Here are my top tips for How To Picnic Plastic Free. There’s no better way to enjoy the summer than a picnic with your loved ones, but walking through the park on a sunny day the beauty of nature is too often interrupted by piles of litter left behind by happy and a little too care free picnic-goers. So if you do one thing this summer why not take a few measures to make your picnic plastic free.

1. Prepare + Make it yourself

This is my number one tip for a reduced waste picnic, of course making your own items takes more time but if you buy a few ingredients you can throw together a delicious picnic in a few minutes. Just go with the formula of grain + protein + something crunchy +  something sweet. For example: some slices of sourdough, an avocado, homemade hummus, carrot sticks and protein bliss balls. 

2. If you don’t have time to make it yourself you can still be spontaneous, just bring your own tupperware to the deli counter. Why not check out these collapsible tupperware that are oh so portable.

3. Always carry cutlery : keep a cutlery kit in your bag, this is a great tip for reducing plastic in general. Either buy a set or simply put some spare cutlery in a suitable bag, cloth sunglasses cases work perfectly.

4. Use reusuable wraps

Instead of cling film, which is plastic and disposable why not use a reusable version like these beeswax wraps. 

5. Don’t throw away containers

When you do use plastic containers, for example from a takeaway or previous picnic, don’t throw them away, they can work as a lightweight option for your picnic salads.

6. Plate up: use a lightweight bamboo plate, or a tupperware lid instead of disposable plates

If you feel like getting fancy and want to eat off plates for your picnic don’t go for single use plastic ones, instead choose a lightweight alternative that you won’t mind carrying home, such as these bamboo ones or if you’re feeling less fancy your tupperware lid doubles up as a fantastic makeshift plate

7. Bring leftovers 

Picnic food doesn’t have to be made specially, leftovers can be a great addition. Why not spice up the pasta you cooked last night with some homemade pesto and extra veggies for a quick and simple and filling addition to a picnic

8. Make your own dips

Supermarket dips always come in plastic packaging so why not make your own. Hummus takes no time at all to blend up and you can get creative with what pulses you use. Why not try this delicious red lentil and harissa hummus.