6 Eco-Friendly Picnic Accessories (Blankets, Baskets, Cutlery & More)
You’ll probably agree, there’s just something idyllic and dreamy about a picnic. Picture laying out a blanket somewhere beautiful and inviting a couple of good friends or your significant other along with you. Then spending the day enjoying the sunshine, tasty food, and good vibes.
The only thing that can improve this combination is the warm, fuzzy feeling you get when you create no waste during such a fun excursion. With the right eco-friendly picnic utensils, you can respect the surroundings that you’re appreciating, as well as the food you take along.
Whether you’re packing in a charcuterie board with all the frills, or something simple, there are a few things that will make your experience extra easy and pleasant. After all, there’s something terribly frustrating about getting excited about your delicious food, and then realizing that you forgot to pack something with which to eat!
Even worse, is finding a lovely spot next to the river, and then seeing plastic litter peeking out from the bushes. So why not be a part of the solution, and bring along sustainable picnic materials? That way you can enjoy your snacks while leaving nothing behind.
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Thankfully, there’s a growing movement towards reusable and earth-friendly materials, and away from single-use plastics with campaigns like #cutoutcutlery, #skipthestuff, #breakfreefromplastic We see this trend simultaneously in the businesses,, in government legislation, and in members of the public. Eco-friendly products are becoming more accessible, and at Shuki we’re excited to bring you some of the best options!
You don’t need to pack plastic cutlery that will be tossed away after the day is done. There are better alternatives for everything that you could need or want for a picnic. If you’re ready to plan the perfect picnic, here’s a comprehensive list of what to look for.
Reusable Steel Straws
You may have already been converted to steel straws at this point, but if not, now’s your chance. Reusable straws keep a lot of sketchy plastic from landing up in our oceans, communities and landfills. So flex your humanity , and make use of steel straws for your OJ.
If you’ve made some boba tea to go with your snacks, this boba straw allows all the little balls of yumminess through, without any clogging up the flow. Works great for green drinks, smoothies and milkshakes too!
These metal straws are also ideal because they do not affect the taste of the drink, and they have a great look and feel.
Sustainable Cutlery
If you’re planning an eco-friendly picnic, one of the most important elements is the cutlery you pack. Plastic picnic cutlery is a common sight when opening a well-packed basket. But these are usually thrown away right after the experience, and are a terrible source of waste.
Instead, take along reusable cutlery to munch with. In addition to being made from sustainably harvested mango wood, this hand-made wooden cutlery kit is beautiful. It will add a wonderful aesthetic to any outdoor meal.
Beeswax Wraps
If you haven’t yet heard of beeswax wraps, hold on to your hat. This ingenious product allows you to package and protect your food, without the use of plastic or aluminum foil.
These wraps are made out of fabric (usually cotton) coated in pure beeswax. You may find some made with jojoba oil and tree resin too. They are slightly sticky and moldable, making them perfect for covering dishes and wrapping fruits and other foods.
Best of all, they are reusable, as well as biodegradable. A huge step up from cling wrap and plastic bags!
Eco-Friendly Picnic Blanket
If you really want to do your best for the environment, a picnic blanket ethically made with natural fibers should be on your list. For many fabrics, the production process takes a huge toll on the environment, releasing tons of micro-fibres and chemicals into watersheds, , using plenty of water for each meter, and much more. If you want to take it a step further, buy from brands who demonstrate they pay their garment workers a living wage.
So when you opt for a picnic blanket, look for one that is made from recycled materials. You can find lovely blankets made from hemp, linen, bamboo, organic cotton, recycled wool, post-consumer materials, or even recycled plastic. There is a broad range of options on the market, so you can choose the perfect blanket for your specific style. Consider doing laundry with a Guppy Friend to prevent microplastic pollution from washing synthetic fabrics.
Sustainable Cooler
Depending on what you’re taking along with you, you might want to invest in a sustainable cooler. Since this can be used in a number of ways, from camping trips to barbeques with friends, it is a great thing to get your hands on before your excursion.
These great green coolers are made out of recycled plastic, helping keep plastic out of landfills one cooler at a time. The same company also makes biodegradable coolers, as well as recycled cooler bags, so that you can choose what best suits your budget and intentions.
Whichever you choose, it’s sure to step up your picnic game. Imagine enjoying a chilled glass of wine with your friends while you nibble at your charcuterie board. Dreamy.
Eco-Friendly Picnic Basket
Of course, no environmentally safe picnic is complete without the right basket. After all, it has the important responsibility of holding all of your tasty treats. They’re also fantastic for shopping at your favorite farmers market.
Eco-friendly picnic baskets are a great way to really commit to doing your best for the environment. They can be reused as often as you’d like and should last for years, as there is a focus on good production within the eco-space.
Hand-woven wicker or elephant grass baskets are your best bet when looking for a sustainable option. Just be sure to look out for one with a non-plastic interior.
Final Thoughts on Sustainable Accessories for a Perfect Picnic
Now that you have all of your equipment needs attended to, it’s time for the food. Of course, good food and drinks should be the primary focus of any great culinary experience. Organic fruits, vegetables, and meats can be sourced from your local farmers market, grocer, or even your back yard, adding beautifully to your experience.
Wrap it all up in your beeswax wraps, place it in your cooler or basket, and set out somewhere beautiful. You can lay out your sustainable picnic blanket next to a river or in a pretty park, and get ready for a lovely experience that is sure to create lasting memories with your loved ones, while also doing your best for the world we live in.
