Back

Five tips on how to be more sustainable with your London picnic

Sep 04, 2023
More sustainable with your London picnic
With so many of us attempting to reduce our plastic usage and cut down on food waste if you’re planning a picnic in London, it’s important to know how to make it more eco-friendly.
To help you out, the sustainability experts at Barratt London have shared some top tips to consider before you head to the park.

1. Buy loose fruit and veg 

Buying loose fruit and veg for a picnic will help to reduce food waste and single-use plastics. According to Grocery Gazette, supermarkets aim to remove 1.7 billion pieces of plastic from their shelves to avoid wasting 77,000 tonnes of food. As a result, shoppers could save £85 million in wasted produce.  
If you’re purchasing loose fruit and vegetables, take your re-usable bags to store them in and only buy what you will be using. Pre-packaged items might also mean they are slightly more expensive, so shop local to cut costs.  


2. Pack picnic items in durable containers 

Some plastic containers, tin foil, and cling film can not only harm the environment, but also cannot be reused or recycled. By packing a picnic in containers made from more sustainable materials such as stainless steel or glass, they will not only be easier to clean, but will also ensure your food stays at the correct temperature and is protected from insects and bugs. 


3. Reinvent your leftovers 

If you have any leftovers from last night’s dinner (take extra precautions around reheating), consider whether you could use them to take to the picnic before you head out to buy more food. Whether it’s leftover salad, veggies, or even cooked meats, by doing this, you are reducing both food and plastic waste, alongside saving money. 


4. Use reusable crockery. 

Plastic knives and forks might seem like the most sensible option for a picnic, as you can easily dispose of them, however they aren’t the most environmentally friendly. Bring your cutlery from home or bring reusable cutlery which can be washed. Reusable plates and bowls can also be used, as well as reusable cloths instead of wipes, and you can wrap them up in your picnic blanket for added protection.  


5. Walk to your picnic spot  

If you’re keen to reduce your carbon footprint, why not work up an appetite by having a pre-picnic stroll? By walking or cycling to your spot, you are not only cutting down on air pollution but also ensuring you get your daily step count up.  


Heading to a picnic in London? Here’s what you need to know 

If you’re living in London, you’re probably already familiar with the stunning Royal parks located around the city. However, if you’re planning an afternoon with friends and family there are a few little-known rules you need to know..  
According to London's Royal Parks, each park has a set number of people you can have in attendance, so if you’re thinking of having a large gathering, you may want to take a look below:  
  • Bushy Park - 20 guests  
  • The Green Park - 20 guests  
  • Greenwich Park - 25 guests  
  • Kensington Gardens - 30 guests  
  • The Regent’s Park - 40 guests  
  • Richmond Park - 40 guests  
  • St James’s Park - 60 guests  
If you are holding an event that exceeds the maximum number of guests, you must contact the relevant park office beforehand.  
And, just incase you were thinking of arriving to your picnic by hot air balloon, think again, as the Royal Parks all have the same bylaws which visitors must follow: 
  • Balloons are not allowed to be released within the parks. 
  • Doves are not allowed to be released within the parks.  
  • You cannot land in a hot air balloon in the park unless it’s an emergency. 
  • You are not allowed to ice skate on any frozen waterway. 
  • You are not allowed to play archery in the parks unless it’s an event organised by a park’s council.  

Related Articles