In the age of Global Warming, soaring fuel costs and dwindling natural resources it is nice to know that there is still one time honored tradition that can be enjoyed while leaving a minimal footprint on the environment.  The quintessential outdoor activity of picnicking is a pastime that has been a part of our culture for hundreds of years.  In the past, picnickers, due to a lack of knowledge and experience, were less than responsible in their stewardship of the land, resulting in littered picnic sites and other outdoor spaces.  Today, with a little planning and forethought, picnickers can enjoy the wonderful feeling of alfresco dining while being responsible protectors of their local environment. 

One of the biggest wastes involved in picnicking is the use of disposable flatware, storage containers and utensils.  You can preserve natural resources and reduce your amount of potential litter by using re-useable and recyclable materials in your picnic kit.  Instead of using plastic bags, aluminum foil or plastic wrap to preserve your food for a picnic use Tupperware or Pyrex containers.  Bring acrylic, glass or hard plastic glasses and cups for your beverages, never use Styrofoam or disposable plastic cups.  You can also bring your own silverware from home or get a set of relatively inexpensive silverware exclusively for outdoor dining, plastic utensils are just one more drain on resources and another potential for litter and pollution.  By using re-usable and recyclable picnic accessories for your outdoor dining you can significantly reduce the impact you値l have on your local outdoor spaces.  Outdora provides a plethora of re-usable picnic baskets and backpacks; most of them come complete with flatware and utensils, in convenient compartments, so you値l never have to bring along disposable picnic gear. 

Another way to help reduce your impact on the environment is to make different choices in the foods you take along on your picnic.  If you make an effort to take along natural, whole or organic foods you can significantly reduce the amount of damage you do to the environment.  As these foods are grown without the use of pesticides, hormones, petroleum fertilizers or chemicals, the farming techniques used to cultivate them are far less damaging to the environment than more conventionally farmed foods.  Not only that, but you may find that your body will be thanking you for giving it naturally farmed foods, complete with there attendant vitamins and minerals. 

While picnicking is a relatively eco friendly, activity transportation to your picnic site isn稚.  If you live within a close proximity to your favorite outdoor dining spot try riding your bicycle or walking; you値l be getting the dual benefit of reducing your CO₂ emissions and getting some exercise.  Try choosing picnic locations you値l have to hike to reach.  While you may have to drive to the trail head, at least you値l be walking some of the way and conserving fuel that way.  Outdora has many picnic backpacks that make it possible to have a gourmet picnic while keeping your hands free to negotiate challenging trails and hikes.