Source: www.thepicnicstreet.com.au[/caption] An eco-friendly picnic is a wonderful way to celebrate Father's Day, a special someone's birthday, or to simply relish the weather and the great outdoors. So how can how can you make sure that it is eco-friendly? It's actually really easy.
Stay local, walk, cycle, or public transport
Let's not ignore the elephant in the room, the action you can take to most reduce the environmental impact of your picnic is to leave the car at home!Fun fact! A 10 kilometre trip in a fuel-efficient passenger vehicle will produce about one house brick weight of greenhouse gas emissions! (Av. passenger vehicle uses 1.1 litre of petrol per 10 kilometers, 2.7 kilograms of greenhouse gas emissions are released per litre of petrol combusted. ABS.gov.au).
Swap disposable for reusable or biodegradable plates & cutlery
Bring crockery or picnic plates from home, pop the dirty plates in a plastic bag then wash at home. You could purchase old plates, cups and cutlery from a second-hand store as your picnic set. Or, if do not wish to wash-up, there are plates made from plants rather than plastic. To be truly biodegradable, take them home and pop in the compost, mulch, or bury in your garden. Green Bean eco tableware plates, cutlery, and other items are made from untreated, renewable woods. Palm Leaf Plates made from natural shed palm leaf sheath are made with no chemicals or synthetics. They can also be mulched, given for animal fodder, or used upside down on garden beds as mulch. And, remember everyone's reusable water bottles and cloth napkins.Use Australian made and locally sourced seasonings
Take Australian-made to the next level by supporting products with ingredients grown in Australia too. The native Australian Oz Tukka five spice pack brings a unique adventure to any dish, while the macadamia nut dukkah will lift your dishes to a new gourmet level. Likewise, season with Murray River gourmet salt flakes and add a delicious touch to food, while helping to reduce inland salinity!Natural non-toxic sunscreen and insect repellant
Biome's range of natural sunscreens are made with zinc oxide. Zinc oxide is a physical barrier used to absorb and block the sun's harmful UVA/UVB rays, not a chemical barrier. Plus, use a natural non-toxic insect repellent to keep the mozzies away. A Para'Kito mosquito protection wristband naturally deters mosquitoes by diffusing a blend of plant essential oils. If it is a body spray you prefer, iKOU insect repellent body spray and Bug Another organic insect spray are perfect options. For more great eco-friendly picnic ideas visit www.biome.com.au
