Picnic season is here in full force. The weather is warming, the landscape is growing greener and the need to get outside is at its peak. If you’re a picnicker at heart, we don’t have to tell you that part of the spirit of picnicking is reconnecting with the outdoors and embracing nature.
And nothing shows a greater love and appreciation for nature than having an environmentally friendly picnic. So the next time you’re planning on picnicking, here are some things you should keep in mind when trying to have a green picnic.
Walk to your picnic
Even though some of the best picnic spots might be a short drive away, jumping into your Hummer to get there is not an environmentally responsible thing to do. Instead, stay local. There are likely several hidden gems within walking or biking distance of your home, so head over to the local park with your picnic basket and enjoy your neighborhood.
Bring reusable plates and silverware and cloth napkins
It’s undeniably convenient to bring along plastic utensils and paper plates, but it’s one of the least environmentally friendly ways to eat because all the trash just goes and sits in a landfill. There are biodegradable alternatives, but the best way to have a green picnic is to bring things that are reusable, which means you should also take along cloth napkins you can wash with the laundry.
Clean your picnic site when you’re done
Just because it’s common courtesy to clean your picnic sites doesn’t mean it always gets done. Whether something is forgotten or people deliberately leave things behind, trash in nature is the antithesis of green. You can easily prevent this from happening by walking around your picnic spot to make sure every item is packed away or placed in the garbage can.
Pack local, healthy foods
Food is usually the most important element of a picnic, but it can also be the least environmentally friendly. According to the Nature Conservancy, it takes 634 gallons of water to make a hamburger. You can significantly reduce your environmental impact by buying locally and packing more fruits and vegetables than meat.
Bring along friends
The best way to have a green picnic is to bring friends along to enjoy nature and soak up the sun. Looking after the environment is something you can’t do alone, which is why helping others appreciate the outdoors and learn how to be green is just as important as doing things yourself.