Many families enjoy Summer time celebrations. Gathering with family and friends outdoors is a fun and relaxing way to spend quality time together. Unfortunately, many summertime picnics and barbecues take a toll on Mother Nature (and can also be a bit pricey). This summer, you might consider changing some of your summertime celebrating behaviors. Why not consider a more eco friendly way to enjoy your summer fun? Here are a few ideas to get you started.
-Ditch the disposables- Sure paper plates, cups, table cloths and napkins make for simple outdoor eating, however these items produce a lot of waste and are harmful to the environment. Why not make a change this year and ditch the disposables? By using items that you already have you will be preventing extra waste and also be saving money. The next time you are heading to eat outdoors, pack a picnic basket or bag with items from your own kitchen. If you are having a large outdoor gathering and do not have enough items for everyone, ask to borrow. Also, try to avoid passing out disposable water bottles and single serving beverage cans. Serve drinks in large pitchers or containers to cut back on waste. Ditching the toss away materials will make a big difference in how much waste your summertime celebrations create.
-Keep it clean- When you are having a gathering outdoors, it is important to remember to keep it clean. Just as if you were at someone else’s house, you would not just toss wrappers and trash on the ground- you should not do it outdoors either. Make sure you have enough trash cans to accommodate the size of your gathering. If you are at a park or beach that does not have recycling trash cans, bring a container or box and label it clearly so others can see where their discarded items should be placed. You can then take the recyclable items with you and take them to a nearby recycling center yourself.
-Skip the “stuff”- Resist buying goody bags, small toys, and “stuff” meant to entertain the kids. More often than not, these items usually get forgotten or tossed not long after the party anyway. Rather than buying bulk toys and activities from the party store, look at your own stuff for ideas. Gather balls, jump ropes, bubbles and other items the younger ones enjoy playing with. You can also ask friends and family to bring along their favorite outdoor toy or activity to share. Frisbees and hula hoops are items you most likely already own (saving you money) and that can be used over and over (which is good for the environment).
-Water Games- Summer is often associated with keeping cool. If you do not have a pool but is still looking to keep cool at your summer gathering, steer clear of the water balloons. Water balloons are not very eco friendly (or pet/wildlife safe). The ground after a water balloon toss is often covered with neon plastic pieces that get forgotten and left on the ground. Also, these small latex pieces are choking hazards for and pets and other wildlife that find them interesting.
The key to an entertaining summer gathering that is both cost effective and eco friendly is to simply think before you act. Avoid excess waste and encourage clean fun and your event will be a success in both of these areas!
Anne Martin is a writer working for Dinnerware Center. Currently, her favorite dinnerware is the Sengware collection.