7 Essential Eco-Friendly Picnic Tools

As a kid, all I wanted to do in the summer time was go for picnics in the park and on the beach. It feels like such an accomplishment: successfully bringing food, utensils, other necessary equipment to place that is completely devoid of any of the resources of a kitchen. When you really stop to think about it, though, picnics are the most hilariously human concept—now that we've evolved to the point of having steady homes rather than hunting and gathering, we come up with elaborate ways to eat outside for fun.

But picnics are a great way to enjoy the summer weather and a fun way to be economically responsible while hanging out with your friends, especially if everyone brings different food.

Gone are the days of simply using paper cups and plates, though. Obviously, it's important not to leave any kind of carbon footprint, which is why we’ve got you covered with some recommendations on eco-friendly picnic tools. Here's everything you need:

Spill-Proof Napkins

Of all the trash you could leave behind after a picnic, napkins are the most annoying in my opinion, since they can blow around and disturb others in the park. They’re also the easiest to ruin before you’ve even used them (see: condensation from cold beverages, any kind of spill en route to the picnic...you get the gist).

These napkins are water resistant, solving that problem. Plus, once you’re done with them you can throw them in the wash and use them over and over again.

BUY IT: DII Spill-Proof Napkins, Set of 6, $14 on Amazon

Multi-Purpose Outdoor Pillow Blanket

If you’re going to have spill proof napkins, you better be sitting on something that is equally resistant to stains and water. This versatile outdoor blanket is a pillow-y heaven that operates not only as a cushion for your limbs, but as a wrap around poncho, sleep sack, and cozy blanket. Plus, it’s got a Teflon Eco-Elite fabric treatment which is just a fancy way of saying that any liquid that meets the surface turns into beads that can slide off easily without leaving a residue. Use it for the picnic, and bring it to all the outdoor spots on your itinerary—concerts, hikes, festivals.

BUY IT: Voited Ripstop Outdoor Blanket, $109 on Amazon

Reusable Travel Utensils

Epicurious editor Joe Sevier geniusly hacked together his own travel cutlery set and keeps it in his bag to use when he's eating on the go but still wants to avoid disposable, plastic utensils. But for a picnic, you're going to need a full set. If you're not convinced out of using plastic, perhaps the shiny, vibrant color scheme will convince you that these reusable, dishwasher-safe stainless steel cutlery are a picnic necessity.

BUY IT: Oh Fun Travel Cutlery Set $19 on Amazon

Collapsable Travel Cups

Sometimes I feel discouraged by the idea of a picnic before I even get there because I don’t want to lug so many things back and forth, but everything on this list so far is pretty easy to make smaller. These collapsible cups are no exception—they’re great for cold refreshments, and are easy to wash. They also come with a lid in case you want to drink your beverage in transit. I think the keychain is the best part—it's a cup that clips to your backpack!

BUY IT: ME.FAN Silicone Collapsible Travel Cup $15 on Amazon

Insulated Cooler Bag

I’ve been living a mediocre picnic life until this point, carrying snacks and meals in tote bags. To think, I could have been using this amazing cooler bag this whole time, to keep everything chilled? I feel silly. This bag is large, insulated, and waterproof so you don’t have to worry about any leaks, and has a couple of carry options with adjustable padded shoulder straps.

BUY IT: Mier Large Insulated Cooler Bag, $20 on Amazon

Melamine Plates

Forget the paper plates, melamine is where it’s at. These beautiful plates give an earthy feel to whatever you’re serving up at the outdoor function, and are super easy to clean (they're dishwasher safe, too). These are great indoors, too, for when you’re no longer at the picnic.

BUY IT: Melamine Dinnerware (Set of 8 plates), $38 on Amazon

Silicone Food Bags

If you’re looking for an easy, breezy way to pack the essential snacks and want your food to take up less space, I love these reusable BPA free food bags. They’re like Tupperware but less clunky, and they have the added benefit of functioning well for not only a variety of foods, but liquids, too. You can use these at home in the fridge or freezer, and they’re dishwasher and microwave safe.

BUY IT: Reusable Food Bags (pack of 4), $24 on Amazon

Originally Appeared on Epicurious