This Summer, it’s time for us to lessen our impact on the environment.
One easy way to do that is to green your Summer outdoor picnics & parties.
For many of us, dining outdoors is one of the greatest pleasures of the summer season.
Unfortunately, all of those pretty, disposable plastic cups, paper plates, napkins
and utensils are terribly wasteful and harmful to the environment.
Now, I’m not trying to be a summer party pooper, but…
to make your outdoor festivities more environmentally-friendly, start by making a
commitment to reduce, reuse and recycle first, before buying new products
for your next event.
Not sure how to get started?
Try adopting some of these greener alternatives for your next outdoor event so you can
green your Summer outdoor picnics & parties.
 

Green Your Summer Outdoor Picnics and Parties with 16 Fun and Fabulous Ecofriendly Finds

Green your summer picnic with this Biodegradable Bamboo Picnic Set.
Photo source: Brookstone.com


 

Start with What You Already Have:

*Scour your home for canvas grocery bags, backpacks or even an old basket
with a handle, instead of shopping for a brand new picnic basket.
*An old sheet or blanket hidden in your linen closet could make a perfect picnic blanket.
*Why buy more plastic or paper cups, when you can simply reuse hard plastic dishware,
stainless steel utensils, reusable tumblers and cloth napkins, from your kitchen.

If You Do Have to Shop

*Look online for reusable products made from recycled, organic materials.
*Search for compostable products made from palm leaf or bamboo, since the environmental
benefits of composting are numerous.
I have found a wonderful selection of recycled, reuseable or compostable products at sites like
bambeco.comreuseit.com, gaiam.com, marxfoods.com and brookstone.com,
among others.
Note: Compostible products break down naturally and safely, divert waste from the
landfill, reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and prevent pollution.

Favorite Green Picnic Shopping Picks

Green Your Summer Outdoor Picnics and Parties with 16 Fun and Fabulous Ecofriendly Finds

Bambeco Eco Picnic Basket for Four. Photo: Bambeco.com

Bambeco Ecofriendly Picnic Basket Set

Handwoven and made from 100% all-natural and renewable resources,  Bambeco’s  natural willow
basket has a dye and chemical free cotton insulated lining and contains everything you need for
an elegant, environmentally friendly outdoor meal.
The basket includes four sets of bamboo dinnerware–plates and utensils, four wine glasses made
from recycled glass, four organic cotton embroidered napkins, and a bamboo cutting board.
Wondering what to serve? No problem.
Pack the perfect picnic or summer party spread with these healthy and delicious vegan recipes
that are sure to please vegans and non-vegans alike.

Biodegrable & Compostable Plates & Utensils

Green Your Summer Outdoor Picnics and Parties with 16 Fun and Fabulous Ecofriendly Finds

Palm leaf compostable & biodegrable square plates set.
Photo source: Marxfoods.com

Palm Leaf Dishes

These eco-friendly serving dish sets are perfect for your next picnic or outdoor dining event!
These lovely, lightweight bowls and plates are made from a natural, renewable, and
biodegradable raw material.
No trees are cut down.
They’re great for hot and cold foods, and, if you wash and dry them carefully,
they can be reused several times.
Please note that palm leaf products only biodegrade in commercial composting systems
because they need higher heat to break down.

Green Your Summer Outdoor Picnics and Parties with 16 Fun and Fabulous Ecofriendly Finds

Biodegrable and compostable round Palm Leaf Plate set.
Photo source: Marxfoods.com

Birchwood Utensils

The disposable, all-natural forks and knives are made of birchwood.
Simply recycle them by throwing them in your compost pile.

Gaiam Recycled Outdoor Carpet

Green Your Summer Outdoor Picnics and Parties with 16 Fun and Fabulous Ecofriendly Finds

Gaiam’s bright, geometric reversable outdoor carpet creates the
perfect foundation for a lovely picnic.
Photo source: Gaiam.com


Gaiam’s bright, reversible, all-weather carpet is hand woven from recycled plastic.
This low maintenance carpet is perfect for the outdoors because it is rot and mildew
resistant plus dirt and stains can be easily rinsed away.
Want to kick your party up a notch!
Pair colorful, recycled Adirondack chairs and lounges with vibrant, recycled
outdoor carpets, to create cozy seating areas for your outdoor parties or picnics.

