The lovechild of the blanket, the basket and nature, or how to picnic in an environmentally conscious way!

Just sniff the air and you know: spring is here! At this time, it’s a shame to stay within the four walls, instead opt for nature and treat yourself to a delicious picnic lunch after a long walk or hike. Snacking together is an ideal opportunity to really connect, talk, laugh with each other and recharge the batteries of the soul that have been depleted by winter and the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Here are the best picnicking practices, with a few eco-friendly extras!

In fact, it is very convenient to set off on a trip with sandwiches wrapped in tinfoil, salads in disposable plastic boxes and biscuits lying dormant in shop foil, because at the end of the snack we (apparently!) simply throw out the rubbish and start the journey home with a light backpack. But such a picnic generates a lot of unnecessary waste: it brings the Earth – and indeed humanity – to tears. Fortunately, there are alternatives!

But it does matter what you sit on! One of the essentials for a picnic is a blanket. If you already have a picnic-compatible blanket at home, there’s no need to buy a new one – a bedspread, a larger towel, a waxed blanket or even a larger towel is perfect for the purpose. But if you do decide to buy one, look for a blanket made from recycled material. This is why these blankets are light as a feather and most of them are waterproof.

There are many advantages to preparing picnic food at home. On the one hand, it saves money, as cooking for many people is much cheaper this way. On the other hand, you can save the planet from shop packaging by wrapping homemade treats in recyclable plastic boxes, textile napkins and canvas bags. The best way is to think of a picnic as a sort of crumb party, where everyone prepares some kind of food, so you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen putting together an “all-you-can-eat” table.[VL1] 

Extra tips for sourcing ingredients: there are now many packaging-free shops operated around the country where you can buy the ingredients you need for picnics (or even everyday meals) without producing waste.

It is also a good idea to look out for farmers’ markets near you, where you can pick up fresh, seasonal and chemical-free vegetables, fruit, cheese, honey and other foods. As a bonus, our purchase is a major support for domestic producers!

You don’t have to give up the pleasure of a nice table setting, even if you care about the environment. Textile napkins, reusable cups, bamboo cutlery and plates, and metal straws make for a spectacular and colourful table.

Tip: if you are organising a picnic at dusk or into the evening, add a few candles or solar lanterns to the scene: it will be like stepping into a fairytale world! You can further enhance the atmosphere by taking a Bluetooth speaker with you, so you can add music to the cavalcade of colours, tastes and smells!

There are moments in life when we want to enjoy the benefits of a picnic with zero energy investment, whether with friends or romantically with our love. At such times, it is worth a trip to one of the local vineyards, where you can ask for a picnic basket. Although this option is undoubtedly more expensive, you can enjoy the heavenly flavours hidden in the basket while enjoying a stunning panoramic view, and if you like, you can even top off your outdoor culinary adventure with a glass or two of champagne or wine from the winery.

Picnics are fun, and if we also make sure that we take care of the needs of the Blue Planet as much as possible, we can have an unforgettable experience!