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Bring Your Own: Workplace Essentials

Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA

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By Collin Dunn
Corvallis, OR, USA | Sun Mar 23 17:21:00 EDT 2008

Unless your commute just requires going across the hall to the home office, going to work every day requires a commute (by bike, if you can). Because you'll be gone from home for at least eight hours, you're likely to have at least one meal (and maybe a coffee break or two) while you're out and about. This doesn't mean an endless parade of disposable take-out trays and paper coffee cups, however. Here are some workplace essentials we recommend you take with you:

1. Take your morning coffee to go: If your morning routine involves a brewing up a cup of joe, take it with you in a reusable travel mug. We prefer stainless to plastic for its longevity, thermal properties (it'll keep your cuppa hot longer), and the fact that it won't leach nasty chemicals like plastic can. The same goes if you prefer to procure your coffee from your local barista (just make it shade grown); instead of getting a paper cup when you stop, bring your own mug, and many places will give you a discount for doing so.2. Keep drinking containers at the office: Leaving a mug at work can help you enjoy another coffee or an afternoon tea, without using a paper or other disposable cup, and you can even get one with your name on it, if you like, so you can easily identify which one belongs to you. This goes for drinking water, as well; stash a glass or other reusable container so you aren't tempted by bottled water when your throat gets dry.

3. Pack your own lunch: It's healthier, since you know-and can control-exactly what you're eating, it's cheaper (since you already paid for the food), and you can have yummier options than another burger from that place down the street, like homemade pad thai. Toss in a reusable napkin and an apple, and you're good to go. If leftovers aren't your thing, a PB&J isn't a bad way to go, either.

4. Take along containers for take-out: When lunchtime rolls around (and you haven't packed your own), it's great to have your own Tupperware or other washable, reusable containers for take-out or leftovers. Don't forget a plate (for easy reheating later) and some real flatware, so you don't have to partake of the disposable plastic your favorite take-out place always piles on you. Bringing your own bag isn't a bad idea either, so you can get your take-out back to the office sans plastic bag.

At the end of the day, take a minute to wash everything, and you're all set to go with another day of disposable-free working.

Difficulty level: Easy

 
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