How to Green Your Summer Picnic Routine
It’s that time of year again for barbecues, beach parties, and outdoor celebrations. Perhaps you plan to take your lunch to the park on a weekly basis. Maybe you have a trip to the mountains or coast on your calendar. Wherever you’re headed, we hope you remember to leave the environment cleaner than you found it. Read our tips and get ready to be eco-friendly.
1. Channel Your Inner Chef
It’s easy to fall back on all the deli options you’ll find at the grocery store, but those choices often come with a good deal of extra packaging. Take a little extra time and make your own pasta salad, sandwiches, or cookies at home. Just carry them in your own reusable containers.
2. Shop Local
Do the best you can to purchase fruits and vegetables from your neighborhood farmer’s market. You can also check to see if your grocery store stocks its shelves with local options. Georgia grows plenty of peaches, onions, tomatoes, and more. Support sustainable agriculture!
3. Ditch the Disposables
Hand-woven baskets and handsome tableware do more than make your event picture-perfect. They also benefit the earth. Pack reusable or biodegradable plates, glasses, and silverware, and tuck in a few washable cloth napkins. The less you have to throw away, the better.
4. Carry In, Carry Out
You may be lucky enough to dine in an area with trash and recycling bins already installed. If not, just bring a few paper bags or bins for your guests to utilize. This is especially important for drink items like cans or bottles. Is it really that much extra work to bring them home or to a dropoff center? The space you’ll save in the landfill will make up for it tenfold.
5. Upcycle Your Decorations
Are you hosting a backyard gathering? Why not spruce things up a bit with a little DIY? We love this wreath made from an old pool noodle for Memorial Day or the 4th of July.
6. Send leftovers home
Bring a few empty containers along, or remind your guests to contribute a few extras in case people don’t finish their meals. It’s a great way to reduce food waste and stretch out the deliciousness of the day a little longer.
7. Compost Your Scraps
You won’t want to send watermelon rinds or orange peels home as leftovers, but you can certainly avoid putting them in the trash. Add them to your compost pile at home. If you don’t have one, save them for a neighbor who does.