This week my Facebook feed has been full of photos of kids going back to school.  Yes, summer is starting to wind down and crisp fall days are just around the corner.  The back-to-school season seems to affect us all, even if we don’t have kids going to school.  Something about this season makes us feel like summer has ended and we better start to hunker down insider.  It doesn’t have to be this way!!

This time of year is my favorite time to picnic!  Summer doesn’t officially end until September 22nd and even then it stays quite warm and great weather for picnics (and your Labor Day BBQs) long after that.  With these perfect, fall days ahead we thought we would share some of our favorite ideas and tips to help you enjoy an eco friendly and delicious meal!

Green and Healthy Picnic/BBQ Ideas

• Ditch disposable dishes in favor of stainless steel or bamboo.  They’re just as light to pack, take up the same amount of space and are super easy to wash!  (bonus- save old jars to bring along as drinking glasses and pick up some glass straws)
  • There are loads of “compostable’ products popping up on the market.  While these seem like a great idea they come with a catch.  They are often made in an unsustainable way and can only be composted properly in the handful of commercial facilities around the country.  Opting for reusable is best!
• Make your own bug spray with essential oils or bring along some citronella candles to keep the bugs away instead of spraying chemicals
• Buy meat directly from a local butcher (depending on where you live many butchers will allow you to bring your own glass container to put meat in instead of wrapping it!)
• Skip the popsicles filled with artificial colors, flavors and sugar and opt for something homemade instead.  (We’re currently loving these Cooling Lemon Chamomile Popsicles and you’ll find that our teas make a yummy popcicle with a dash of honey mixed in!)
• Make meals quick and easy by looking at Mason Jar meal ideas on Pinterest, there’s lots of great ideas out there that you can prep at home and enjoy on your picnic.  Plus you’re not bringing along anything extra to prep there!!
• Make sure to stop at your local Farmer’s Market to grab delicious fixings without excess packaging! (Watermelon and corn season are upon us- indulge and enjoy!! PS- try lightly grilling your watermelon, you’ll thank us later)
• If you’re having a big Labor Day BBQ  encourage your guests to bring canned food to donate to a local food bank- this time of year is the lowest donation season but one of the highest need seasons and food banks really struggle!
• Bring along a container to pack out your compost and another to pack out your trash/ recycling
• Skip the plastic table cloth and paper decorations in favor of a cloth tablecloth and nice decorations that can be reused or sold when you’re done

We hope you’ll enjoy spending time with family and friends outside before the cold rolls in!  What are some of your favorite picnic tips and tricks?

Pin this post! 

The post Green Picnic Ideas appeared first on Birds & Bees Teas.

This week my Facebook feed has been full of photos of kids going back to school.  Yes, summer is starting to wind down and crisp fall days are just around the corner.  The back-to-school season seems to affect us all, even if we don’t have kids going to school.  Something about this season makes us feel like summer has ended and we better start to hunker down insider.  It doesn’t have to be this way!!

This time of year is my favorite time to picnic!  Summer doesn’t officially end until September 22nd and even then it stays quite warm and great weather for picnics (and your Labor Day BBQs) long after that.  With these perfect, fall days ahead we thought we would share some of our favorite ideas and tips to help you enjoy an eco friendly and delicious meal!

Green and Healthy Picnic/BBQ Ideas

• Ditch disposable dishes in favor of stainless steel or bamboo.  They’re just as light to pack, take up the same amount of space and are super easy to wash!  (bonus- save old jars to bring along as drinking glasses and pick up some glass straws)
  • There are loads of “compostable’ products popping up on the market.  While these seem like a great idea they come with a catch.  They are often made in an unsustainable way and can only be composted properly in the handful of commercial facilities around the country.  Opting for reusable is best!
• Make your own bug spray with essential oils or bring along some citronella candles to keep the bugs away instead of spraying chemicals
• Buy meat directly from a local butcher (depending on where you live many butchers will allow you to bring your own glass container to put meat in instead of wrapping it!)
• Skip the popsicles filled with artificial colors, flavors and sugar and opt for something homemade instead.  (We’re currently loving these Cooling Lemon Chamomile Popsicles and you’ll find that our teas make a yummy popcicle with a dash of honey mixed in!)
• Make meals quick and easy by looking at Mason Jar meal ideas on Pinterest, there’s lots of great ideas out there that you can prep at home and enjoy on your picnic.  Plus you’re not bringing along anything extra to prep there!!
• Make sure to stop at your local Farmer’s Market to grab delicious fixings without excess packaging! (Watermelon and corn season are upon us- indulge and enjoy!! PS- try lightly grilling your watermelon, you’ll thank us later)
• If you’re having a big Labor Day BBQ  encourage your guests to bring canned food to donate to a local food bank- this time of year is the lowest donation season but one of the highest need seasons and food banks really struggle!
• Bring along a container to pack out your compost and another to pack out your trash/ recycling
• Skip the plastic table cloth and paper decorations in favor of a cloth tablecloth and nice decorations that can be reused or sold when you’re done

We hope you’ll enjoy spending time with family and friends outside before the cold rolls in!  What are some of your favorite picnic tips and tricks?

Pin this post! 

The post Green Picnic Ideas appeared first on Birds & Bees Teas.