This summer has been brutally hot in many parts of the world, but it has to cool down eventually. Ever the optimists, we’re stocking up on eco-friendly picnic supplies now. That way, when we do get a pocket of perfect weather, we’re prepared to hit the park fora breezy outdoor lunchor to find a shady spot for an afternoon of wine andcheese.
We recognize that “eco-friendly” means different things to different people, so we’ve sourced some of the most stylish versions of reusable, reused, and compostablepicnicsupplies below. And because “summery things” hit the shelves in the spring, they often go on sale in July and August to make room for all thingspumpkin spice, so a handful of our picks are discounted for the season.
Sustainable lightweight dishes
While we lovemodern melamine platesforoutdoor dining, dishes made from bamboo and wheat straw are a more sustainable option. Like melamine, these materials are lightweight anddishwasher-safe. They’re a lot nicer than paper plates too.
Travel flatware sets
Unless you’re trying to work your way through a million packets of unsolicited plastic utensils that piled up after two years of takeout, consider a reusable travel set for picnicking. These cute sets come with their own cases, which means your flatware stays clean until you’re ready to eat—then the case contains the mess when you’re done.
Sustainable cloth napkins
Yes, paper products willeventuallybreak down on their own, but reusablecloth napkinslook better, feel better, absorb better, and they’re less likely to be picked up and carried away in a light breeze. You can use them to swat awaythose pesky fliestoo.
环保便携式drinkware
Look, if you want to brown bag a tall boy for your picnic in the park, we’re not here to judge. But just in case you want something slightly more refined, consider one of these eco-friendly drinkware options. Compostable cups are the most lightweight, space-saving solution while insulated tumblers will help keep your beverage cool. You can even pour an entire bottle of wine into a reusable insulated container for temperature-controlled, leak-free transport.
Recycled picnic blankets
Nature is nice and all, but there’s nothing pleasant about trying to eat while sitting on a bed of ants, twigs, and dirt (and don’t even get us started on sand). Create a barrier between your picnic and the bare earth with a water-repellent outdoor blanket made from recycled materials.
Sustainable food storage
Keep your load light by usingfood storage containersto transport food—and then use them as bowls. Or enjoy your meal from a sustainably made bento box.
Eco-friendly picnic baskets and cooler bags
Finally, you’ll need a way to tote all of your food and eco-friendly picnic supplies from your kitchen to the perfect patch of grass (or sand, if you must). An insulated cooler bag made from recycled materials will help keep perishables colder longer, but a picnic basket made from sustainable materials is certainly the more stylish option. For an even more environmentally friendly tote, consider avintage picnic basket.
