Alternatives to Disposable Products
Plates & Utensils:
What would a picnic be without plates and utensils? When going out on a picnic, many opt to bring disposable plates and flatware for their convenience, not considering the environmental impact. According to the organization Leave No Trace, an estimated 40 billion plastic utensils are thrown into U.S. landfills every year, typically after only a single use. By swapping disposable dishes and utensils for reusable options, you can not only save money, but help the environment in the process. A basic ceramic plate isn’t going to cut it, but fortunately, zak! has you covered with a wide variety of dinnerware sets made of durable melamine. These products are lightweight and reusable, as well as the perfect way to add some style to your next picnic. Bringing kids along? We recommend packing some zak! Flip-It plates. These plates are made of durable plastic, feature fun characters, and can be stacked to keep multiples from sliding around. One side is flat and one side is divided into sections, offering 2-in-1 functionality that makes them ideal for whatever meal you serve!
Napkins
Leave No Trace also reports that paper makes up 35 pounds out of every 100 pounds of trash in landfills. Switching to reusable cloth napkins instead of the disposable variety can help bring this number down. Plus, the inherent elegance of a cloth napkin gives you the added benefit of impressing your picnic guests by bringing a little extra style to your outdoor dining setup!
Water Bottles and Wine Tumblers
No matter your choice of beverage, a reusable water bottle can enhance your picnic. Unlike disposable cups, reusable water bottles and tumblers with vacuum insulation will keep your drink the right temperature for longer. This means that your iced tea, lemonade, or chilled rosé can keep its cool in the summer heat! Plus, you don’t have to worry about spilling your drink, thanks to leak- or splash-proof lids. For even more functionality, zak!play water bottles and tumblers have a light-up Bluetooth speaker built into the base, so you can share your playlist and turn any picnic into a party.
Bags and Food Storage Containers
Now that you have the tableware decided, it’s time to decide how to transport the food. We recommend using reusable food storage containers over prepackaged food in disposable packaging. This simple step not only ensures leaving no waste, but it can also lead to packing more appropriate portion sizes and cuisine that looks just a bit classier.
This post was created in collaboration with Leave No Trace.
