Ready to picnic without the plastic? Learn how to pack an eco-friendly outdoor meal that’s both stylish and sustainable, from mindful planning to the best reusable gear.
There’s something wonderfully nostalgic and grounding about a picnic. Whether it’s a spontaneous afternoon at the park or a weekend hike with friends, eating outdoors reconnects us with nature. But with that connection comes responsibility. Traditional picnics often generate unnecessary waste - think cling film, single-use cutlery, plastic bags and disposable packaging. The good news? With a little intention and the right gear, you can easily enjoy a plastic-free, eco-friendly picnic that’s both stylish and sustainable.
Here’s how to pack an eco-friendly picnic that’s kind to the planet and a joy to unpack.
1. Plan Mindfully: Less Waste, More Joy
Sustainability starts before you leave the house. Be intentional with your food choices. Choose fresh, locally sourced ingredients, preferably without unnecessary plastic wrapping. Farmers' markets are a brilliant place to pick up produce in your own reusable bags.
Stick to what you and your fellow picnickers will realistically eat. Over-packing leads to food waste, which contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. If you’re bringing perishable items, pack a cooler bag or wrap frozen water bottles in a tea towel to keep everything fresh without needing disposable ice packs.
2. Pack with Purpose: The Magic of Reusables
The key to an eco-friendly picnic lies in how you pack it. Say goodbye to cling film, foil, and throwaway containers. Instead, embrace reusables that are practical, pretty and planet-friendly.
Stainless steel lunch boxes are a game-changer. They’re durable, lightweight, and a fantastic alternative to plastic Tupperware. Moonmoon’s stainless steel lunch boxes are perfect for packing sandwiches, pasta salads, or even leftover roasted veg. They seal securely and keep your food fresh without leaking.
For smaller bites, olives, chopped fruit, energy balls or dips - snack pots are ideal. Look for leakproof options made from stainless steel or glass with silicone lids. Moonmoon offers a range of stylish snack pots that are small enough to throw into a bag but tough enough to last for years.
Reusable silicone bags are incredibly versatile. They take up less space than rigid containers and are perfect for holding nuts, crackers, cut-up veggies or even homemade cookies. Silicone bags from Moonmoon are dishwasher-safe, freezer-friendly, and seal tightly, helping to reduce food waste while keeping everything fresh and secure.
3. Ditch the Disposable Extras
Single-use cutlery and napkins might be convenient, but they’re a major contributor to landfill. Instead, pack bamboo or stainless steel cutlery, cloth napkins, and reusable straws. A couple of reusable cups or jars with lids can double up as drinkware or containers for dessert.
Don’t forget a picnic blanket made from natural fibres, and if you’re in an area without bins, bring a small compostable bag or container to take home any food scraps.
Top Tip - Switch out your cling-film to reusable wax wraps.
4. Drink Sustainably Too
Ditch single-use water bottles and cans. Instead, fill up your own reusable bottles or flasks. If you’re planning a longer picnic or want to bring something special like homemade lemonade or herbal iced tea, transport it in a reusable glass bottle or jug with a secure lid.
5. Leave No Trace
One of the most important rules of sustainable picnicking is to leave your spot exactly as you found it, or even better. Bring home all your rubbish, even biodegradable items like fruit peels or paper napkins. They can take a surprisingly long time to break down and may disrupt local ecosystems.
6. Teach the Habit
If you’re picnicking with kids, it’s a brilliant opportunity to show them how fun and simple sustainability can be. Let them pack their own food into their stainless steel lunch box, use their own snack pots, and help wash everything when you get home. These small habits, instilled early, make a big difference over time.
Enjoying a more sustainable picnic
Switching to a more eco-friendly picnic setup isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress. By using tools like stainless steel lunch boxes, reusable silicone bags, and snack pots, you can dramatically reduce your environmental impact while still enjoying all the delicious, joyful elements of a picnic.
Moonmoon’s beautiful range of reusables makes it easier than ever to picnic with purpose. So next time the sun comes out, grab your lunch box, pack your silicone bags, and head out with pride knowing your picnic is as kind to the Earth as it is to your taste buds.
Happy picnicking 🌿
