The weather is getting better day by day, and we start searching for relaxing outdoor activities. We may go gardening, on a walk or a bike ride, or even look to the skies for immersive experiences. Park picnics are still one of the classic activities to do in warm weather to celebrate life and the simple joys of being outdoors. People gather on blankets around baskets of delicious food, share stories, and laughter fills the air. While enjoying a picnic, leave minimal impact on the environment for the beauty it provides, by practicing simple good green outdoor habits.
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Choose A Nearby Park
Before heading to the most fabulous park in your city, search for accessible national parks, gardens, or green spaces near your house. This saves time, and reduces your carbon footprint, as you can go by walking or biking. Otherwise, I would advise you to swap singular car trips for public transport and carpooling.
Antoniades Gardens, Alexandria, Egypt. Source: State Information Service
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Take Just What You Need
In our Arab culture we find that having more than needed is much better than having less, and this applies to food; when you are outdoors, this ends-up with lots of food waste. Plan carefully with your friends or family members who share the trip with you the type and quantities of meals each will be bringing, to avoid wasting food.
Image by Freepik
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Plan Your Menu
It is highly recommended to prepare your food rather than buying pre-packaged meals. Sandwiches are classic picnic options that are easy to make and transport; similarly, finger foods, such as wraps, and salads with a variety of ingredients. Vegetable sticks with various dips and fruit skewers are great options; they are healthy and refreshing snacks. As for drinks, it is important to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated, in addition to other refreshing homemade juices.
Image by wirestock on Freepik
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Pack Reusable Gear
Landfills are overloaded with various disposables. Instead, take a look around your house and you will find needed supplies for an environmentally friendly picnic. Pack reusable plates, cups, and utensils, depending on how many people are joining you; do not forget to bring reusable bags and containers for leftovers, too. Home supplies reduce waste and are more cost-effective on the long run.
Image by Freepik
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Respect the Place
It is important to pay attention to the picnic spot throughout your trip, and to respect the surrounding wildlife and natural habitat. Advise your companions, especially if you are taking children along, to be mindful to their surroundings, not to damage plants, and to pay attention to bird nests or any small creatures. Moreover, you can plant trees using the fruit seeds you have, but be sure you have permission first! Make sure to do all your activities in an environment-friendly manner.
Image by pch.vector on Freepik
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Leave No Trace
As you arrive to the park, you will find it clean, ready to welcome you. The least you can do is to repay it by leaving no trace. Before leaving, make sure that you have picked up all your belongings and any leftovers; do not leave anything behind. If you do not find a nearby (categorized) rubbish bin, take your garbage home to dispose of it. Strive to leave the park the way you collectively found it; better still, think of how to make it better to welcome new guests.
Image by Freepik
- Share Your Experience
Now, you have some tips to start a joyful picnic. Use hashtag #SCIplanet and share with us your ideas, experience, and photos of how to adopt eco-friendly picnic practices; we will post them on our social media pages.
Small things do make a big difference, and practicing good green habits means celebrating life. Such simple practices can by all means save our budget, homes, and planet. If you cannot do them all, choose at least three and make them your habit this year. Let us collaborate to get one step closer to a greener planet and secure life for future generations.