The Waste-Free Shabbat Picnic

This Shabbat I had my first Shabbat meal picnic of the summer, and it was a lot of fun. Gorgeous weather, good friends, delicious food, and a fascinating conversation about our parents’ experiences with drugs. But possibly my favorite part about my picnic was how I was able to pull off a picnic for 8 people and only created about a cup and a half of garbage, including food scraps. Why have a picnic with your friends if you could be having a picnic with your friends while feeling all self-righteous about how you’re saving the world? That’s my motto.

So anywhere, here’s my strategy for a waste-free Shabbat picnic:
Reusable plastic plates and cutlery. I like Preserve brand, that makes theirs out of recycled takeout containers, and can be put in the dishwasher when you’re done.
Plastic cups from the dollar store.
Cloth napkins
All food in reusable Tupperware/Gladware

That’s really not a lot to ask, and the amount of waste you’ll eliminate by doing that is remarkable. Think about the garbage bag that’s usually passed around at picnics. Now imagine if you could change it to a sandwich bag, instead. Impressive, right? Start planning your own waste-free Shabbat picnic today.