The word “summer” generally goes hand in hand with classic warm-weather staples: sandy days on the beach, cool-offs by the pool, gatherings around the grill, and … masked meetups? Sure, our summer parties may look a little different this year as Americans continue to practice social distancing, but some states and counties are loosening restrictions around safely gathering outside. Many local and national parks are open for business again, and more celebrations are moving out of the backyard and into these wider, more open spaces.
And while the COVID-19 pandemic made it harder to be our peak sustainable selves — no bringing reusable bags to the grocery or reusable cups for curbside coffee — this summer’s outdoor gatherings are an easy place to flex a little eco-friendly muscle. From Fourth of July celebrations to Labor Day hangouts, there are plenty of opportunities to throw together a party that keeps sustainability at the forefront — without sacrificing the fun.
It’s often easier to throw an eco-friendly picnic or BBQ at home, but when you take the party on the road, it can be a little trickier to make choices that are good for the environment. Planning ahead, keeping things simple, and choosing sustainable supplies are surefire ways to make your summer picnics as eco-friendly as possible. Here, we break down different ways to reduce the impact of your party on the environment, from sustainably sourced food to plastic-free packaging, eco-conscious grilling, and more.
How to throw a sustainable outdoor party, picnic, or barbecue.
Last Updated: September 24, 2020
These easy-to-follow tips will make transforming your next outdoor soiree into a sustainable feast feel like a walk in the park.