Sustainable summer picnics

Image courtesy of Oliver Olah

Picnic season is here! The summer sun is the perfect opportunity to get outside and enjoy the many beauty spots of our county, but there are many ways that you can make the most of your trip and keep it sustainable. Remember to always clean up afterwards, leave nothing behind and take home your packaging to recycle.

BBQs

If you’re planning to eat al fresco and stoke up the BBQ, please remember to be careful when it comes to the clear up.

Barbeques can cause hazards and fires. Please avoid disposable barbeques as they create unnecessary waste. But if you do use one, it must be left to cool before it’s thrown away otherwise it may be a fire hazard.

After it’s been left to cool for a few hours, pour some cold water on top to be sure, as they can hold heat for a long time. When you’re sure it’s cool, you can dispose of it in your general rubbish bin.

For further advice on safely using a barbeque, head to Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service’s advice page.

Seasonal food, think local!

If you’re planning a picnic, think about your leftovers and what can be stored well.

Picnic food is designed to be easy to transport and enjoy in the park, on the beach or even just in the garden.

Remember to keep your leftovers cool and take home for easy lunches for another day.

Do you plan ahead when meeting friends for a picnic? Co-ordinate what food you plan to bring with you to reduce waste and so you don’t have too much of any one item.

If you’re looking for inspiration for something different for your picnic or summer party, check out Love Food Hate Waste for ideas, storage advice and recipe suggestions.

And, if you have leftover food that can’t be saved, remember to take it home with you and add to your food waste recycling collection.