Ahhhh Autumn is here! My favourite season. Regardless of the season, I’m a big fan of getting out into “outside air” air more often. A great way to do this is by having a good old-fashioned picnic. One downside to picnics is that they can often be a little harsh on the environment – plastic package everything, wrapping materials, and disposable items that are just a little harsh on our world. Don’t hang up the picnic rug just yet; here are five ideas for how to enjoy a more eco-friendly picnic.
1. Don’t Be Scared of Using Glassware
Glass does tend to be avoided when being transported outside. But glass containers and glass water bottles are actually very sturdy – almost unbreakable even –these days. They are a great way to avoid plastic and can be re-used for years to come. Not only will this contribute more positively to the environment but also your bank account over time. Stores like BIOME have great alternatives to plastic containers and water bottles. You can also throw them in the dishwasher afterwards to save time on the clean-up.
2. Hydrate the Healthy Way
Instead of picking up a bottle of soft drink or juice, why not cut up some fruit and fill a re-usable bottle or jug with water. It’s better for you and it reduces rubbish at the end of your picnic! Plus, if you have any left, it’s safe to throw into a bush, unlike soft drinks.
3. Take Your Scraps Home
Bring a small container (or recycled paper bag) and fill it with your fruit and veg scraps and take it home to compost or literally just throw it over a garden somewhere. The paper bag can even be torn into small pieces and composted too. Composting is a great way to feel a little less guilty about wastage! It’s great for your garden once it’s broken down and you’ve cut down your waste. It’s a win-win.
4. Get Some Exercise
See your neighbourhood and discover new picnic spots. Try to avoid driving to your picnic destination. This can be a great way to get to know your neighbourhood and find new places within walking or riding distance. Leave the car at home and save on petrol. Kill two birds with one stone and get a workout in there baby.
5. Make Your Own Insect Repellant
Leave the nasty chemicals at the store and say no to harsh insect repellants. It’s so simple to make your own. If you’ve already got an old spray bottle lying around, recycle it. Fill the spray bottle with water, 1/3 tsp salt, 3 drops of citronella, and 2 drops of tea tree oil. Let it sit for a little while then give it a gentle shake. It’s as simple as that to keep the bugs away and you don’t have to worry about nasty chemicals soaking into your skin. This is a big one for me lately.
Picnics can definitely be harmful to the environment but, with these tips, you can be on your way to having an eco-friendly, healthy and fun-filled outdoor adventure that makes you feel double-good (one for you and one for the world). Have any other tips you could add? Feel free to share them in the comments below.
This is a sponsored post, all contents within are my own opinion. Image Via: Blog.Anthropologie.com
Leave a Reply