The Summer brings the desire to spend more time outside, which is why we throw outdoor parties and have barbecues, picnics, and cookouts to celebrate!  While these events are incredibly fun, they can produce a lot of waste. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still throw an awesome party at the park or invite friends for a cookout in your backyard. You can just change the products you’d normally use and buy eco-friendly products instead!

There are plenty of products to help you plan the coolest party this summer because not only will it be fun and include yummy food, but it’ll be friendly to the environment! From compostable utensils to disposable plates, bamboo essentials, and more, these products are all available on Amazon and eco-friendly!

1. 100% Compostable Cutlery Set

Source: 100% Compostable Cutlery Set

Ecovita’s 100% Compostable Cutlery Set is made with non-GMO corn which is grown and harvested ethically in the USA. These utensils do not contain any BPA, chlorine, or toxic chemicals. Not only are the utensils themselves zero waste, but they come in recyclable, plastic-free packaging. This set of 380 utensils costs $54.56.

Jenn says, “I was impressed with this compostable cutlery set right out of the box. The knives, spoons, and forks are separated out into individual compartments, and the pieces themselves have a high-quality look to them.”

2. Bamboo Veneer Disposable Eco-Friendly Plates

Source: Brheez Bamboo Veneer Disposable Eco-Friendly Plates

These Bamboo Plates by Brheez are made from real stems (culms) of bamboo trees making them thick, sturdy, and leak-proof. They are compostable and biodegradable, as well as free of chemicals, dyes, and bleaches. These can be bought in a pack of 10 or 25, and in three different sizes: seven, nine, and eleven inches. The price for the 10-pack of 7-inch plates is $11.99.

An Amazon customer says, “Perfect for our out-door cook out! I was even able to wash them and use them again and help with the environment. will buy again and would definitely recommend!”

3. Tree Free Bamboo Paper Napkins

Source: Caboo Tree Free Bamboo Paper Napkins

Caboo’s Tree Free Bamboo Paper Napkins are made from organically grown bamboo and sugarcane. These napkins are hypoallergenic, BPA-free, and free of elemental chlorine and fragrances. As a result of the combination between bamboo and sugarcane, the napkins are strong, durable, and absorbent. This set includes four packs of 250 sheets adding up to a total of 1,000 napkins. Caboo is also “panda friendly,” which means the bamboo sourced is not a food source for panda bears. The price is $19.99.

Karen says, “Loved the Bamboo Napkins!! We used them for a large Convention. They held up very well. Will probably use them again and they are biodegradable.”

4. 100% Biodegradable Rectangular Tablecloth

Source: Re ComposTablecloth 100% Biodegradable Rectangular Tablecloth

Re’s ComposTablecloth is plastic-free and compostable. It’s large enough to fit a banquet table, measuring 58 by 108 inches. The materials used to make it are plant-derived resin, vegetable oils, and compostable polymers. This 10-pack costs $14.99.

Jodi says, “The material was soft and we had no issues with tearing. I love that they’re plastic-free and not costly.”

5. Compostable Cold Cups

Source: World Centric Compostable Cold Cups

World Centric’s Cold Cups are biodegradable and compostable. The lining is made from plant material and they’re a USDA-certified biobased product. They’re better for cold beverages and not recommended for beverages higher than 110 degrees Fahrenheit. A 100-count 12-ounce pack costs $22.97, although it’s also available in 16 ounces and 200 count.

Brendan says, “Sweet product and way better than plastic. These things won’t end up in landfills for long before they biodegrade. Very sturdy and just like the description. I don’t feel bad giving these out at a party.”

6. Bamboo Drinking Paper Straws

Source: Bamboo Drinking Paper Straws

These Bamboo Drinking Paper Straws are biodegradable and aren’t just eco-friendly, they’re also stylish, with the appearance of realistic bamboo pole. This pack of 24 straws costs $8.49.

An Amazon customer says, “Nicely packaged and really high quality product! I’ll definitely be purchasing another!”

7. Eco Friendly Bamboo Tongs

Source: Norpro Eco Friendly Bamboo Tongs

Norpro’s Eco Friendly Bamboo Tongs are necessary for barbecues when you need to grab your veggies off the grill and onto plates, but then you can continue using these in your personal kitchen! These tongs are durable and resistant to heat and stains. They’re also lightweight yet strong, and safe to use on non-stick surfaces. This pack of 2 costs $12.99.

Alex says, “They are actually pretty hardy, and durable. I like them and use them for everything.”

8. Organic Bamboo Serving Tray

Source: Organic Bamboo Serving Tray

This Organic Bamboo Serving Tray is technically for serving tea, but who says that’s what you have to do? You can use it as a serving platter at your event and then use as a serving tray however you wish at home. It’s made from high-quality eco-friendly bamboo, and comes in different sizes with and without rounded edges, as well as with or without handles, but the 11 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches with rounded edges costs $12.99.

