10 Best Eco-Friendly Picnic Products

Summer seems to be here, and we can definitely say picnic season is upon us. Even if the weather is a little unpredictable at times, we do love a picnic in the UK. 

Here's a quick run down of my 'Top 10' eco-friendly picnic products that will save you money in the longer term and prevent mountains of waste.

 

Top 10 Eco-friendly Picnic Products:

1) Insulated water bottle

1.5 litre Insulated bottle. Featuring an easy to carry handle, this large insulated bottle will keep water cold for up to 24 hours, meaning you can even start your prep the night before. Use the water for drinking, and take some cloths to wipe faces and hands with fresh clean water. Smaller versions are available for individual drinks.

2) Reusable coffee cup

The collapsible HUNU coffee cups - you might well need a quick coffee top if there's a take away nearby (let's be real - we ALL do it!) and wouldn't it be a shame to have to find a bin for the only piece of singe use for the day - so why not pack a reusable cup (just in case). The collapsible HUNU are perfect and wont take up much room in your picnic bag or hamper.

3) A Bambu Spork.

Don't forget the cutlery - trying to eat yoghurt without a spoon might remind us of being a child with finger paints, but it's a lot easier to eat when you remember your reusable cutlery! The Bambu travel spork is the perfect 'spoon/fork' combo and so small you can fit it in your pocket! Small enough to bring one for everyone, they are also sold without a case if you want to buy more.

4) Hand and face wipes

Reusable wipes are perfect for keeping in a lunch box or snack bag, moisten then before you leave home and simply put through the wash when you get home. Hands and face tend to get a little grubby and sticky when we're picnicking. Not just the children either, adults will get messy trying to keep up with the kids.

5) Wax food wraps

Taking a baguette or fresh fruit? Then we recommend Abeego beeswax wraps or wrapping leftovers and keeping bread fresh.

6) Reusable lunchboxes

Stainless steel lunchboxes for salads, cut fruits and veggies - these stainless steel boxes are perfect for keeping food fresh and protected from getting crushed or bruised in transit to the park. And, they last for years and years, making them a great investment. Check out our Journal post comparing our bestselling lunchboxes to choose the right ones.

7) Cloth baggies and sandwich wraps

Baggies and sandwich/food wraps. A relatively new idea, these cotton baggies and wraps are idea for holding snacks like cut fruits or nuts and seeds. The wraps are large enough for a sarnie, and open out to a large circle, creating a 'plate' to keep your food off the ground and away from the ants!

8) Insulated Leakproof lunchboxes

If your picnic includes leftovers or wet foods like pasta bakes we recommend the Qwetch leak proof lunchbox. With a large capacity, leakproof lid, carry handle and big opening so you can eat directly from the lunchbox, especially good if you want to cut down on washing up! It's insulated to keep food cool for 7 hours and warm for 5 hour too.

9) Insulated reusable coffee cup

An insulated coffee cup is perfect for so many reasons! Just as the children start calling out for ice-cream, you can rinse your cup with your fresh water and take them over to the kiosk and ask for a scoop (or 3) in the cup. Use your bamboo spork to eat it and hey presto, you have saved a single use tub and plastic spoon! The ice-cream will not fall on the ground or make a sticky mess over hands and clothes, and if it melts - great, you have a milkshake!

10) Picnic rug or throw

Lastly, comfort is a must on a picnic. taking a rug to sit on and wrap up with when it gets chilly is a good idea. Keeping to the sustainable theme, we love the ReSpiin recycled wool throws. Made from 100% recycled wool, with no dyes and large enough to sit your family on but soft enough to wear. They are quite beautiful too, adding to your picnic style. 

We hope you have found this guide to be useful, for additional picnic inspiration, please check out our Green Guide to Picnics and our Eco Picnic Collection on Everyday Green.

Happy picnicking!