The ultimate ethical picnic checklist
National Picnic Week is the perfect excuse to head outdoors, enjoy good food and spend time with friends and family. Plus, with a little planning, it’s also easy to make your picnic more sustainable.
From reusable food containers and eco-friendly snacks to sustainably sourced drinks and low-waste essentials, this ethical picnic checklist covers everything you need for a more mindful day out.
Before you leave
A sustainable picnic starts even before you arrive. A little preparation can help reduce waste, avoid unnecessary purchases and make the day run more smoothly.
- Choose a recycled picnic rug
- Pack everything in a sustainable backpack, tote bag or basket
- Take reusable cutlery
- Bring cloth napkins or reusable kitchen towels
- Pack food in reusable containers rather than cling film or disposable bags
Food and snacks
One of the easiest ways to make a picnic more sustainable is to choose thoughtfully sourced food and minimise single-use packaging.
Here’s our ethical picnic essentials checklist:
- Ethically sourced crisps and savoury snacks
- Palm oil free chocolate and biscuits
- Nuts, seeds and dried fruit
- Organic olives
- Vegetarian or plant based pate and dips
Our ethical shopping tip:
Look for products that are organic, fair trade, palm oil free or produced by brands with clear environment.
Drinks
Drinks can generate a surprising amount of waste if each person brings individual bottles or cans.
Instead, consider:
- Refillable water bottles
- Large bottles or cartons to share
- Fairtrade tea or coffee in reusable flasks
- Organic soft drinks
- Reusable cups for serving
Low waste picnic essentials
Small items are often forgotten but can make a big difference.
- Reusable food wraps
- Bamboo paper or reusable straws (if needed)
- A bin bag for collecting rubbish and recycling
- A reusable cool bag or insulated lunch bag
- A rug made from natural or recycled materials
Pack it up
An ethical picnic isn’t just about what you bring, it’s also about how you leave the space behind.
Before heading home:
- Take all rubbish with you
- Recycle where facilities exist (or take it home!)
- Avoid leaving food scraps behind
- Respect local wildlife and green spaces
- Take leftover food and drinks home
Enjoy the simple things
Creating a more sustainable picnic doesn’t mean sacrificing convenience or enjoyment. A few thoughtful swaps can significantly reduce waste while making outdoor gatherings more enjoyable and better for the environment.
This National Picnic Week, use this checklist as a guide and make sustainable choices one picnic at a time.
