How to Have a Zero Waste Picnic

A picnic is a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with family. But if you’ve felt guilty collecting a giant bag of trash at the end, you’re likely not the only one. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce waste and still enjoy the picnic. Here’s how.

Skip the plastic cutlery
Plastic forks and knives just aren’t as effective as the reusable ones. Rather than bringing cutlery you use at home for meals, purchase a set of flatware created for outdoor use. This is an opportunity to get creative with style without adding waste to your picnic.

Use a fabric tablecloth
If you’ll be sitting at a table, purchase a reusable tablecloth. You could even use a thin blanket. But avoid the disposable plastic tablecloths that tear easily and don’t last very long.

Bring outdoor dinnerware
Take your picnic to the next level by ditching plastic plates and using real plates, instead. Depending on the theme of your picnic, you could use mismatched plates purchased at a garage sale for extra flair. Or, head to the nearest thrift store for a set of outdoor dinnerware.

Pack produce in reusable containers
When packing your veggies and fruits, place them in reusable containers that could double as serving dishes. This will save time and reduce the amount of things you need to bring with you to the picnic.

Skip bottled drinks
Instead of purchasing lemonade or juice at the grocery store, make your own! Bring a pitcher of purified water and throw in some citrus and mint for a hint of flavor.

Swap plastic for cans
If you’re craving a soda or beer, choose aluminum cans instead of plastic. Cans are more sustainable and less toxic to the environment.

Stick to handheld foods
You won’t need cutlery or serving utensils if you stick to handheld foods like hotdogs, burgers, and wraps. You could also serve bite-sized appetizers that don’t require a fork or knife to enjoy.

Shop local
Last but not least, support local farmers by purchasing fruits and vegetables from a nearby farmer’s market.

Picnic People is here to make your picnic experience fun and enjoyable. If you’d like to skip the planning and food preparation, give us a call and we’ll take care of it for you!