Escola says, “This tray is well finished, no rough spots or edges. The size was perfect for me, big enough to hold my cast iron tea pot and tea bowl, but not so big as to not leave plenty of work space on my desk. I really like it.”

9. Biodegradable Take Away Food Containers

Source: Biodegradable Take Away Food Containers

10. Bamboo Salad Servers 

Source: Bamboo Salad Servers

These Bamboo Salad Servers may be called salad servers, but you can use these as serving spoons at your cookout and then save them to be used as salad servers at home! They’re made of natural organic bamboo fiber, and contain no toxic ingredients. They’re also BPA-free! They also have ergonomically wide handles so they’ll be comfortable for all your guests to use as well as to use long-term at home. The fork and spoon set costs $9.99.

Lana says, “I thought that they will loose their look after wash, but surprisingly nothing happened to them. They are really light, easy to wash, look great on the table and btw eco friendly. The size is perfect for serving salads.”

11. Stainless Steel Water Pitcher with Lid

Source: Stainless Steel Water Pitcher with Lid

This Stainless Steel Pitcher is the perfect eco-friendly way to bring refreshments! Fill it with lemonade, iced tea, or just water. Rather than bringing plastic soda and juice bottles, having reusable pitchers is better for the environment, plus then you can continue using them. They can be your go-to for taking tasty drinks to potlucks, gatherings, work parties, or even just keeping in the fridge. This one costs $24.99.

Beth says, “This is a stylish steel pitcher. It is not a thermos, however. The liquid will be kept cold longer than in a glass pitcher, because the metal stays cold longer than glass ( or plastic ). The pitcher is also lightweight, which is nice.”

12. Eco-Friendly Barbecue Charcoal 

Source: Eco-Friendly Barbecue Charcoal

Every barbecue needs charcoal! This Eco-Friendly Barbecue Charcoal is made from all-natural compressed coconut shells that save trees and waste. The coconuts used are GMO-free and organic. This charcoal is eco-friendly but also burns longer than most charcoal. One pack has enough charcoal for four barbecues costs $16.99.

An Amazon customer says, “Love this product, it burns clean, practically no smell, the aroma is that of linen fresh smell. I use the ashes to mix with my hair conditioner, to detox my head/hair and i use it as a face mask; also used the coals to make a body pillow detox, which is working wonderful.”

13. Reusable Collapsible Durable Grocery Shopping Bag

Source: Reusable Collapsible Durable Grocery Shopping Bag

Rather than carrying supplies and food to your cookout or picnic in plastic bags or even tote bags that are too small, a Reusable Collapsible Durable Grocery Shopping Bag like this one is great! This heavy duty canvas utility tote bag is great for piling groceries so you might get it for your summer events and then continue using it as your go-to eco-friendly shopping bag! The price for this one is $22.49, and it’s also available in five other colors at different prices.

An Amazon customer says, “Love this bag! Perfect size to put a whole bunch of stuff into the bag and be able to see/organize it easily! Love the look of the bag and I have gotten a lot of compliments on it so far! Best part is how sturdy the bag is and how easily it collapses and folds flat! This is my weekend go to bag now and I will be buying more for gifts!”

14. 114-Piece Grab & Go Eco Picnic Pack

Source: Earth’s Natural Alternative 114-Piece Grab & Go Eco Picnic Pack

This 114-Piece Grab & Go Eco Picnic Pack includes plates, side plates, cups, forks, knives, dinner napkins, and tablecloths! Pretty much everything you need for an eco-friendly picnic is included! Everything included is disposable and compostable, and made from corn starch and plant fiber. The price is $14.36.

Sunshine says, “As a so called “crunchy granola” by my peers aka an eco-conscious consumer, I loved this picnic pack. I originally used it for a table display for a class, but ended up loving the products so much I decided to buy another. A must for anyone looking to reduce their carbon footprint while still maintaining the ease of disposable products.”

15. Recyclable Eco-Friendly Trash Bags

Source: Reli. Recyclable Eco-Friendly Trash Bags

When people finish eating at a cookout, their instinct is to look for the trash can to throw out their disposable plate, so eco-friendly trash bags are a must! These Recyclable Eco-Friendly Trash Bags are made from recycled content and recyclable themselves. They’re tear-resistant, leak-proof, perforated, and compactor friendly. This box brings 150 bags, so you can use them for all your summer events or just continue using them at home! They cost $39.99.

An Amazon customer says, “These green trash bags are the greatest, they are strong, I tried going green with my trash bag years ago but they were very thin so when you fill it with trash it would break apart. I am so happy I decided to check it out again. Thank you for coming up with these bags. Everyone should be using them. I am also using the kitchen and bathroom size bags, the best.”

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