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Spring has sprung in most parts of the nation, and it’s a great time for a picnic!

Picnics are a fantastic way to get out and appreciate our natural surroundings. But let’s make sure we’re preserving, protecting and respecting the great outdoors while we’re enjoying all it has to offer.

We’ve all heard the slogan: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! But have you ever thought about what it truly means?

  • The first priority is to REDUCE – buy only what you need.
  • The second priority is to REUSE – if you buy something use it, and re-use it.
  • The third priority is RECYCLE – think about recycling items only after reducing and reusing!

The most eco-friendly option is always to use what you already have. But if you are in the market for a picnic basket, tablecloth, or portable utensils, there are some awesome, sustainably produced items available.

Who needs plastic utensils, paper napkins, and single use straws, not to mention a health- and planet-compromising menu? Especially when there are so many alternatives that are sustainable, healthy and FUN! So start planning that eco-friendly picnic. This guide is here to help.

Eco-Friendly Vegan Picnic Guide

Picnic Baskets: If one-stop shopping is your thing, these eco-friendly picnic basket sets are a great option.
  • Eco Picnic Basket from Uncommon Goods includes bamboo plates and utensils, recycled glasses, and cotton napkins in a natural willow basket.
  • Boxsal’s picnic basket sets include a 100% compostable box, trays and bowls, utensils, cups, and napkins.
Utensils and Straws: An estimated 40 billion plastic utensils are used every year in the U.S. alone! Even more shocking: 500 million disposable plastic straws are used every day! The majority of these items are thrown out after just one use.
  • Reduce your forkprint with To-Go Ware Utensils! These eco-friendly fork/knife/spoon/chopstick sets are made from renewable bamboo.
  • Glass Dharma makes beautiful, reusable glass straws.
  • Stainless steel drinking straws from ReUseIt.com are another great reusable option!
Plates and Drinking: Bringing plates and cups from home is the greenest option. If you need something more portable, try dishes made from lightweight bamboo, cork, coconut or palm, and stainless steel water bottles.
  • Bambu offers beautiful bamboo, cork and coconut plates, bowls, utensils and more! These items are lightweight, renewable, and sustainably produced.
  • VerTerra Dinnerware is compostable, and their products are made using fallen palm leaves and water!
  • There are plenty of options for reusable drinking containers. EarthLust has some beautiful, stainless steel designs in various sizes. Klean Kanteen and Sigg also have some great options.
Linens: Cloth napkins and tablecloths are not only greener than their paper or plastic counterparts – they also add softness and style to any picnic or gathering!
The Food: Cancer-causing sausages and red meat, E. coli-laced chicken, meat glue, and pink slime are not invited to this picnic. Plant-based picnic fare is healthy, eco-friendly and delicious!
Miscellaneous: Depending on your picnic plans, you may also want to bring insect repellent, a blanket, and grilling supplies.

Image Credit: houndstooth4/Flickr