Celebrate summer with a plastic-free picnic
Plastic pollution is certainly no picnic.
The global challenge requires immediate action, as most plastic waste ends up in our landfills and pollutes our lakes, rivers, and oceans. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, less than 10 per cent of the plastic used in Canada actually gets recycled.
Without a significant transformation, Canadians will throw away an estimated $11 billion worth of plastic materials annually by 2030. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has recently promised to implement a ban on “harmful single-use plastics” such as bags, cutlery, and plates in Canada as early as 2021. But environmentally-cautious Canadians don’t have to wait to begin reducing their plastic waste.
Plastic Free July is a global movement that encourages the public to refuse single-use plastics for the entire month in the hopes that the small, yet significant lifestyle adaptation will continue. Since this yearly challenge happens to fall within the heart of summer, what better way to take part in the incentive than by throwing a picnic? Sans plastic, of course.
Here’s how you can throw the perfect plastic-free picnic:
REUSE OLD FOOD JARS
Pickle and jam jars make for great alternatives to plastic bags when packing up food. Simply give them a good wash and they suddenly become a reusable item in your picnic basket.
DITCH THE WATER BOTTLE
Staying hydrated doesn’t have to include plastic water bottles. Grab a few mason jars and simply add sliced citrus and mint for a refreshing beverage.
AVOID PLASTIC-WRAPPED FRUIT
A no-cut fruit salad makes for the perfect guilt-free sweet treat. Picking up fruit from a local farm or farmer’s market eliminates the use of plastic wrap and bags.
BUY IN BULK
Ready for some protein? Buy your nuts (or snack of choice) in bulk! Most bulk food stores allow you to bring reusable produce bags and storing jars.
AVOID PRE-PACKAGED FOODS
Pre-made salads often come with excessive plastic bags to separate each component. Escape the unnecessary waste by purchasing your produce, dairy, and additional toppings at a farmer’s market or deli. Mix the salad in a canning jar, that doubles as a salad bowl for a delicious, no-mess meal.
We challenge you to be part of the Plastic Free July movement. Choosing to refuse single-use plastics could be as easy as throwing your own plastic free picnic. For more information, visit: Plastic Free July
