Today I wanted to talk to you about zero waste picnic ! Although this is not really the ideal time to go for a picnic, in my opinion it is essential! A picnic is one of the most polluting outdoor meals possible. Indeed, between disposable plastic cups, cutlery, plates and food packaging there is plenty to do! However, it’s quite simple to eat outside without polluting! Let’s see together how to do it..
What is a zero waste picnic?
Let’s start with the basics, the explanation of the principle of a zero waste picnic or without waste. Because it may seem strange to some people, however, as said above, it is one of the most polluting activities!
A zero waste picnic is therefore an outdoor meal, for which there will be little or no pollution. We will then have to review our consumption pattern, the products or accessories that we will bring, etc.
To do what ? What advantages?
Picnics are a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but food waste generated by picnics can be harmful to nature and the environment. To minimize the negative impact of picnic waste, people should consider having a waste-free picnic.
This type of picnic reduces waste by only bringing reusable products, such as plates and cups, and using cloth napkins rather than paper. Additionally, purchasing local, seasonal foods helps reduce unnecessary packaging materials and fossil fuels associated with long-distance transportation.
People who opt for a waste-free picnic not only reduce their carbon footprint, but can also enjoy fresh food that is incredibly tasty! The benefits of a waste-free picnic are numerous, and everyone should consider trying it this summer!
Have a 0 waste picnic
- 1- Bring your own crockery and cutlery– one of the main sources of waste at a picnic is disposable tableware and cutlery. To avoid this, bring your own reusable tableware, such as plates, glasses, cups, bowls and cutlery. Opt for sustainable materials such as glass, stainless steel or bamboo, which are washable and reusable.
- 2- Prepare your own food– another important tip, prepare your food at home and bring it in reusable containers. Avoid disposable chip and candy bags, plastic water bottles, and packaged individual bags. If you need extra drinks, bring a large bottle of water and freshly squeezed juices in a reusable bottle.
- 3- Plan ahead– To further reduce your environmental impact, think in advance about what you are going to bring for your picnic. Plan to bring enough food and drinks to avoid having to purchase packaged items on site. Avoid foods that require a lot of packaging or storage and opt for simpler, healthier options.
- 4- Pack your food reusably– To preserve your food before and after your picnic, avoid disposable packaging. Use reusable containers, cloth bags and vegan wax wraps to avoid plastic waste. Reusable ziplock bags are also a great alternative.
- 5- Make sure to take your trash away – At the end of the day, it is important to make sure everything is clean and that you have not left any trash behind. Bring a trash bag to collect all your trash, packaging and food scraps. Be sure to properly sort waste for recycling or composting, depending on what your picnic spot offers.
Change your diet!
To begin with, we will focus on food, because that is the basis of the picnic, eating. Forget ready-made individual sandwiches bought in supermarkets, as well as meals and the like, and opt for homemade. It doesn’t cost much more than buying the food and making your own meals. In addition to this, it avoids unnecessary packaging etc.
We will not wrap our sandwiches in cling film or aluminum foil, but in a food box, a sandwich bag or a reusable food bag! Again, it’s quite simple and not too expensive.
It’s the same for drinks, forget plastic bottles and the like, and simply opt for one reusable bottle or a filter bottle, which will allow you to store and transport your drinks in the same way. For sodas, just think about the sodastream, I will write you an article on this subject.
Prepare food with little waste
The second step in organizing a waste-free picnic is to choose foods that are minimally packaged or require no packaging. For example, you can bring foods like sandwiches, wraps, salads or pasta dishes in reusable containers rather than in individual packages.
You can also opt for fresh fruits and vegetables rather than processed snacks packaged in single-use plastic bags or boxes. Plus, you can make your own condiments, like sauces, to avoid buying them in disposable containers.
Finally, don’t forget dessert! You can make delicious treats like brownies or cookies using ingredients from your pantry without having to resort to prepackaged snacks filled with preservatives and additives.
Change your accessories!
As for accessories, which are also almost essential for a picnic, you will have to change your operating mode! We then forget disposable cutlery, and anything else of the sort that could pollute, etc. The idea being to go home without waste, but above all not to leave it everywhere.
So, opt for reusable plates for example, but also a cutlery kit, or even better complete picnic baskets, including everything you will need, goblets, cups, etc.
To dry yourself, opt instead for a reusable wipe and not paper towel. For cutlery, opt for a model to wash and not to throw away. To transport all this, take a picnic basket as mentioned above, or a basket, rather than a simple plastic bag etc.
Bring reusable supplies
The most important step in organizing a waste-free picnic is to bring supplies that can be reused multiple times. For example, instead of bringing plastic plates and utensils, opt for reusable bamboo or stainless steel versions that you can use again and again. You can also bring reusable cloth napkins instead of paper ones. Reusable water bottles are also essential for any zero waste picnic.
What to do with any waste?
It is still possible that there will be some waste during your picnic, particularly in terms of food. But here again there are solutions to avoid waste, throwing away or polluting. It’s compost!
I’m preparing a full article on compost soon, but think about it. This will allow you to store all your food waste but above all to give them a second life, and therefore reuse them again!
Leave no trace
Finally, don’t forget the principle of not leaving any traces during your waste-free picnic! This means you should pack everything you brought with you, including recyclable or compostable materials if they are available in your area. Don’t forget to take all your trash home. Even biodegradable materials should be taken home if possible, as they can take years to fully decompose due to lack of exposure to sunlight outdoors.
Conclusion & Opinion
A waste-free picnic is completely achievable! All it takes is thoughtful preparation by bringing reusable supplies and choosing foods carefully. And remember the “leave no trace” rule: always pack up everything you brought, including recyclable or compostable materials, so that others can enjoy the same place after you leave! So grab your reusable supplies, choose some delicious treats, and get ready for a waste-free picnic experience!
Mise à jour le : July 22, 2024
