avoid the bag and excess napkins.
Grab just what you need. How much mustard do you want on your burger, anyway?

Au Bon Pain, Chipotle, and Starbucks - better options when you're on the go, featuring some local and/or organic ingredients, recycled paper products, and more.