Now that pandemic restrictions are being lifted and more people are able to enjoy outdoor events, I hope they will be more respectful of their surroundings (and more grateful to be there) than in the past. The stats show that natural areas benefited from a break with humans, at least areas that saw less, instead of increased, usage, so why not come roaring back with less litter? If you’re planning to head to beaches, parks and outdoor festivals this summer, here are some ways to add reuse and sustainability to your outings:
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Creative ground covers— We reuse our old, clear shower curtain liners for this purpose. Yes, they may have water spotting on one side, but who cares? That side faces THE GROUND anyway. And the whole thing is covered on top with a picnic blanket. Shower curtain liners-turned-ground-covers are nice and big and great for a small group. They fold up easily into a compact square and don’t take up much space in a picnic tote. After the outing, they’re easy to hose off if needed and hang or lay out to dry. Another favorite reuse ground cover of ours (that doesn’t need a topper): the mat from an old Twister game. I bought the game at a garage sale for $1 just to use the “parts” for fun projects (yes, we already had a family Twister game on the shelf if we ever wanted to play the actual game). The mat is made of a nice, thicker plastic than a shower curtain liner. Wherever we use it for a picnic, it’s the coolest mat in the space (who wouldn’t love those bright polka dots?).
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Reusable plastic ware— Many people opt for plastic to avoid glass breaking at a picnic site, plus it’s lighter weight for easier carrying. But, at least in my community, there are not a lot of outdoor facilities that also include recycling bins (and when they do, they’re often overflowing onto the ground after big events), so I either use disposable plastic ware that’s recyclable, that I can take home and put in our own recycling bin, or reusable plastic ware that can be washed later. Either way, bring along bags for your used plastics to haul it away. Another idea: Ask everyone to bring their own refillable water bottle to cut down on all that you have to bring/take home, if you’re the host.
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Cloth napkins— Find some at a garage sale or buy new and have a set just for outdoor outings. No, everything does not have to be disposable at a picnic (you have to haul the picnic basket or cooler along anyway, does it have to be empty when you return?). Just throw the napkins in the laundry basket when you get home.
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Just Say No to drinking straws— or bring reusable ones, if your favorite way to enjoy a drink is with a straw. Too much needless drinking straw waste in our world… and if you’re at the beach, even more reason to take care. I can’t stand the thought of the wind blowing the straw out of my drink and into the nostril of a turtle (and if you’ve never seen that viral photo, Google it!).
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Think finger foods— reduces having to deal with forks, spoons, etc. For example, pack cheese, hummus, baby carrots, crackers, nuts, dried fruit and olives; or, sandwiches, cut-up fresh veggies, potato chips and cookies or “hand pies” for dessert. Finger foods are usually less messy than other types of picnic foods, especially good if you’re using reusable plates that you’re taking back home (serve stuff like potato salad at backyard gatherings when you’re near your home kitchen, or someone else’s). If you can’t avoid food that needs utensils to eat, just remember that plastic utensils are a mixed bag when it comes to recycling– they are usually made from #6 plastic. In my community, they’re currently recyclable (the only #6 plastic we don’t recycle is styrofoam) but some cities don’t pick up any #6– so check to be sure (if their website states “we pick up all plastic containers but no styrofoam”, plastic cutlery is likely accepted). (There is also compostable plastic cutlery available commercially; check some out here and here). Opting for fast food take-out? Again, think finger foods, like fried chicken, tacos and burgers.
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Happy sustainable summer!