How to Host an Environmentally
Friendly Outdoor Picnic

How to Host an Environmentally
Friendly Outdoor Picnic

Picnic full of food served on paper plates

What better way to enjoy the outdoors than hosting a picnic, barbecue or get together. Outdoor entertaining is a great way to see friends and family while the weather is nice. And it turns out that using paper and cardboard to create the party is an easy and sustainable ways of coming together.

Paper and cardboard are almost all you need to create and host an outdoor gathering. From putting on an impressive spread to providing entertainment, paper and cardboard have you covered. Even better, for those who are concerned about sustainability, paper and cardboard are a perfect fit. Almost all the paper products you need for an outdoor get together are recyclable. If you are unsure, we have a handy recycling guide to help you sort out your concerns.

Here are some ways to put on a fun and sustainably conscious outdoor affair that is sure to please people of all ages.

Setting Up a Buffet 

Eating pizza at a picnic

Did you know pizza boxes are designed to be recycled? So check in with your local guidelines and recycle the box when your picnic is over! 

Setting Up a Buffet 

Almost everything on the table can be derived from paper and cardboard. From paper tablecloths and placemats to paper cups and cardboard serving dishes. If you can imagine it, there is a sustainable product available. Not in the mood to grill or cook? Have a pizza party! Pizza boxes are recyclable after all.

Eating pizza at a picnic

Individual Dining

Family picnicing

When you picnic, choose paper plates and cups because they are light-weight making them easy to transport! 

Individual Dining

Worried about guests balancing their food and drink? Provide each guest with a shallow box to put their plated food and beverages in along with paper towels and napkins. Find or make boxes similar to the boxes we get at the concession stand at the movie theaters. These boxes balance on laps or lay flat on the ground while sitting on a blanket, keeping all your food in one place.  

Family picnicing

Outdoor Activities

Kid making paper airplanes outside

Keep your kids entertained with paper crafts. One fun idea is to make paper planes and see who's design can fly the furthest!

Outdoor Activities

If you are planning activities for adults or kids, consider using cardboard and paper as the star of the show! Have children take turns playing ring toss. You can build your own ring toss out of cardboard. You can also throw a handmade paper plate frisbee around. And of course, the classic paper airplane contest. Children can take turns tossing a paper airplane from a pre-determined line to see whose plane goes the farthest.

Kid making paper airplanes outside

Wrap Up the Party in Style

Packing up leftovers

Don't let any leftovers go to waste! Bring paper to-go containers and give your guest food to bring home.

Wrap Up the Party in Style

Leftovers? No problem. Provide take away paper bags and cardboard boxes for guests to bring home their favorite treats from the soiree. By using recyclable containers, guests can enjoy their favorite recipes and not have to worry about washing and returning a glass or plastic dish but thoughtfully recycle instead.

 

Packing up leftovers