How To Have a Low-Waste Picnic

Published

on

31st May 2024

The warmer months of spring and summer provide great outdoor moments, and what’s better than a nice picnic surrounded by nature?

But while it’s lovely to enjoy the sun and delicious food, it’s vital to be mindful of our impact on the environment and our footprint. With that in mind, we have selected some tips for you to enjoy a super easy and fun low-waste picnic.

Plan Your Green Menu

When deciding what treats will be on your picnic menu, opt for simple, fresh foods that require minimal packaging or can be packaged at home with reusable containers. Some delicious ideas:

Sandwiches and wraps are easy finger foods made with organic, locally sourced ingredients and easily stored in reusable containers or wraps.
Homemade salads can be a great addition to your picnic. They quickly add freshness to your picnic, can be stored in mason jars or containers, and can be eaten with the reusable plates and cutlery you take from home.
Finger foods such as vegetable sticks can be great to eat with homemade hummus, guacamole, or another dip you prefer. Cut and store them in a reusable container, separately from the dip, and have a delicious and crunchy snack.

Tip! By purchasing your food in bulk or with less packaging and preparing it at home, you can avoid single-use packaging and extra plastic more easily. Making the right amount of food for the number of people present is also very important to prevent food waste.

Opt for Reusable Containers and Utensils

Ditch plastic and disposable plates, cups, and cutlery, and take reusable items with you.

Glass, stainless steel, or plastic containers are great for food storage.
Reusable beeswax wraps, and reusable sandwich wraps are great for wrapping sandwiches and snacks.
Stainless steel and bamboo utensils are a great addition to your reusable must-have picnic items. Don’t worry about purchasing new cutlery. Grab your everyday forks and knives from your kitchen, and you’re good to go!
Reusable water bottles, cups, and thermos are great for taking your favourite beverages. If you purchase your favourite drinks, opt for those packaged in recyclable containers. Remember to ditch the plastic straws and opt for reusable stainless steel ones or cups to enjoy your drinks.
Fabric napkins are a great sustainable replacement for paper napkins. When you get home, throw them in the washing machine with other items, and you’ll have a zero-waste, clean picnic.

Choose Eco-Friendly Picnic Must-Haves

If you’re looking for new picnic gear, look for sustainable options.

Beach towels and old blankets make excellent picnic blankets
Take a cooler or insulted bag made with eco-friendly fabrics and materials.

Remember! Your house should always be your first store. Many items we own can be used for different occasions and purposes, so let your creativity flow and reuse all that’s possible. If using items you own isn’t possible, it’s always essential to research the company before purchasing new items.

Clean Up and Leave No Trace

Inevitably, there will be some waste resulting from your delicious picnic. It is vital to clean up all the mess and waste we create and leave the picnic spot as spotless as we found it, if not better!

Bring small (perhaps reusable) trash bags. Separate your compostable waste, such as fruit and vegetables, from your recyclables.
Bring extra reusable containers or wraps to store any leftover food you might need.
Remember to respect your environment and only set your picnic spot in approved areas.

Remember! Respect wildlife and any signs that say not to feed the local animals. It is essential not to leave any food scraps or trash. Let’s have fun and protect nature.

Choose Low Emissions Sustainable Transportation

When planning your picnic, opt for sustainable methods of transportation. Walk, bike, or use public transportation, or if driving is necessary, carpool with your friends or family to reduce your carbon footprint.

Plan Fun Green Activities!

Enjoy the outdoors by having fun in nature with some fun activities. Check out our blog post about 4 Activities You Can Do To Enjoy the Outdoors This Spring & Summer.

Picnics are a great way to have fun and connect with nature. With some planning and creativity, we can be mindful of our environmental impact while enjoying delicious food and great company.