How to plan a zero waste picnic

We love those first days of the London summer – the city seems to come alive as everyone heads out for a picnic in the parks and gardens. But while we’re out enjoying nature, picnics can generate a lot of plastic waste – like disposable cups, cutlery and packaging.

Here are our tips to plan ahead for a zero waste picnic season!

#1: Reusable Containers

Stainless Steel Screwtop Container

A picnic revolves around food, so we’ll start here. Rather than buying snacks pre-packaged from the supermarket, bring your own zero waste snacks – like vegetables, fruits, dips, nuts. It only takes a few minutes to make your own hummus or guac in the blender, tastes better, and will seriously impress your guests! Bring your snacks in this stainless steel screw top canister. It's leak-proof and will keep your food fresher for longer.

Elephant Box

With a 2 litre capacity, the Elephant Box is big enough to bring a large salad or a round of sandwiches. Made from 100% food-grade stainless steel it's versatile & easy to care for.

#2: Food covers

Beeswax wrap

Forget single-use plastic cling wrap, and switch to more eco-friendly options available. Wild & Stone have a super stylish selection of beeswax wraps to suit your summer picnic theme.

These food wraps are reusable and washable, made from GOTS-certified organic cotton and sustainably-sourced beeswax. Ideal for bread rolls, sandwiches, baked goods, half-eaten fruit, half-used vegetables and salad bowl covers.

Silicone Stretch Lids

Another excellent option for covering salad bowls - silicone stretch bowl covers. You can get them in a range of sizes and they’ll stretch to any shape. They’re easily washable and can be thrown in the dishwasher when you get home. 

Above: Silicone Bowl Covers can stretch to any shape – super convenient!

#3: Reusable water bottles

It's not just your picnic snacks that should go in reusable containers; it's your drinks too. So instead of using plastic bottles, take a refillable bottle! If you want to keep your water cold (or your tea hot!), stainless steel works best. Our top tip? Pop a couple of ice cubes in your bottle for extra cool drinking water.

#4: Reusable cups

Ditch the plastic disposable cups and switch to reusable stainless steel cups. Even Glastonbury festival has ditched plastic cups in favour of stainless steel pint cups, so they’re officially NOT cool. Stackable steel cups are easy to pack & take to your picnic. Best of all, they won't break or shatter – in case of any accidents with small (or big!) kids.

#5: Straws

Straws suck, literally. Straws can’t be recycled and end up as a never ending stream of waste. Skip the drinking straws altogether, or pack a reusable steel, silicone or bamboo straw instead. Colourful silicone straws are also handy so you don't mix up your drinks!

#6: Cutlery

There’s no reason to buy separate ‘picnic’ items when your kitchen drawers will have almost all you need to pack a zero waste picnic. If you really must buy cutlery, invest in some bamboo cutlery sets that are light enough so that you can have them for everyday use or travel.

#7: Tea towels

Forget paper towels and take your kitchen tea towels. These come in handy when packing plates and glasses to stop then from breaking, and they’ll also be handy when it comes to wiping up spills.

#8: Second-hand picnic rugs and baskets

No need to purchase a brand new picnic basket when there are plenty of second-hand ones available for purchase. Check out second-hand online sites such as Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree. Same goes for picnic blankets – you could even just use a bedsheet to save your cash.

How do you reduce waste during the picnic season ? Let us know your top tips in the comments below!