I heart Panera, but could you be a little greener, please?

I love Panera! Even though they're about to break my heart by rotating the Fuji Apple Chicken Salad off the menu, I will still love them. I'm fortunate to have one within walking distance of the office, and on an average week I'm there for lunch 3-4 times. I typically take my lunch to go, unless I can talk Rob or someone else into dining with me. And while I love my lunch, I hate the waste. The big paper bag, the clam shell, the plastic utensils - it ends up in a landfill. Sad robin.

On May 2 I filled out their online form:

Three to five times a week I enjoy a Panera salad for lunch. I typically do take out, and feel bad about all the waste (paper bags, clam shells, etc.). Would it be possible to give the staff a canvas bag for them to put my lunch in, rather than the paper? Thanks!

To my surprise, Isabella in customer support wrote back!

Thank you for taking the time to contact Panera Bread. Currently, we do not have any plans to purchase canvas bags. However, we try very hard to deliver what customers want and to address their concerns as best we can. I have noted your comments and suggestions to our Purchasing Department for review and consideration of your request.

Thanks again for contacting us. We appreciate your business and value your comments.

So, given their setup, not a big surprise. It would be a little difficult to introduce customer canvas bags into the process (especially considering that the bread is hanging out loose in there - the canvas has to be clean!). But, they could take a look at the rest of the waste. Ask me if I want plastic utensils and napkins. And, even more important, take a look at the clamshells. The current ones aren't recyclable in my area (they're a type 6). I am willing to pay more for carry out if it means it comes in a container I can recycle. Or, even better, a container that can be composted! (Thanks for the link, Andy!)