To truly enjoy the great outdoors, we should all do our part to protect them. And that goes for all stages of the picnicking process, from meal planning to packing it all up in an eco friendly picnic basket. Photo by Kin Li on Unsplash #ecofriendlypicnicbaskets #sustainablepicnicbaskets #ecofriendlypicnic
Photo by Kin Li on Unsplash
To truly enjoy the great outdoors, we should all do our part to protect them. And that goes for all stages of the picnicking process, from meal planning to packing it all up in an eco friendly picnic basket. Image by Gooses Willow (Etsy Vintage) #ecofriendlypicnicbaskets #sustainablepicnicbaskets #ecofriendlypicnic
Image by Gooses Willow (Etsy Vintage)
To truly enjoy the great outdoors, we should all do our part to protect them. And that goes for all stages of the picnicking process, from meal planning to packing it all up in an eco friendly picnic basket. Image by VivaTerra #ecofriendlypicnicbaskets #sustainablepicnicbaskets #ecofriendlypicnic
Image by VivaTerra

Eco Friendly Picnic Baskets that Won’t Make You Want to Lose Your Lunch


Ahh…Picnics… 

It’s one of our favorite past-times, relaxing with friends and family, all the while enjoying our natural surroundings. 

But to truly enjoy the great outdoors, we should all do our part to protect them.

And that goes for all stages of the picnicking process, from meal planning to packing it all up in an eco friendly picnic basket.

Speaking of baskets, the craft of basketry dates back to 8,000-6,000 BCE, which means it’s older than stone carving and pottery!

While technology has made some improvements over the millenia, traditional basket weaving methods are still used today.

However, picnic baskets have changed in other ways—namely with the use of plastic-based materials and toxic dyes.

Which doesn’t sound so appetizing, does it?

Especially considering there are several brands keeping that age-old tradition alive with natural materials like grass and wicker. Why compromise?

Grab your eco friendly water bottle (filled with water or wine… your choice!), your favorite snacks, and get outside with a sustainable picnic basket handcrafted with responsibly sourced materials. 

*This post contains affilate links

QUICK LINKS FOR ECO FRIENDLY PICNIC BASKET BRANDS


1. VIVATERRA

To truly enjoy the great outdoors, we should all do our part to protect them. And that goes for all stages of the picnicking process, from meal planning to packing it all up in an eco friendly picnic basket. Image by VivaTerra #ecofriendlypicnicbaskets #sustainablepicnicbaskets #ecofriendlypicnic
Image by VivaTerra
About VivaTerra’s All-in-One Picnic Basket

VivaTerra’s eco friendly picnic basket set for two makes for a perfect way to celebrate a sunny afternoon with a delicious lunch. 

Except for the food, you have nothing to prepare with this picnic basket. It includes all the goodies you’ll need: eco-friendly bamboo fiber plates for two, eco friendly cutlery, a cutting board, and two recycled glass wine goblets. 

All bundled together in one easy-to-carry all-natural case.

It’s made out of handwoven willow and lined with natural, dye-free cotton. 

About VivaTerra

VivaTerra is one of our favorite eco-friendly home decor brands

They feature ethically and sustainably made products from a diverse range of global artisans, all vetted for their responsible business practices.

Shop home accents, eco friendly sofas and other sustainable furniture, sustainable pillows, outdoor decor, and so much more. 

For just $1, you can opt for climate-friendly shipping when you purchase your eco-friendly picnic basket thanks to VivaTerra’s partnership with TerraPass.

Available: VivaTerra

2. FOOD52

To truly enjoy the great outdoors, we should all do our part to protect them. And that goes for all stages of the picnicking process, from meal planning to packing it all up in an eco friendly picnic basket. Image by Metrovicshop (Etsy Vintage) #ecofriendlypicnicbaskets #sustainablepicnicbaskets #ecofriendlypicnic
Image by Metrovicshop (Etsy Vintage)
About Food52’s Sustainable Picnic Baskets

Depending on where you live, outdoor eating can be a bit of a novelty these days. 

With Food52 you can really make the most of your picnic experience. 

Start out with the basket itself, choosing between insulated lunch totes (which aren’t so eco friendly but should last you a very long time) or a natural willow picnic basket. 

The latter is eventually compostable except for the cotton/poly liner which can simply be removed. 

Next, you can add some style. If you’re preparing for, say, a first date, take your picnic to the top with their picnic-perfect wine cooler and collapsible wine and beer table (because nothing puts a damper on a date like a spilled drink!). 

Finally, prepare the feast! 

About Food52

For foodies and unenthused eaters alike, Food52 is a treasure trove of everything that comes before, during, and after the “bon appetit.”

