Icon - Arrow LeftAn icon we use to indicate a rightwards action. Icon - Arrow RightAn icon we use to indicate a leftwards action. Icon - External LinkAn icon we use to indicate a button link is external. Icon - MessageThe icon we use to represent an email action. Icon - Down ChevronUsed to indicate a dropdown. Icon - CloseUsed to indicate a close action. Icon - Dropdown ArrowUsed to indicate a dropdown. Icon - Location PinUsed to showcase a location on a map. Icon - Zoom OutUsed to indicate a zoom out action on a map. Icon - Zoom InUsed to indicate a zoom in action on a map. Icon - SearchUsed to indicate a search action. Icon - EmailUsed to indicate an emai action. Icon - FacebookFacebooks brand mark for use in social sharing icons. flipboard Icon - InstagramInstagrams brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - PinterestPinterests brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - TwitterTwitters brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - Check MarkA check mark for checkbox buttons.
You are reading

The 18 Best Zero-Waste Picnic Essentials

Search

Start typing to search...

Search
ForksIssue 16 — Spring Refresh

The 18 Best Zero-Waste Picnic Essentials

April 26, 2019

One of my resolutions for this year has been to tip the balance of our household waste away from single-use containers. Last year, our ratio looked something like this: 60 percent trash and 40 percent poorly sorted recycling. Now, over the course of four months, and with some key lifestyle changes (like keeping our compost in the freezer), our ratio is moving in the right direction: 60 percent compost, 30 percent recycling, and just 10 percent trash.

Then, the other weekend, a freakishly sunny Saturday was cause for an impromptu picnic with friends. On the way to the park, we picked up some pre-made things—fruit, bread, the usual picnic fare—but as the sun went down and we were packing up to head home, we realized we had created three bags full of plastic waste. What a shame! In an afternoon’s time the balance tipped back. This set me off on the hunt for reusable picnic gear, for a designated set to bring to a picnic, the beach, and on camping trips. (Unintended bonus: the reusable stuff photographs so much better—if you’re into that sort of thing.) Here’s our list to sort through before the real good weather sets in:

Food Containers

The Rosti Mepal Storage Box comes in white (shown), black, and soft pastel colors. It has a transparent cover and is dishwasher, microwave, and even oven-safe; €7 at Merci. They&#8\2\17;re also available stateside at Food5\2, sold in sets of four for \$60 or \$70 depending on size.
Above: The Rosti Mepal Storage Box comes in white (shown), black, and soft pastel colors. It has a transparent cover and is dishwasher, microwave, and even oven-safe; €7 at Merci. They’re also available stateside at Food52, sold in sets of four for $60 or $70 depending on size.
My personal favorite to-go containers are from Onyx, including the Divided Airtight Food Storage Container seen here. It&#8\2\17;s made from stainless steel and is airtight (no spills); \$30 at Goop. There is also the \14cm container for \$\18 and the \16cm container for \$\20 also at Goop.
Above: My personal favorite to-go containers are from Onyx, including the Divided Airtight Food Storage Container seen here. It’s made from stainless steel and is airtight (no spills); $30 at Goop. There is also the 14cm container for $18 and the 16cm container for $20 also at Goop.
A 3 Pack of Stainless Steel Mini Food Containers is good for storing small snacks (like olives) and keeping salad dressing separate and contained; \$\18.95 at Package Free Shop.
Above: A 3 Pack of Stainless Steel Mini Food Containers is good for storing small snacks (like olives) and keeping salad dressing separate and contained; $18.95 at Package Free Shop.
The silicone alternative to plastic bags, the Stasher Reusable Sandwich Bag works especially well for picnics because when the snack within has been consumed, you only have a lightweight silicone pouch to pack away (as opposed to a clunky tin); \$\1\2 at Goop. It&#8\2\17;s also available at Amazon for \$\1\1.99.
Above: The silicone alternative to plastic bags, the Stasher Reusable Sandwich Bag works especially well for picnics because when the snack within has been consumed, you only have a lightweight silicone pouch to pack away (as opposed to a clunky tin); $12 at Goop. It’s also available at Amazon for $11.99.

Dinnerware

A longtime favorite for durable outdoor dinnerware, the Falcon Enamelware Tumbler comes in \1\1 different colors (shown in Sage) for \$\10 each. We also like the newer Enamel Cup from HAY (not pictured) that comes in four colors for \$\15 each.
Above: A longtime favorite for durable outdoor dinnerware, the Falcon Enamelware Tumbler comes in 11 different colors (shown in Sage) for $10 each. We also like the newer Enamel Cup from HAY (not pictured) that comes in four colors for $15 each.
From the Alfresco Collection by Kinto the Bamboo Melamine Glass in Black is made from a blend of both materials (it&#8\2\17;s not compostable, it&#8\2\17;s reusable); €6 each at Merci.
Above: From the Alfresco Collection by Kinto the Bamboo Melamine Glass in Black is made from a blend of both materials (it’s not compostable, it’s reusable); €6 each at Merci.
The White Bamboo Plate is made from a bamboo and melamine blend but looks like a typical paper plate; €7.50 each at Merci.
Above: The White Bamboo Plate is made from a bamboo and melamine blend but looks like a typical paper plate; €7.50 each at Merci.
The great thing about the Falcon Enamelware Deep Plates are that they work for just about any type of food (summer gazpacho, salad, or pie); \$70 for a set of 4 at Falcon Enamelware.
Above: The great thing about the Falcon Enamelware Deep Plates are that they work for just about any type of food (summer gazpacho, salad, or pie); $70 for a set of 4 at Falcon Enamelware.

