Host the Best and Greenest Picnic in Town

We all love to spend time outside in the summer, but barbecues and picnics can often result in excess waste that is difficult to recycle. This year, try to host the best (and greenest) party in town. Make your summer gathering fun and green with a few environmentally friendly ideas. You could even use a green theme for your party.

Plan a Local, Organic Menu
According to the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service, produce in the United States travels 1,300 to 2,000 miles from farmer to consumer. Buying from a local vendor like a farmer’s market reduces the carbon emission for transportation of the food and supports your local economy. Also, try to buy foods produced organically. Organic agriculture produces food that promotes the health of consumers, farmers and the earth.

Don’t use Paper or Plastic Dinnerware, Tablecloths or Napkins
Use your own plates, glassware and cloth tablecloths and napkins if your gathering is small (your guests will be surprised and honored). Or ask your guests to bring their own reusable table service – this can be tastefully done if you are using a green theme for your party. You’ll have some dishes to wash, but you will save money and drastically reduce the amount of trash that cannot be recycled at your gathering.

Use Propane for Grilling
Although most chefs think charcoal is better as far as taste goes, the simple fact is that using propane is much more eco-friendly than using charcoal. According to a recent review by Elsevier’s Environment Impact Assessment, “the overwhelming factors are that as a fuel, LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) is dramatically more efficient than charcoal in its production and considerably more efficient in cooking.” Charcoal grilling, on average, produces three times more greenhouse gases than propane grilling when production, transportation and burning are considered together.

Have a Clearly Marked Bin for Recycling
Make it convenient for your guests to recycle their beverage containers by having a designated receptacle for those items. Place it next to the cooler so guests can recycle as they grab for their next cold drink. To order inexpensive, pop-up recycling bins for your summer gatherings, go to http://www.flingsbins.com/.

Take Your Recyclables/Trash Home
If you are picnicking and there are no recycling or trash receptacles nearby, take your waste home. Consider beforehand the types of items you pack for your picnic and plan to leave no trace of your outdoor gathering. We are all responsible for keeping our parks and nature areas beautiful and free of litter! Have a safe and fun summer!