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Written by Grove Collaborative

15 eco outdoor party items you'll want for your next event.

Last Updated: August 2, 2021

We've found the top-rated natural and plastic-free products, reviewed by Grove members, to have for your outdoor gatherings or events. Whether you're barbecuing at the park or camping in the woods, these products are effective, convenient, cute, and reduce your plastic footprint on the earth.

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Over 76 million pounds of plastic packaging are created by U.S companies every single day. At Grove, we think it’s time to stop making plastic.


Outdoor gatherings contribute a lot of waste to the Earth’s landfills. It's time to start creating less waste without sacrificing convenience. Using reusable plates, cutlery, and napkins are great sustainable swaps to get started creating less plastic waste at your next outdoor party. From recycled trash bags to compostable plates, we believe these 15 products are essential to have for your next outdoor occasion.

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Did you know U.S. companies make 76 million pounds of plastic every day, but only 9% of plastic is recycled. At Grove, we think it's time to stop making plastic. Today, we're plastic neutral. By 2025, we'll be 100% plastic-free! Plus, everything sold at Grove is nontoxic, sustainable, and cruelty-free.


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7 eco-friendly items for serving food

Bamboo prep cutting board

Grove Co.'s prep cutting board is made of 100% bamboo. Bamboo is a sustainable material that’s ultra-durable, so we love it here at Grove. This space efficient board will make slicing, cutting, and chopping easy and convenient work when serving your guests at your next event.


Jennifer H., a Grove member who's tried the board wrote "This is so cute, it’s perfect for cutting little things like citrus and then you can just put them on the table on this board."

Try it now!

Tree-free napkins

Seedling's Tree-Free Napkins are also made from 100% bamboo. We craft our napkins from 100% fast-growing, sustainable bamboo fibers instead of trees, because bamboo takes about 3 months to grow back after harvesting and trees take about 20 years. And in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, every Seedling by Grove purchase helps restore American forestland by planting tree seedlings in areas where trees once stood tall.


These napkins are a great eco-friendly alternative because they are packaged in recycled paper, plus the bamboo is panda-friendly, meaning it is not a source of food for panda bears.


Grove member Chris P. says about these napkins "Love these napkins! They are perfect for our family...thick enough to handle messy meals. Soft enough to not feel rough on your hands or face."

Try them here!

Recycled aluminum foil

If You Care Aluminum Foil is made from 100-percent recycled foil and uses 95 percent less energy to produce. Because there's no need to mine the aluminum, the production of this recycled aluminum foil creates less waste, while reusing a precious resource. Plus, this aluminum foil can also be recycled again after use.


Alara A. said about this foil "I used to buy this at Target and Amazon until they both stopped selling it, I thought it was no longer being produced. So happy to find out that Grove sells it!! Just as good and strong as regular foil."

Try it out!

Compostable cutlery

Grove Co.'s set of 100% compostable forks, knives, and spoons is a must-have for your next outdoor dining event. These earth-friendly utensils are heat tolerant and biodegradable, which is better for the environment.


Kristen H wrote about these utensils "These may seem expensive, but for work parties, picnics, and other times/places when you will need plastic cutlery, this compostable cutlery is WORTH the feeling of satisfaction you will feel when you throw them away. They won't be discovered in 4021 by archaeologists who are looking into our wasteful culture, digging through our trash dumps and thinking "oh my planet, what a bunch of once-lers!"

Try them here!

Silicone straws

Grove Co.'s Silicone Straws are flexible, durable, dishwasher-safe, pretty in aqua blue, and suitable for hot and cold beverages. Included in this set are a cleaning brush and a cotton carrying bag for taking on the go too.


Denice E. told us "I am super excited to have purchased this product. The great thing is having a straw cleaner along with the storage bag."


If silicone isn't your thing, read these reviews of some other reusable straw options that are just as eco-friendly and easy to use.

Try silicone straws here!

Chemical-free hand sanitizer

Grove Co.'s fast-absorbing hand sanitizer works to kill common and virus-causing germs within 30 seconds of contact. In addition to antibacterial and antifungal properties, the gel formula also contains 62% alcohol — meeting CDC guidelines, without any harsh chemicals or smell. In blood orange scent, everyone's hands will smell almost as good as the great food you'll be serving to your guests.


Angie U. said "I have purchased several of the Blood Orange scented sanitizer. It is wildly popular in my high school classroom with all of the students. I also love the small travel size and the spray to keep in my backpack, purse and car! Great stuff.”

Try it here!

4 natural products to keep pests & high temperatures away

Mosquito repellent incense sticks

Murphy's Naturals Mosquito Repellent Incense Sticks are a bug repellent incense which offer you up to 12 feet of protection. Plus, each stick will burn up to two and a half hours, meaning this pack of 12 can offer you up to 30 hours of defense from nature’s most persistent pests.


