Dreaming of dining barefoot in the park or feasting with silky sand beneath your toes? Before you head off to frolic in the summer sun with picnic basket in hand, be cognizant of your personal impact. Try these sustainable swaps when planning your next green picnic:
Flatware, Steel and Sustainable Surfaces
1. Bambu Flatware Set & Bambu Dinner Plates: Why use plastic cutlery when you can enjoy flatware made from a renewable resource like certified organic bamboo? While you’re channeling your inner panda, add bamboo plates to the mix.
2. EKOBO Picnic Set: Cute and convenient, this set consists of four bowls/plates, cups and a salad bowl. It comes in two color options made from bamboo fiber and is PVC-, BPA- and phthalate-free.
3. Table in a Bag: Derived from FSC-certified mahogany, this gray-finished table is as beautiful as it is practical. It can be rolled up and carried in the accompanying cotton canvas tote.
4. Stainless Steel Dinnerware Set: Steal a date for two with this kit that includes two stainless-steel bowls, forks, and spoons in a handy zipper bag. Pair them with Stainless Steel Tumblers to keep beverages chilled and waste nonexistent. These goods are dishwasher-safe, nontoxic and reusable.
Hotter Food and Cooler Totes
5. CoolBag: If picnic baskets aren’t your thing, you’ll love this cotton canvas bag. It has everything you need to pack a picnic or nosh poolside, including a combination lock to store your belongings should you wander into the sunset. It comes with convenient backpack straps when you’re ready to go hands-free. With two wine pockets on either side, CoolBag also houses a convenient six-hour zippered cooler at the bottom.
6. Hot Logic: Keeping food hot or cooking food on the spot is no longer a luxury. This insulated bag uses low-slow conduction heat to keep food at your desired temperature for hours, without overcooking or burning. Just plug into an outlet (or even your car). Available in a personal size for picnics or 9-by-13-inch for easy carrying and spill-free dishes on the go.
7. Matador Pocket Blanket: An outdoor festival or concert isn’t complete without a blanket under your feet. But most are bulky, making them a pain to tote. Meet Matador, the beach blanket that’s small enough to fit in your pocket or picnic basket.
8. Yohino Wine Glass Holders: There’s no need to cry over spilled wine with these stainless steel wine stakes for glasses and a bottle.
9. Vessel Wine Bag: These insulated bags are ideal for carrying wine to and fro without breakage. The cruelty-free design is made with faux leather and neoprene. Plus, with every purchase, Vessel gives a school backpack to a child in need.
Shoo Fly
10. Bugs Be Gone: Derived from yarrow, sage and essential oils, this spray is safe enough to go on skin, with zero nasty chemicals, DEET or citronella. Also try Stay Away Ants from EarthKind. These small scented pouches include an essential oil beep the bugs away so you can picnic in peace!
Read More:
Green Road Trip Tips for the Summer
Tennessee University Adds Solar Picnic Tables to Campus
4 Tips for Planning a Toxin-Free Summer Barbecue