Flatware and Tools

The Snow Peak Titanium Full Cutlery Set comes in a compact canvas case; \$34.95 per set at Snow Peak.
Above: The Snow Peak Titanium Full Cutlery Set comes in a compact canvas case; $34.95 per set at Snow Peak.
The Bamboo and Melamine Fork and Spoon from Kinto are €4 each at Merci.
Above: The Bamboo and Melamine Fork and Spoon from Kinto are €4 each at Merci.
For sipping cool drinks in the sun, Stainless Steel Straws to the rescue. This set from Schoolhouse comes with a bristle brush for easy cleaning; \$\14 for four at Schoolhouse.
Above: For sipping cool drinks in the sun, Stainless Steel Straws to the rescue. This set from Schoolhouse comes with a bristle brush for easy cleaning; $14 for four at Schoolhouse.
It&#8\2\17;s always a little scary packing a knife to go but if you have any charcuterie involved in your picnic (or an apple or anything that requires more force than a butter knife), it&#8\2\17;s an essential. I have the Snow Peak Cutting Board Set Medium. It&#8\2\17;s perfect because the knife stows away in the cutting board itself; \$39.95 at Snow Peak.
Above: It’s always a little scary packing a knife to go but if you have any charcuterie involved in your picnic (or an apple or anything that requires more force than a butter knife), it’s an essential. I have the Snow Peak Cutting Board Set Medium. It’s perfect because the knife stows away in the cutting board itself; $39.95 at Snow Peak.
Keeping food chilled on the way to the park is always tricky. But if you pair the reusable, plastic-free Onyx Stainless Steel Ice Pack (\$\19.99 at The Wild Minimalist) with an insulated cooler bag, your food should make the journey melt-free.
Above: Keeping food chilled on the way to the park is always tricky. But if you pair the reusable, plastic-free Onyx Stainless Steel Ice Pack ($19.99 at The Wild Minimalist) with an insulated cooler bag, your food should make the journey melt-free.

Linens

We&#8\2\17;re longtime fans of the Ambatalia Linen Bento Bags. You can wrap up fruit, vegetables, nuts, bread, or crackers and tying it with a knot at the top keeps everything more secure than you might a linen sac could; \$\24 for the large bags at Ambatalia. (Photograph from Quitokeeto.)
Above: We’re longtime fans of the Ambatalia Linen Bento Bags. You can wrap up fruit, vegetables, nuts, bread, or crackers and tying it with a knot at the top keeps everything more secure than you might a linen sac could; $24 for the large bags at Ambatalia. (Photograph from Quitokeeto.)
Paper towels are crucial at a picnic (there&#8\2\17;s always a spill of some kind) but the single-use nature and often-bleached, non-recycled material doesn&#8\2\17;t earn them a spot on our list. What does however, is the My Drap Roll of \1\1cm Tear-off Napkins. It&#8\2\17;s a roll of 50 napkins that can be washed up to six times and are biodegradable (just remember to compost them) at the end of their life cycle; €\15.90 at Merci. We also like the Un-Paper Towels that are \$\16 for 6 at Package Free Shop.
Above: Paper towels are crucial at a picnic (there’s always a spill of some kind) but the single-use nature and often-bleached, non-recycled material doesn’t earn them a spot on our list. What does however, is the My Drap Roll of 11cm Tear-off Napkins. It’s a roll of 50 napkins that can be washed up to six times and are biodegradable (just remember to compost them) at the end of their life cycle; €15.90 at Merci. We also like the Un-Paper Towels that are $16 for 6 at Package Free Shop.
Every picnic needs a baguette, and while you could wrap yours in a cloth, the Aplat Baguette Tote is pretty appealing—and can carry up to three baguettes; \$50 at Aplat. Another option for a bread bag are those made by Dans Le Sac.
Above: Every picnic needs a baguette, and while you could wrap yours in a cloth, the Aplat Baguette Tote is pretty appealing—and can carry up to three baguettes; $50 at Aplat. Another option for a bread bag are those made by Dans Le Sac.
Once you get hooked on Bee&#8\2\17;s Wrap you&#8\2\17;ll never turn to a plastic baggie again. The Beeswax Food Wraps are good for covering bowls, wrapping veggies and greens and just about any food item. They&#8\2\17;re also great to bring a couple unused wraps to the picnic for taking home anything half-eaten; \$\18 for a variety pack at Zero Waste Store.
Above: Once you get hooked on Bee’s Wrap you’ll never turn to a plastic baggie again. The Beeswax Food Wraps are good for covering bowls, wrapping veggies and greens and just about any food item. They’re also great to bring a couple unused wraps to the picnic for taking home anything half-eaten; $18 for a variety pack at Zero Waste Store.

