When you think about summer winding down, there is no better way to celebrate than an outdoor picnic. Whether you’re headed to your favorite spot by the lake or want to have a picnic in your local park, you can enjoy the outdoors with your favorite restaurant's spread, bond with family and friends, and maybe partake in some fun people watching.
Al fresco dining can have its obvious benefits — fresh air, a chance to feel free in the outdoors and play games with the family. However, there is a possibility that picnicking can have an adverse impact on Mother Nature. Here is the good news — there are several ways to enjoy picnic time and also show your respect to the earth.
Here are six tips to have a picnic that is not only fun, but sustainable too.
Use reusable utensils.
You’ve likely seen the images of waste swamps sitting in our oceans. This isn’t surprising, considering that 79 percent of plastic waste ends up in landfills, in our natural environment and in dumps. You can do your part in being a solution to this problem. The next time you decide to picnic, make certain you use reusable utensils. The best way to cultivate a sustainable mindset is to have options readily available so you don’t forget or have to think about what to pack.
Choose to pack unprocessed foods.
You might be tempted to grab processed foods — chips, crackers or pre-boxed meals, to throw into your picnic basket. Most of these foods come in plastic or in boxes that are unrecycled and dumped in a landfill. For families, especially those with kids, a healthier option is to buy natural foods, like berries, oranges or bananas that you can store in reusable containers.
Bring your own linens.
You might think it’s more convenient to purchase a disposable tablecloth from the grocery store to lay down on the ground. Ditch this old-school way of picnicking and add your own flair by bringing linens from home. Just because it’s an outdoor picnic doesn’t mean you have to skimp on ambiance. You can bring your own wine tote and coordinating tablecloth and napkins to create your own personalized picnic space.
An eco-friendly picnic spread featuring outdoor dining essentials.
Scout out a location that is local and nearby.
Instead of finding a location where you have to jump in the car, make it a complete outdoor experience by biking to your picnic spot. Don’t worry about not having enough room to pack all your goodies. You can use a fun picnic basket from Baba Tree. Reducing your carbon footprint can be an enjoyable way for your entire family to bond while educating your children on why you’re choosing an alternate form of transportation.
Plan ahead for clean-up.
The last thing you want to do after your leisurely picnic is to forget about clean-up. Make certain you pick up any trash and put it in your biodegradable trash bag. Most picnic sites also have separate bins for recyclables, compost and the landfill. It’s also a valuable lesson for kids to learn responsible clean-up. You can have a positive impact on your family and community while working together for a common goal.
