Summer is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor picnics, beach days, and road trips. This summer, let’s also consider how we can engage in more environmentally friendly practices. We can choose more reusable items that minimize waste. And we can enjoy meals made with less impactful ingredients. Here are a few simple yet important ways to celebrate a more sustainable summer.
Going on a Picnic…
If you need to use single-use products, consider bamboo or palm leaf utensils and plates over plastic to minimize waste. Many of these items can be composted (unless they were made with additional ingredients). Using glass containers, cloth tablecloths and napkins, and other reusable items are also sustainable practices that reduce waste.
Whenever possible, use reusable water bottles. You can also avoid individual cans and plastic bottles by simply bringing larger bottles that serve many. (And then recycle the paper cups.) Likewise, limit individual bags and servings. As with beverages, we reduce waste when we choose bulk servings instead of individual bags of food or condiments.
Bring just enough food. Additionally, pack and store food separately and correctly to maintain temperatures and keep it as safe as possible. If you’re going to be enjoying a long day outdoors, then this approach will minimize waste.
On the Road Again
A road trip can lead to a car filled with empty cups, wrappers, and more. Avoid this by bringing along a refillable coffee cup and bulk, shareable snacks.
Perhaps your road trip will bring you to a house rental. If so, consider the best way to stock it with nourishing food while minimizing food waste. And pack along your shopping totes to engage in more “green” grocery shopping.
Summer Grilling
Avoid single-use plastic bags. There may be times when large plastic bags are helpful for marinating meats or similar meal preparation. But overall we should avoid plastic bags as much as possible. Instead, use reusable containers that are free from plastic. You’ll avoid the potential for chemicals to get into your food. And prevent plastic bags from finding their way to our oceans (or landfills).
Pass on hamburgers and create menus that celebrate environmentally friendly food choices. Grill sustainable seafood that’s harvested in a way that protects our oceans and environment. Or reduce your carbon footprint by choosing plant-based menus.
