For fans of all things alfresco, you can’t beat a picnic! It’s an opportunity to get outside, enjoy fresh air and explore new places.
We’ve tracked down these eco-friendly accessories to help you create the perfect picnic.
1.Bamboo and cornstarch cutlery set, Yours Sustainably
Bamboo and cornstarch cutlery set, Yours Sustainably
Planning your picnic in the middle of a long walk, and worried about carrying too much weight? This three-piece cutlery set is made from 100% biodegradable bamboo fibre and corn starch, and is lightweight and practical. Securely held together with a hinged metal ring, this full-sized set is durable and dishwasher safe (up to 40 degrees). £7, available from Yours Sustainably.
2. Jodphur outdoor rug in blue, Fab Hab
Jodphur outdoor rug in blue, Fab Hab
Manufacturer Fab Hab are on a mission to reduce their carbon footprint, and have produced this range of recycled plastic indoor/outdoor rugs made from plastic straws. They’re made from handwoven polypropylene, roll up for easy storage, come with a carry bag and can simply be wiped clean when necessary, making them ideal for picnics. Was £49.95, now £44.95, available from Cuckooland.
3. Bamboo plates, Klevering
Bamboo plates, Klevering
These striking abstract bamboo plates by Klevering are very practical, as they’re lightweight and robust so ideal for packing and carrying. Designed by ceramic artist Anouk Kramer, they’re available in a range of designs and are sold individually. They’re also dishwasher safe. £5.50 each, available from Printer + Tailor.
4. Bamboo and cornstarch cups, Yours Sustainably
Bamboo and cornstarch cups, Yours Sustainably
5. Bolga shopping basket, Lola and Mawu
Bolga shopping basket, Lola and Mawu
Easier to carry than a hamper, and bright and colourful for summer, this basket is made exclusively for Lola & Mawu by the weavers of Bolgatanga area, Northern Ghana. It measures approximately H 42 cm x W 40 cm x D 28 cm, and each one is handcrafted and unique. £65, available from Lola and Mawu.
6. Labrador blanket in blue, Annabel James
Labrador blanket in blue, Annabel James
This generously sized blue and cream Labrador throw with contrast blanket stitching is made from 100% recycled cotton with a reversible jacquard weave. It’s made in England in one of the last remaining mills in Lancashire, and fully washable so it won’t matter if you spread it on the grass. Also available in black and brown, it costs £124.95 from Annabel James.
7. Little Sun, Hurn & Hurn
Little Sun, Hurn & Hurn
This portable solar powered lamp was a joint project by artist Olafur Eliasson and engineer Frederik Ottesen, and for each sold, another goes to their partners in rural Africa, where local agents can bring solar energy to off-the-grid communities. It’s highly weather and UV resistant, and perfect for evening picnics. It also comes with a lanyard, so children can wear it round their necks if they want to wander around a little. £21.50, available from Hurn & Hurn.
8. Canvas lunch bag, The Organic Company
Canvas lunch bag, The Organic Company
Perfect for personal picnics or lunch on the hoof, this lunch bag will help you do away with disposable bags for good. It has a folding top, and a closure strap with press studs, and is made of 100% organic cotton. £16, available from White Black Grey.
9. Linear stem bamboo salad bowl, Orla Kiely
Linear stem bamboo salad bowl, Orla Kiely
Made from eco-friendly bamboo in seagrass green, this stylish salad bowl features Orla Kiely’s famous linear stem design and is ideal for ‘posh picnics’. It’s dishwasher safe, and costs £25 from Andshine.
10. Navy blue linen bread bag, Helen Round
Navy blue linen bread bag, Helen Round
This pretty bag is the perfect way to store your bread products, eliminating the need for plastic. It is both sustainable and eco-friendly,and is made from 100% linen with a natural cotton tie. Pretty enough to serve out of as well, it costs £27.75 from Made By Hand Online.
In addition to food and drink, remember to pack sun cream and insect repellent for the perfect day out, and pick up and remove any litter when you leave.
Main image credit: Pixabay
