Spring has sprung and what better way to celebrate the flowers and the warmer weather than a picnic! Invite friends and family, bring your basket and blanket, and enjoy a fun meal in the outdoors. Here are some tips for a fun and eco-friendly way to approach picnicking. And we’ve thrown in some of our favorite picnic recipes as a bonus.
Eco-friendly Picnic Ideas:
- Reusable Utensils and Tableware: Use reusable plates, cups, utensils, and napkins instead of disposable ones. Opt for eco-friendly materials like bamboo or stainless steel.
- Reusable Containers: Pack your picnic in reusable containers rather than disposable bags or wraps. Mason jars, stainless steel containers, and beeswax wraps are great alternatives.
- Cloth Picnic Blanket: Instead of disposable tablecloths or picnic mats, use a durable cloth picnic blanket that can be washed and reused.
- Zero-Waste Snacks: Choose snacks that come with minimal packaging or package your own snacks in reusable containers. Examples include nuts, fruits, and homemade trail mix.
- Locally Sourced Ingredients: Support local farmers and reduce your carbon footprint by choosing locally sourced ingredients for your picnic recipes.
- Minimal Packaging: When purchasing picnic supplies, choose products with minimal packaging or opt for package-free options when possible.
- Leave No Trace: Practice Leave No Trace principles by cleaning up after your picnic and properly disposing of waste. Bring along a bag for collecting trash and recycling.
Our Favorite Spring and Early Summer Picnic Recipes:
- Quinoa Salad with Fresh Veggies: Cooked quinoa mixed with diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, and fresh herbs like parsley or basil. Dress with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Throw in some delicious feta for those who eat cheese.
- Mason Jar Salads: Layer mason jars with your favorite salad ingredients like mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, and chickpeas. Pack dressing separately to keep salads fresh until serving. Easy to eat, and beautiful to look at!
- Vegetable Skewers: Thread skewers with a variety of fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Grill or roast until tender and lightly charred. You can make a yogurt sauce with yogurt, lemon, salt and olive oil to dip the veggies in. Add a touch of grated garlic to the sauce for a zing!
- Fruit Salad: Combine seasonal fruits like strawberries, blueberries, watermelon, and kiwi in a large bowl. Add a squeeze of lime juice and a bunch of mint for a dash of extra flavor.
- Cold Pasta Salad: Cooked pasta tossed with diced vegetables (such as bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and broccoli), black olives, feta cheese, and a vinaigrette dressing.
- Iced Herbal Tea: Brew a large batch of herbal tea (such as mint or chamomile) and chill it in a reusable pitcher. Serve over ice with lemon slices for a refreshing drink. You can sweeten it slightly before cooling. An incredible thirst quenching addition to your picnic!
These ideas and recipes should help you plan a delightful and eco-friendly picnic experience for spring and summer! Enjoy the outdoors while minimizing your environmental impact. So take advantage of the season and plan a fun outdoor picnic with friends and family.
