An epic outdoor meal should create memories —not trash left behind. Make your beach days and park hangouts more ocean-friendly with a few simple swaps to reduce waste using Surfrider’s Ocean Friendly Picnic Checklist.
Choose to Reuse: Use nontoxic, durable reusable foodware instead of single-use plastic.
Pack:
Think Natural or Recyclable: If you aren’t able to use reusables, opt for recyclable or natural-occurring materials that can be home composted. Check out our new Ocean Friendly Foodware Guide 3.0 for alternative product ideas.
Pack:
Remember to skip the bioplastics as research has shown that bioplastics can be just as harmful to our environment as their petroleum based counterparts.
Ordering Takeout? Make it Ocean Friendly: If you don’t want to cook yourself, choose from one of our +600 Ocean Friendly Restaurants nationwide to find delicious food options while supporting businesses that do their part to reduce single-use plastic. Pro tip: bring your own takeout container to reduce waste!
Leave No Trace: Everything you bring to the beach or park with you, remember to take back home. Packing out what you packed in helps reduce the strain on public trash receptacles and limits the amount of trash that may be accidentally littered when the bins get too full. It also helps to ensure your disposable foodware is getting properly composted or recycled.