As people take advantage of the warmer weather it seems that picnics are THE new way to socialise. In fact, here are my tips for the best picnic spots in Melbourne for families.
I know it can be convenient to just grab single-use disposable plastic plates, cups, cutlery and napkins and to throw it all away when you’re done – but the sight of overflowing bins in my local parks have got me thinking about some easy tips on how to reduce your waste when you next go on a picnic.
Remember, you don’t have to be 100% into Zero Waste living – every little bit helps.
Ideas for a Zero Waste Picnic
- Pack your homemade or store-bought food in reusable containers.
- The empty reusable containers are also useful for taking home leftovers, food scraps and food waste for your compost bin, worm farm or food waste collection caddy if your council offers this service.
- Bring your own cutlery, plates, cups, straws and even reusable napkins that you can just throw in the washing machine afterwards. Just remember that everyone should have their own set – no one should be sharing cutlery!
- BYO rubbish bags: Bring along an extra plastic, or better still paper bag to collect your rubbish. I actually bring 3 bags – a landfill bag, a normal recycling bag and a soft plastics recycling bag.
- Don’t add to a full bin: Stuff just ends up blowing away and becoming litter. I suggest you take your rubbish home.
- Keep a lookout for a nearby recycling bin (usually paired with a general waste bin).
- Scrunch your soft plastics into a bag and drop them off at your local supermarket via a REDcycle bin.
Best Waste-Free Food Storage & Reusable Cutlery
To help you with packing your zero waste picnic, here are some of my favourite waste-free packaging options that you can reuse again and again and which are sturdy enough to withstand being bundled around inside a picnic basket or hamper.
Biome Reusable Cutlery
The Biome Reusable Cutlery kits come with a range of reusable products like a bamboo knife, fork and spoon, stainless steel straw, napkins and and more, all in a storage bag.
Carry Your Cutlery Kit
Or there is a stainless steel cutlery set, with storage tin, knife, fork, spoon, chopsticks, straw and straw cleaning brush.
If you just need to add a piece or two to your collection (especially for the littlest family members), you can buy a bamboo spork or a stainless steel spork.
Green Essentials Leak Proof Bento Box
This Bento Box is designed to contain 5 compartments, prefect to store either a large lunch or a variety of snacks to get you through the day.
They’re also great for takeaway food. The clamp holds all three layers together (although it does not promise to be totally leak proof).
Ever Eco Reusable Silicone Food Covers (6pk)
Seal food for transport or protect any leftovers with reusable silicone food covers. These are designed to replace cling wrap and keep food fresher for longer.
Ever Eco Stainless Steel Round Containers Set of 3
Set of 3 stainless steel round containers with coloured leak proof lids – 150ml, 280ml and 500ml capacity. Also available in Autumn theme coloured lids.
Ecopocket Starter Set (3 Pack)
Set of 3 bags, perfect for storing smaller items on a picnic and they’re leakproof too! These are an easy way to take a little sugar for a tea / coffee, garnishes or a special treat without sacrificing space in your picnic basket or tote. The set includes 1 cup pocket, 2 cup pocket and 6 cup pocket.
Onyx Stainless Steel Airtight Leak Proof Containers
These 45ml leak-proof containers are perfect for single serves of dips or sauces.
Best Reusable Water Bottles
Stainless Steel Water Bottles
I like a stainless steel water bottle as it can withstand knocks, bumps and even being dropped. There are a variety of shapes, sizes and colours available so everyone in the family can have a different one.
Thermos King Vacuum Insulated Bottle with Flip Lid
This insulated bottle holds up to 710ml of hot or cold liquid. Perfect for making a cuppa after your picnic or packing a hot chocolate.
Best Picnic Accessories
Reusable Napkin Co. Hemp & Organic Cotton Napkin
Designed and produced in Australia, these hemp and cotton napkins and tea towels are made sustainably, ready to be used over and over again. Also available in Mackerel, Latte and Cauliflower.
Light Chopping Board
This Camphor Laurel cutting board is a unique freeform wooden chopping board made from salvaged Camphor Laurel timber. Ideal for popping in the picnic basket or for a wine and cheese hampers.
Large Linen Insulated Picnic Bag
The SoYoung Raw Linen Lunch Poche is a stylish yet functional lunch bag for everyone. Featuring an insulated interior, detachable long strap for travel, and a back pocket for cutlery.
Eco Food Covers
The Shoofly Eco Food Cover is Platter sized and ready for your outdoor entertaining. Ideal for cakes, small picnics or coffee table platters. Made from upcycled materials and is machine washable.
