Green Drive-Through Hacks
- Rachel Thompson
- May 12
- 2 min read
Fast food and drive-throughs are not only convenient, but let’s be honest, sometimes they’re necessary. I don’t have time between scout meetings and soccer practices to stop at home and prepare a fresh-cooked meal. Sometimes school pick-ups are followed by two different doctor visits. And sometimes, I’m tired and just crave a pick-me-up.
That said, I’ve been encouraged by some changes I’ve noticed recently in chains that I frequent.
Starbucks
Did you know you can bring your own cup to Starbucks, and they will fill it for you? I tried it the other day, and it was pretty simple—if you order at the window, just let the barista know you have your own cup (make sure it’s clean).
You can even choose this option if you’re ordering ahead. Once you’ve made your selection, scroll down to the “Customize” button beneath your drink order and check the box for “Personal Cup” in the cup options.
I also love that Starbucks defaults to not giving straws. That’s not to say you can’t ask for one if you’d like one, but if you don’t, that’s one less piece of trash being added to your community’s landfill.
Smoothie King
When I was pregnant last year, I needed calories, but I struggled to find things that sounded good. So I got kind of hooked on smoothies. And since becoming a frequent Smoothie King visitor, I noticed a cup change they made in the last year—from traditional Styrofoam (which I’ve learned is made from plastic, non-recyclable, and non-biodegradable*) to VioFoam.
According to the product’s website, VioFoam “biodegrades 92% over 4 years.” Their fine print reveals that this number resulted from tests run “under conditions that simulate both wetter and biologically active landfills.”
Considering how much Styrofoam is used on a weekly basis for drinks, restaurant leftovers, and carryout meals and considering that we have yet to see Styrofoam decompose since its invention in 1941, it’s encouraging that companies like WinCup are pursuing other options.
Last—and you can also read about this in my No-Straw Challenge post—Smoothie King has a no-straw option when you order ahead. Simply check the box beneath the “Choose Your Size” options.
That’s it for now! As I discover more places with green trends and changes, I will share them, and I hope you will share what you discover too. 💛
3 Quick Tips for the Car
1. Store reusable straws in your console (at least one per family member).
2. Store a clean cup in a not-often-used cupholder (try the back seat).
3. As soon as you use one of your designated car items, wash and return it. You’ll always be ready for your next order!
*You can read more about Styrofoam on many different sites, but here’s a collegiate blog post on its potential for harm within the environment: https://blogs.colgate.edu/sustainability/2011/11/10/styrofoam-why-it-is-harmful-alternatives/. You might also be interested in this list of how long different items take to biodegrade: https://www.richlandcenterwi.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/parks_amp_recreation/page/2534/howlonggarbagedecomposes.pdf. Here, Styrofoam is simply listed as “does not biodegrade."
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