Rita P. said about the incense sticks: "I used the first one I purchased on my front porch. It worked so well I purchased refills and 3 more holders on my next order. I love them. Best mosquito repellent I have used and works way better than the citronella candles you buy in the store."

Try them out!

Earthkind's Stay Away® Ants

When ants come to your party to pay a visit — and we don’t mean aunts like your relatives — trust in Earthkind Stay Away® Ants to get rid of those unwanted pests known for marching two by two. These ant repellent pouches are biodegradable, vegan, made in the U.S., and naturally fragranced.


Victor C. said "We've had an ant problem every summer since we live just outside a huge farm field. Nothing's helped much, so I decided to give this a shot. It worked like a charm. I would usually see 8-10 ants a day in the summer, but since I got this I maybe see 1 a week. It's shocking how well this worked. I bought 2 every month for the house and plan to every spring and summer from here out. It works sooo well."

Try it here!

Badger Balm After Bug Balm Itch Relief

Stop skin from bug bites annoyances even before it starts itching with this Badger Balm After Bug Balm Itch Relief. This after bug balm relief stick is made with colloidal oatmeal and menthol for a soothing and cooling experience to help relieve itchy bug bites and minor skin irritations. They also make great party favors.


Krista B. wrote "I bought this for my kids in preparation for a buggy summer but yesterday I got a bite on my arm and this immediately took the itch away. Plus it actually smells really good!"

Try it now!

4 top eco products for party decorations and clean up

DIY Seed Ball Kit

This hands-on Rainbow Garden Seed Ball Kit will get your family hooked on home-grown produce. Plant it before your party to impress your guests with your rainbow garden once they arrive.


This seed ball kit includes the essentials needed to make up to 20 nutrient-rich seed balls along with planting instructions for starting a colorful vegetable garden full of phytonutrients. Plus, you can give your guests some veggies as favors after the party is over. Win-win.

Find it here!

Storage caddy

A decorative multi-purpose caddy that can neatly organize cleaning products, household goods, napkins and cutlery, or even a garden is a nice way to organize party essentials in a cute container.


Deborah C says "I never used a caddy before and I wish I had. Saves so much time and makes me feel intelligent and organized!"

Try it out!

100% recycled plastic trash bags

Durable drawstring trash bags sustainably crafted from reclaimed plastic that was bound for the landfill, these Grove Co. trash bags are great for clean-up and good for the planet.


Grove member, Brittany L., said "Love these! I use the 13 gallon. Makes me so happy they are 100% post use recycled waste. So happy. They are strong and carry my trash well."

Try them here!

Cleaning vinegar wipes

Choose from refreshing scents such as bright lemon, lavender, eucalyptus, and mandarin to find your own cleaning vibe with these Aunt Fannie's Cleaning Vinegar Wipes. These vinegar wipes are easy to use —and it's even easier to see the difference they make on dirt and germs. Plus, after all that natural party planning you just did, you can't give up when it comes to clean up time.


Rene S. says "Very nice, works well does not leave after odor of cleaner for long. Does not make hands smell of cleaner either."

Try them here!

2 more tips for outdoor parties

How do you keep flies away from outdoor parties?

When having outdoor events that involve food, flies can be a constant annoyance. Ensuring that your food is covered and that your trash is thrown away can be two ways that you can keep flies away from your outdoor party but these methods aren’t a 100% solution.


Aunt Fannie’s FlyPunch! Fruit Fly Trap is a bestseller for us and works wonders on fruit flies. FlyPunch! Fruit Fly Trap is nontoxic and safe to use in your home, in your kitchen, or any outdoor area even with kids and pets around, too. It covers an area of about 500 cubic feet, and can last up to 30 days, although it’s most potent to potential pests for about two weeks.



How do you keep food cool or warm at an outdoor party?

When having an outdoor party that contains food, an issue that’s always present is keeping the food warm or cold. Depending on the food, insulated containers are the way to go. If you are transporting liquids, the this U-Konserve Insulated Food Jar is an ideal buy. It’s BPA-free, lead-free, phthalates-free, durable, dishwasher-safe, and long lasting. From soups and slushies to coffee, tea, and even broths, this stainless steel food container keeps food or drinks hot or cold so you can take them to your outdoor gatherings.


If you are looking for more of an insulated bag then the Grove Co. Insulated Lunch Tote is the product for you. The tote has insulated fabric made from recycled plastic bottles that will keep lunch cold or hot for hours. It is also machine washable. The tote also contains a zipper for closure, an adjustable strap, and an inside pocket. Both of these products are examples of the best ways to keep your food warm or cold at your next outdoor party.

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