How to Enjoy an Eco-Friendly Picnic

It doesn't have to be summer for you to enjoy a picnic in the great outdoors, and packing up an eco-friendly version can be just what you need to get started on your commitment to a 'greener' lifestyle! An eco-friendly picnic is a great way to enjoy some organic food and snacks as you take in the best that nature has to offer in your scenic spot. If you're looking for a fun activity with an eco touch, gather up some friends and family to prepare you very own eco-friendly picnic. Here's how:

1. The eco-friendly picnic basket. You'll want to start with a well-made picnic basket that can be used on other travels and excursions as well, and the Westport 4 Person Picnic Basket is a great addition to your picnic basics. The basket is free of AZO dyes and toxic chemicals, the materials are also biodegradable. The basket is made with hand woven honey willow and an easy-to-carry handle.

2. Reusable utensils. You'll want to pick up a few sets of reusable bamboo utensils from To-Go Ware, a company that makes lightweight and nature-friendly products ideal for travelers. These are made from sustainably-harvested bamboo, and are even heat resistant (you can still cook up your favorite chili!). If that's not enough, these also come in a stylish pouch made by a women's cooperative movement on the Thai-Burma border.

3. Take along a few SIgg bottles . Sigg makes a line of functional, super lightweight bottles that can fit any personality. The company offers a wide range of colors and designs, and even miniature bottles for the little ones. Pick up your favorite in Lifestyle or Sports collections, and save on plastic waste from bottled water or other drinks.

4. Wrap up the food in Recycled Cotton Lunch Bags. Ecobags are made with eco-friendlly recycled cotton, and are a safe alternative to vinyl lunch bags. They're also 100% lead free, and are designed with a simple Velcro closure for easy use. Since they're machine washable too, you can simply scrub them clean and leave them out to dry when not in use.

5. Take along a stylish tote. Try a Recycled Ad Bag , made completely out of old outdoor advertising banners, for your roundup of books, a camera, and other picnic essentials. This lightweight bag is super-durable, and has a washable mesh interior. This one works great as a carryall or shopper too!

6. The organic picnic menu. Head over to your local Whole Foods for some great recipes, or just browse online for an organic version of your favorite meals and snacks. If you're just not in the mood for the eco-picnic preparation, have an organic picnic basket delivered to your door from Organic Bouquet . You can indulge in organic fruit, nuts, cheeses, crackers, and chocolate.

With your organic food wrapped up in an eco-friendly picnic basket, you'll be well-prepared for a green-inspired picnic; head outdoors for a taste of nature on the weekend, between meetings, or just when you need a little refreshment-all while helping the planet.