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.
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.com, reuseit.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
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
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.
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
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
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
Hemp Organic Napkins
Handmade Ceramic Watermelon Bowl
The Toss Big Chill Social Cooler
Nontoxic Ice Pack
Isabella Solar Lanterns
Vacu Vin Wine Saver Set
Citrus Zinger Water Bottle
Graze Organic Snack and Sandwich Bags
Stainless Steel Straws
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.
*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.
Sharing is caring. Feel free to share this post with friends, family, friends and fans.
Wow. You know how to picnic with style! I liked the palm leaf plates. They look like the bamboo plates sold at Whole Foods! All great ideas. thanx for post.
Hi Sylvia, I am so glad that you enjoyed this post. Yes, I agree that the palm leaf plates are really cool–both good looking and good for the environment.
I hope you have a fun summer! Thanks so much for your for your support.
Loving how you first rec to look around the house for things we already have – often times we buy things when something from home will work just as well. Love those bamboo plates – for sure a better option when going disposable! That watermelon bowl is over the top cute too. I keep meaning to invest in some reusable straws…..
These look like so much fun for a relaxing day outdoors! Hope you enjoy your summer 🙂