For those of a certain age, the lyrics to Nat King Cole’s “Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer” surely brings a smile to the face.

For those of less than a certain age however, those same lyrics might well bring a quizzical look to the face. 

Whether familiar with the song or not, summer days are almost synonymous with being prime time for family and friends to gather for outings filled with fun, food, adventure, and making memories. 

But are you aware those same get togethers also provide an excellent opportunity to reduce waste and make a positive impact on the environment? With a few simple strategies, making your outings zero-waste is easier than you might think, with substantial benefits as the pay off. 

According to a study by the Environmental Protection Agency, the average American produces over 4 pounds of trash per day, much of which comes from single-use items like non-recyclable packaging.  Think everything from yogurt and sour cream containers, to the myriad of Styrofoam and plastics that items like meat and baked goods are sold in. And lest we forget, every Styrofoam cup, plate, and one-use plastic eating utensil all add to this daily 4 pounds per day, per person trash mix. 

Not all is lost however because by making a few conscious choices, families/friends can significantly reduce their waste output when planning get togethers, starting with the essentials: food and drink.

Packing snacks and meals in reusable containers not only reduces waste but also saves money. No need to look any further than reusable storage containers vs. one-time throw aways bears this out. And when it comes to serving up all those food items don’t forget to include compostable plates, utensils, and napkins, all of which are conveniently available to order on our Foodloops.net website. 

When it comes to hydration, investing in reusable water bottles for each person can make a huge difference, not to mention completely sidestepping the whole “Is this my water bottle or yours?” conundrum.    

Also as potential food for thought (all puns intended) consider choosing activities that connect your family or friend group with nature, such as hiking, biking, or visiting a local farm or even one of the area farmers’ markets.  Any of these activities not only fosters an appreciation for the environment, they can also bring the seemingly huge ‘What can I possibly do that could possibly make a difference?’ question into real and attainable steps.   

Finally, making sure to collect everything from your outing or get together then taking advantage of any of the several area Food Loops compostable drop-off sites through our bucket program (details for which are also conveniently found at FoodLoops.net) and you will indeed be making a significant difference. 

Zero-wasting (yes, that’s actually a newly minted verb you can add to your day-to-day conversation) your next family or friends gathering is not only feasible, but also beneficial for both the planet as well as your pocketbook. By making simple swaps and conscious choices, you can enjoy quality time with your loved ones while minimizing your environmental footprint. 

So, next time you're planning a lazy, hazy, crazy day full of fun and adventure, consider your many sustainable options and make a positive impact one outing at a time.