July 2024
Plastic-Free Picnics
How does a plastic-free picnic align with Jewish values?
By now, we who are participating in the Eco Challenge realize that environmentally friendly practices align with Jewish values. A plastic-free picnic adheres to the same principles.
Environmental Stewardship: Jewish teachings emphasize the importance of caring for the environment, known as "shomrei adamah" (Guardians of the Earth). By reducing plastic usage, which often contributes to pollution and harm to wildlife, individuals are actively fulfilling their duty to preserve and protect the Earth as stewards.
- Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World): Tikkun Olam is a core Jewish concept that encourages individuals to engage in acts of repairing and improving the world. Choosing a plastic-free picnic is a practical way to participate in tikkun olam by reducing one's ecological footprint and contributing to the overall health of the planet.
- Bal Tashchit (Do Not Destroy): Bal Tashchit is the prohibition against unnecessary waste or destruction. By avoiding single-use plastics at a picnic, individuals are adhering to this principle by minimizing waste and preventing harm to the environment.
- Community and Togetherness: Picnics often involve communal gatherings and shared meals, which are significant aspects of Jewish tradition. By organizing a plastic-free picnic, participants can promote community engagement while also fostering discussions about sustainability and environmental responsibility within the Jewish community.
Overall, a plastic-free picnic reflects Jewish values of environmental stewardship, Tikkun Olam, respect for nature, and community building, making it a meaningful and aligned choice for those seeking to live out these principles in their daily lives.
ACTION ITEMS
Here are a few ways to enjoy a plastics-free picnic.
- Bring water in reusable bottles (and encourage others to do the same!)
- Pack all your food in eco-friendly packaging.
- Bring soft drinks in recyclable cans instead of plastic bottles. Even better... DIY with a fizzy drink maker.
- Bring reusable cutlery, plates and glasses. You can encourage everyone to bring their own (which saves you on washing up). Bring some spares just in case anyone forgets.
- Put sandwiches in reusable containers or beeswax wraps.
- Bake your own crackers – there are dozens of great recipes online.
- Bring along nuts and treats from the local bulk food store.
- Buy corn on the cob and make delicious popcorn at home. Bring it along in a reusable container.
- Stock up on cheese at your local bulk food store – remember to BYO container.
- Bake a cake and bring it along as a sweet treat.
If there are food scraps at the end of the day (like fruit rinds), be sure to take them home and compost them. Encourage people to take any leftovers home, too, rather than throwing them out.
A plastic-free picnic brings people together around a common goal. Empowering people with the skills to go plastic-free, even just for one meal, is a great way to kick-start a bigger change. At the picnic, you can share ideas and recipes to expand each other’s knowledge.
Complete one or more of the Action Items above to meet the challenge!
HOW DOES A PLASTIC-FREE PICNIC HELP PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT?
- Reduction of Plastic Pollution: A plastic-free picnic eliminates single-use plastic items such as bottles, utensils, plate, and straws, preventing them from ending up in landfills, waterways, and natural habitats, reducing the amount of plastic pollution and its harmful impacts on wildlife and ecosystems.
- Conservation of Resources: Choosing alternatives to single-use plastics, such as reusable containers, cloth napkins, and metal utensils and straws, reduces the demand for new plastic production. This conserves natural resources, like fossil fuels and water, used in the manufacturing of plastic products.
- Minimization of Waste: Plastic-free picnics generate less waste overall compared to picnics that utilize single-use plastics. By using durable, reusable items, participants can minimize the amount of waste produced and the need for disposal, thereby reducing the burden on landfills and incinerators.
- Promotion of Environmental Awareness: Hosting or participating in a plastic-free picnic raises awareness about the environmental impacts of plastic pollution and the importance of sustainable living practices. It encourages individuals to consider their consumption habits and make more eco-friendly choices in their daily lives.
- Support for Sustainable Practices: Choosing eco-friendly alternatives at a picnic supports businesses and initiatives that prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility. It sends a message to manufacturers and retailers that there is market demand for environmentally friendly products, potentially driving positive change in the market.
A plastic-free picnic is a tangible way for individuals to make a positive impact and demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship.