Looking for more ideas on zero waste living? See our posts including posts on Remodelista and The Organized Home:

For something to keep your picnic kit in see:

(Visited 481 times, 1 visits today)
You need to login or register to view and manage your bookmarks.
Add to Collection
New Collection

Explore Deeper Into These Areas

Previous Post

Trending on Remodelista: 5 Design Ideas to Refresh a Room

April 26, 2019
Next Post

Current Obsessions: Into May

April 27, 2019

Have a Question or Comment About This Post?

Join the conversation

Related Stories

Read all recent posts

join us on Instagram Logo

gardenista_sourcebook

Sourcebook for Cultivated Living, sister site to @remodelista
Tag us using #gardenista 🌿🌱

Gardens & Outdoor Living

v5.0

×
Join the Remodelista Family of Websites

Become a Member at no charge

When you register as a free Member of the Remodelista family of websites (Remodelista, Gardenista, and The Organized Home), you gain access to all current posts plus 10 archived posts per month, our internal bookmarking tool, and the community bulletin board.

Member benefits include:

  • Access to all posts published in the past year
  • Access 10 archived posts (older than one year) per month on each site
  • Use of our internal bookmark tool, so you can save products, posts, and other pages for quick reference
  • Access to our community bulletin board so you can ask and answer design-related questions
  • Unlimited access to the Product Catalogs, Design Travel sources, and Architect & Designer Directory listings
  • Choose from our ten newsletters to keep up with the latest on the sites

Or Subscribe for Maximum Value!

For $5/month ($59.99 paid annually) you'll enjoy unlimited, ad-free access to Remodelista, Gardenista, and The Organized Home and all the benefits of Membership.



Subscriber benefits include:

  • Unlimited access to all three sites
  • Weekly access to subscriber-only content
  • Ad-free browsing environment
  • Unrestricted access to 30,000+ archived posts
  • Receive the full-text daily newsletters
  • All features that Members have access to
  • Annual subscribers pay 50% off the monthly subscription price of $9.99
×
Subscribe to the Remodelista family of websites

For $5/month ($59.99 paid annually) you'll enjoy unlimited, ad-free access to Remodelista, Gardenista, and The Organized Home and all the benefits of Membership.



Subscriber benefits include:

  • Unlimited access to all three sites
  • Weekly access to subscriber-only content
  • Ad-free browsing environment
  • Unrestricted access to 30,000+ archived posts
  • Receive the full-text daily newsletters
  • All features that Members have access to
  • Annual subscribers pay 50% off the monthly subscription price of $9.99
×
Sorry! As a registered member you get 10 free posts from our archive (posts more than a year old) every 30 days. You have reached your limit for this 30-day period. If you would like to access unlimited posts from the archive (ad free, too), become a subscriber today, and keep reading as many articles as you want.

Full Access Individual Subscription

Benefits include:

  • Unlimited access to Remodelista, Gardenista, and The Organized Home sites
  • Ad-free browsing environment
  • Unrestricted access to 30,000+ archived posts
  • Receive the full-text daily newsletters
  • All features that Members have access to
  • Annual subscribers pay just 50% off the monthly subscription price of $9.99


×
Sorry! You have reached your limit of three (3) free posts from our archive every 30 days. You can increase this to 10 posts by joining as a free Member, or read unlimited posts with no ads by becoming a paid Subscriber.

Subscribe to the Remodelista family of websites

For $5/month ($59.99 paid annually) you'll enjoy unlimited, ad-free access to Remodelista, Gardenista, and The Organized Home and all the benefits of Membership.



Subscriber benefits include:

  • Unlimited access to all three sites
  • Weekly access to subscriber-only content
  • Unrestricted access to 30,000+ archived posts
  • Receive the full-text daily newsletters
  • All features that Members have access to
  • Annual subscribers pay 50% off the monthly subscription price of $9.99

Become a Member at no charge

When you register as a free Member of the Remodelista family of websites (Remodelista, Gardenista, and The Organized Home), you gain access to all current posts plus 10 archived posts per month, our internal bookmarking tool, and the community bulletin board.

Member benefits include:

  • Access to all posts published in the past year
  • Access 10 archived posts (older than one year) per month on each site
  • Use of our internal bookmark tool, so you can save products, posts, and other pages for quick reference
  • Access to our community bulletin board so you can ask and answer design-related questions
  • Unlimited access to the Product Catalogs, Design Travel sources, and Architect & Designer Directory listings
  • Choose from our ten newsletters to keep up with the latest on the sites

My Account

Your member profile is powered by memberstack