Lately my friends and I have been experimenting with bringing containers and utensils of our own to carry away our food in. This ideally would lead to a reduction in the number of disposable containers and utensils used in our society. At the very least we ourselves can feel a bit better about how we have chosen to conduct ourselves. 

Whether or not such actions would have a major impact if adopted by many people is a question for a different day or post. What I am currently facing is a systematic problem stopping us from adopting this system as consumers. Today I tried to get a sundae / parfait at an ice cream vendor with a small metal bowl I had brought. It was made clear that the act of making the dessert would not be a problem. The server was in fact about to begin making it when a manager noticed and said that they couldn't legally do it. They had to use their own disposable things, citing legal health guidelines.

I was (and am) bothered by this, so one of my projects in the near future will be to read the health guidelines for my region. (Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region) I am very curious where the problem is. I wouldn't be surprised if the general health guidelines can be cheaply interpreted by just using throwaway containers, because each new one is 'clean'. A reusable container would require washing or different handling. These actions would likely require someone to do them. This would be regarded as an extra expense, likely above and beyond the cost of buying throwaway containers. 

This is all just supposition of course, I haven't yet checked the facts for my region. I do know however that certain businesses specifically allow people to carry away food in their own containers. Some businesses even advertise this fact, so it isn't just enthusiastic employees breaking the rules. Finding my way to the bottom of this may take some time and effort. Anyone else interested in working with me on it can either contact me directly on the site, or simply reply in this forum.