Terra Ecofriendly Fire Pit

Green Your Summer Outdoor Picnics and Parties with 16 Fun and Fabulous Ecofriendly Finds

Fire up the festivities with thisTerra Ecofriendly Fire Pit!
Photo source: Bambeco.com


If you are in an area where you are allowed to build a cozy fire,  then fire up
this ecofriendly, stainless steel Terra Fire Pit to warm your outdoor space.
Terra Fire Pits are made from environmentally friendly stainless steel,
which uses recycled scrap steel in the production process.

Recycled Soda Bottle Glasses

Green Your Summer Outdoor Picnics and Parties with 16 Fun and Fabulous Ecofriendly Finds

I love these colorful Reuseit recyled soda bottle glasses!
Photo source: Reuseit.com

Hemp Organic Napkins

Green Your Summer Outdoor Picnics and Parties with 16 Fun and Fabulous Ecofriendly Finds

Super cute and ecofriendly! Reuseit hemp organic napkin:”I’m Not a Paper Towel.”
Photo source: Reuseit.com

 Handmade Ceramic Watermelon Bowl

Green Your Summer Outdoor Picnics and Parties with 16 Fun and Fabulous Ecofriendly Finds

The perfect picnic or party centerpiece! Ceramic Watermelon Bowl
by artist Melanie Mckenney made with food-safe glazes.
Photo source:Uncommongoods.com

 The Toss Big Chill Social Cooler

Green Your Summer Outdoor Picnics and Parties with 16 Fun and Fabulous Ecofriendly Finds

The Toss Big Chill Social Cooler keeps food cool for 2-3 hours on its own,
or for 5-6 hours with an ice pack.
Photo source: Reuseit.coom

 Nontoxic Ice Pack

Green Your Summer Outdoor Picnics and Parties with 16 Fun and Fabulous Ecofriendly Finds

Non-Toxic Reusable Ice Pack keeps food cold for hours.
Photo source: Reuseit.com

Isabella Solar Lanterns

Green Your Summer Outdoor Picnics and Parties with 16 Fun and Fabulous Ecofriendly Finds

Ecofriendly Isabella Solar Lanterns will light up the party!
Photo source: Resuseit.com

Vacu Vin Wine Saver Set

Green Your Summer Outdoor Picnics and Parties with 16 Fun and Fabulous Ecofriendly Finds

This Vacu Vin Wine Saver set eliminates waste and
keeps opened wine fresh for 7 to 10 days
.Photo source: Reuseit.com

Citrus Zinger Water Bottle

Green Your Summer Outdoor Picnics and Parties with 16 Fun and Fabulous Ecofriendly Finds

Imagine being able to make fresh-squeezed citrus infused water instantly
with Zing Anything’s Citrus Zinger Water Bottles.
Photo source: Reuseit.com

 Graze Organic Snack and Sandwich Bags

Green Your Summer Outdoor Picnics and Parties with 16 Fun and Fabulous Ecofriendly Finds

Graze 100% organic snack and sandwich bags are
adorable, ecofriendly alternatives to plastic bags.
Photo source: Reuseit.com

 Stainless Steel Straws

Green Your Summer Outdoor Picnics and Parties with 16 Fun and Fabulous Ecofriendly Finds

Stainless steel straws are a reusable, ecofriendly alternative to plastic straws.
Photo source: Reuseit.com

When Your Picnic or Party is Over

*Leave the area the same as when you arrived. Or even cleaner.
*Take care not to leave any items or trash behind.

Green Your Summer Outdoor Picnics and Parties with 16 Fun and Fabulous Ecofriendly Finds

Clean up, recycle and dispose of all items properly before leaving the picnic area.


*Pick up trash left by others as you clean up your own.
*Recycle and compost whatever you can.
*You can even use the melted ice in your cooler to rinse your dishes.
What ecofriendly picnic items and suggestions would you like to add? 
Share your thoughts and comments with us.
Urban Naturale.com: Living healthy, green and natural by design
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