10 Tips for Planning a Green Picnic

Now that we’re right on the brink of hitting summer head on you may be thinking… Picnic weather! Picnics are eco-friendly naturally because they get you, your pals, and your family out into nature. On the flip side, the average picnic can take a tole on the environment. Don’t get out into nature, only to leave a negative impact, instead plan an eco-friendly picnic…

1. Take reusables: A reusable picnic basket vs. a bag; reusable dishes; and reusable cloth napkins can all be taken along on a picnic. If you can carry your gear to the site, you can carry it back. Don’t take trash out into the woods.
2. Take biodegradable and recyclable gear: If you refuse to take along reusable gear, at the very least use a smart eco-alternative for disposable dishware and take along recycled content napkins.
3. Think organic and local: You don’t have to plan an entirely locally sourced organic spread, but more organics grown locally are better than less.
4. Carpool: If you’re planning a major picnic event be sure to carpool with another person or family when possible.
5. Don’t feed the animals: Don’t feed wild animals on purpose and don’t feed them accidentally either – i.e. take leftovers with you. Although you may not have considered it, feeding wild animals does have a negative impact on our natural habitats.
6. Take eco-friendly picnic activities along: An earth-friendly Frisbee is always a smart bet for fun times or pick up a kid friendly outdoor eco-toy.
7. Don’t just sit there; get out and explore: If you’ve got kids grab a cool kit like the Nature Bag: Environmental Activity Kit for Kids if you don’t have kids grab whatever book might come in handy – a plant guide, a bird watching guide, a rock collecting book, what have you. Explore nature while you’re out there.
8. Protect your own body environment: Make sure to wear human safe bug spray and sunscreen.
9. Green your grilling event: If you’re grilling make sure you grill safely and in an eco-friendly manner. It doesn’t take much more work to have a thoughtful eco-friendly barbecue.
10. Take out the trash: Hopefully you used mostly reusable so trash shouldn’t be an issue. However, if you took trash into the woods, take it home with you.

Coming up, some specific examples of earth-friendly picnic gear.

[image via stock.xchng]