Not only do they share recipes and cooking product recommendations, but they sell old and new products.  

While Food52’s picnic baskets are newly made, they offer a largely selection of hard-to-find vintage cutlery and cookware, props for food stylising, and anything else they feel would benefit from a second life.

Available: Food52

3. KAZI

To truly enjoy the great outdoors, we should all do our part to protect them. And that goes for all stages of the picnicking process, from meal planning to packing it all up in an eco friendly picnic basket. Image by Kazi #ecofriendlypicnicbaskets #sustainablepicnicbaskets #ecofriendlypicnic
Image by Kazi
About KAZI’s Fair Trade Picnic Baskets

KAZI’s hand-woven sustainable picnic baskets are so beautiful you won’t even notice the ants trying to steal your food. 

They’re small and simple. A perfect size if you want to pack just a couple of sandwiches for an impromptu lunch break in nature. 

All baskets are made using traditional hand weaving methods using elephant grass. They’re even dyed with all organic dyes.

About KAZI

We love what these baskets are made from but what really makes them stand out is how they’re made. 

Ghana-based KAZI was founded to use the creation of beautiful products to help alleviate poverty in rural Africa. Now a member of the Fair Trade Federation, they ensure all local artisans receive fair wages in safe and supportive working environments. 

Kazi also helps to reinvest profits into artisan development training programs.

These provide rural communities with livelihood opportunities and education for craftspeople to learn new techniques and practices. 

Their products are sold on Made Trade, one of the best ethical alternatives to Amazon

Everything you purchase on the platform will be sent using carbon neutral shipping and a portion of your purchase will be donated to 1% for the Planet.

Available: Made Trade

4. ETSY VINTAGE

To truly enjoy the great outdoors, we should all do our part to protect them. And that goes for all stages of the picnicking process, from meal planning to packing it all up in an eco friendly picnic basket. Image by Metrovicshop (Etsy Vintage) #ecofriendlypicnicbaskets #sustainablepicnicbaskets #ecofriendlypicnic
Image by Metrovicshop (Etsy Vintage)
About Etsy Vintage’s Picnic Baskets

Have you gone down the Etsy black hole? 

We have. A lot. 

The platform is used by sellers all over the globe, making it a great place to get nearly anything and everything. 

But when you need a break from endless scrolling, they can help get you away from the screen and into the sun. 

How? 

With picnic baskets a plenty! 

Being a maker-to-peer market, Etsy features a large range of sellers offering handwoven new eco friendly wicker picnic baskets or vintage picnic baskets that are better for earth and just look really cool.

Many already include plates and cutlery too.

We’re confident that you’ll find the perfect picnic companion to suit your style and budget.  

Just bear in mind that not all Etsy products are eco friendly. Read the product description and stick with secondhand picnic baskets or those made with natural materials like willow, wicker, rattan, linen, and/or cotton.

About Etsy Vintage

Most people love Etsy for its endless selection of one-of-a-kind things.  

While that certainly is a big bonus, it’s also an ethical online market because it provides a worldwide platform for small businesses and individual makers.

Since keeping things small and localized is a key factors to ethical manufacturing, Etsy’s teeny tiny traceable supply chains are #manufacturinggoals.

Don’t forget all Etsy orders come with 100% carbon neutral shipping!

Available: Etsy

FINAL THOUGHTS ON SUSTAINABLE PICNIC BASKETS

We don’t know about you but food combined with the great outdoors (or just great sustainable outdoor furniture)—is an (almost) unbeatable combo!

Of course, this means having the great outdoors in the first place. 

So, if you enjoy nature, make sure you’re doing your part to protect it, like increasing local biodiversity and choosing sustainable, zero waste products.

Using sustainable picnic baskets made of (mostly) natural materials instead of the many plastic-based alternatives will also go a ways to safeguarding our environment. 

Think of it as an extension of your zero waste kit, and another excuse to get outside.

But just remember the most sustainable picnic basket is the one you already own. And if you don’t have one, we always recommend buying used first, whether through Etsy, another online thrift store, or even just your local op shop.

What does a planet-friendly picnic look like to you?

You may also be interested in our list of eco friendly lunch bags and boxes – some of these are great for use on epic picnic outings too!

Feel free to share any tips or favorite picnic basket brands in the comments!


To truly enjoy the great outdoors, we should all do our part to protect them. And that goes for all stages of the picnicking process, from meal planning to packing it all up in an eco friendly picnic basket. Image by VivaTerra #ecofriendlypicnicbaskets #sustainablepicnicbaskets #ecofriendlypicnic

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