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Best picnic supplies for a sustainable outdoor meal

Our picks for zero-waste al fresco dining.

Eating Outdoors in Picnic

Photo Credit: Getty Images

The sun is out and it's prime time to eat outdoors. But before you pack your picnic basket with the usual suspects… did you know that Americans use an estimated 120 billion single-use cups every year? Placed end-to-end, those cups would circle the equator 333 times! Then there are the 40 billion plastic utensils discarded every year that go straight to landfills. 

Picnic supplies can contribute to all of that trash, but with a few easy swaps, you can make yours zero-impact. 

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1

Nomadix Festival Blanket

Why It's Cool
It's light as a feather, easy to fold, super cute, AND made of entirely post-consumer recycled materials (i.e., plastic bottles). Add the plush top, waterproof bottom, and quick-drying material that resists bacteria and odors — and you're ready to seriously chill.

$70

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Nomadix Festival Blanket as picnic supplies
2

HydroFlask Cooler Backpack

Why It's Cool
Lightweight but uber-durable (and totally leakproof), this comfy cooler backpack keeps all your picnic supplies cold for up to 36 hours. The fact that HydroFlask donates a portion of proceeds to Parks For All, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting parks, is an added bonus.

$199

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HydroFlask Cooler Backpack
3

Revelshine Wine

Why It's Cool
To start, these delicious wines are made by fourth-generation Sonoma winemakers. And then there are the aluminum bottles, which are infinitely recyclable, 15 times lighter than glass, and can fit into a backpack pocket. Cheers to that!

$45 for a pack of 3

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Revelshine Wine
4

Yeti Wine Tumbler

Why It's Cool
Leave it to Yeti to make the perfect outdoor wine glass that keeps it cold to your last sip, thanks to its unique design. And you'll feel good buying one knowing the company is committed to minimal environmental impact. 

$25

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Yeti Wine Tumbler
5

United By Blue Meal Kit

Why It's Cool
Stainless steel plates, tumblers, and sporks, all housed in a cute recycled polyester case (great for dirty dishes) that clips to your bag — that's just smart. And for every product purchased, the company removes one pound of trash from oceans and waterways. 

$38

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United By Blue Meal Kit
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