4. Use a travel mug (and fork and spoon)
Many consider a steady supply of coffee a necessity for extended road trips, and take out food is convenient and inexpensive. However, the waste produced from meals and snacks on the road quickly adds up. Take along a travel mug for coffee and reusable plastic sports bottles for other beverages and water. Skips the straws if you can. Inexpensive plastic containers from your grocery store can hold snacks from home such as fruits, vegetable sticks and trail mix (another money saver).
You might also want to pack an inexpensive set of cutlery to use for takeout food rather than opting for plastic utensils (which are often wrapped in plastic as well). Also, you can request silverware and dish soap at your hotel if it isn’t already provided.
Need to know what items belong to which family member? Try permanent marker or nail polish to label items such as water bottles and utensils.