Having a picnic is always fun to spend time with family and friends. But if you want to have an eco-friendly picnic, you can do a few things. Read on for tips on how to have an environmentally friendly picnic!
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1. Have the Picnic in a Nearby Location
Going on a picnic is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get fresh air. If you’re looking to be eco-friendly, a straightforward way is to choose a local location for your picnic.
This reduces transportation emissions and supports your local community. Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy the scenery wherever you live.
If you don’t have much time, you can even picnic in your backyard. So next time you’re planning a picnic, think about going local!
2. Clean Up the Area After the Picnic Event
One way to have an eco-friendly picnic is to clean up the area after the event. This includes picking up litter, such as food wrappers or plastic straws. Disposing trash properly in a recycling bin or garbage can is also essential.
Food waste can be composted. By taking these simple steps, you can help keep the picnic area clean and natural and protect the environment.
3. Avoid Packages and Take Away
When planning a picnic, defaulting to paper plates and plastic utensils is easy. After all, they’re lightweight and easy to clean up. However, these disposable items are terrible for the environment.
Every year, millions of pounds of plastic end up in landfills, where it can take centuries to break down. Paper products are often made from clear-cut trees, further damaging delicate ecosystems.
If you want an eco-friendly picnic, avoid disposable plates and utensils. Instead, pack reusable items like metal forks and glass jars.
You’ll save money in the long run and feel good knowing you’re doing your part to protect the planet.
4. Only Carry What You Need
Picnics are an excellent way to enjoy the fresh air and spend time with loved ones. However, they can also generate a lot of waste. One way to reduce your environmental impact is to carry what you need.
This means bringing only the essentials, such as food, drink, plates, and utensils. If possible, try to avoid disposable items altogether. Instead, choose washable, reusable items.
By carrying only what you need, you can help reduce the amount of waste produced by picnics and do your part to protect the environment.
5. Get the Picnic Utilities From Your Home Instead of Buying New
One way to make your picnic more eco-friendly is to reuse items you already have around the house instead of buying new ones. For example, use plates from your cupboard instead of buying paper plates.
If you don’t have extra plates, use a blanket or scarf as a makeshift picnic tablecloth. Utensils can also be reused—plastic or metal silverware from your home will work just fine.
If you’re worried about food freshness, consider packing everything in reusable containers instead of plastic wrap or aluminium foil. This will save you money and reduce waste!
So next time you plan a picnic, think about ways to reduce your environmental impact.
6. Avoid Disposables
When planning your next picnic, consider ways to reduce your impact on the environment. One easy way to do this is to avoid disposables. Instead, use reusable plates, cups, and utensils instead of paper or plastic. You can also pack food in reusable containers.
If you do need to use disposables, look for products made from recycled materials. Another way to make your picnic more eco-friendly is to choose locally sourced food.
This supports farmers in your community and reduces the carbon emissions associated with transport.
You can also reduce waste by packing only the food you need and avoiding single-serve items. By following a few simple steps, you can enjoy a delicious and eco-friendly picnic.
7. Avoid breakables
One way to have an eco-friendly picnic is to avoid breakables. This means using reusable cups, plates, and utensils instead of disposable ones.
It also means bringing food that doesn’t need to be refrigerated or heated. Examples include fruits, vegetables, sandwiches, and salads.
Chips and pretzels are also good options. If you bring drinks, avoid sodas and juices in plastic bottles. Instead, pack water in a reusable water bottle or thermos. You can also get tea or coffee in a travel mug.
And don’t forget the sunscreen! Remembering these simple tips will help you have an eco-friendly picnic.
