Protect the earth while you picnic –
If you’re planning on using the weekend for a picnic or outdoor party, make sure your outing is eco-friendly.

Try to reduce the waste generated during your time out in nature by packing all of your food in reusable containers. Instead of opting for plastic cups and utensils that can easily be dumped in the trashcan at the park, use your own glasses and cutlery. If you do use disposable cups, ask people to write their names on the cups so they’ll use only one (to make it easy, put out markers).

Also if you have to opt for disposable dinnerware, buy the kind that won’t clog landfills or kill trees. To try: EarthShell plates and bowls (earthshell.com). They’re made from corn, potatoes, and limestone — and cost less than 6 cents per plate. Include cloth napkins instead of paper ones. You also get bonus points for packing local or organic food. And of course, all of this will go nicely in your picnic basket, eh Boo Boo?