Then, I saw a trio of really cute girls about 8 years old having a picnic by the sidewalk at my apartments. It made me happy that they were exploring the outdoors and not sitting in front of a TV.

However…

A few hours later I noticed that they left behind a lot of trash. We’re talking multiple plastic bottles, cheese wrappers, Pringles tops and even lunch meat slices. Well, first, how rude. (I’m a little sensitive since my ex-neighbor’s kids used to throw all kinds of trash into our lawn.)

And second, getting outside to enjoy nature is only green if you do no harm.

Of course, us adults know better than to litter, but kids need to be reminded. One thing that would make it even more difficult for kids to litter in the first place is to pack a green picnic with reusable containers.

When’s the last time you reminded the kids in your life that littering isn’t cool?

Click here to learn about all the current contests, themes and everything else going on at Tree Hugging Family in October 2008 – that includes Blogtoberfest, (we’re giving away over $7,000 in prizes)!

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

Here at Tree Hugging Family I shared 10 tips for an easy green picnic or green potluck

At Declutter It you can read five tips to help you organize your summer BBQ. 

Strawberry Rhubarb Crunch by Robust Cooking

Watermelon Raspberry Lemonade at All Holiday Cafe

Rice Krispie Treats at Keeping the Castle

Homemade Oreo Ice Cream at Chocolate Bytes

Cool Summer Snacking at Inside Motherhood

Pasta Salad at Thrifty Mommy

Baking Delights is bringing enough chocolate for everyone to catch a chocobuzz with her favorite brownies

Nothing like sweet tea on a hot, summer day…Wait..I taste lime..mint…is that a non-alcoholic Mojito? Kettle and Cup has the answer.

Blogfabulous is serving up a super easy, keep your butt out of the hot kitchen solution to Hors’ devours.

Weary Parent is serving Chocolate Puppy Chow, a snack that’s bound to be popular with the kids

Offbeat Homes is sharing details on how to hold an offbeat picnic in four easy steps.

Just because you choose to live thrifty doesn’t mean you have to throw a thrifty picnic. Simply Thrifty shares tips for an elegant and inexpensive potluck

10 Summer party ideas and themes for your next backyard barbecue, or potluck.

Add some backyard Olympic games to your next barbecue, in honor of the Summer Olympics

And speaking of games, Marriage Actually is bringing a fun game for the grownups. Life Stories – a fun way to find out more about your spouse, friends and extended family.

Cyndi won’t go anyplace to picnic unless she can grill, but she doesn’t want to spend all day doing it. Try her tips for Grilling Chicken Fast, and get a jumpstart on your next picnic!

Who says picnics have to be complicated affairs? Keep it simple with cheeses, meats and homemade bread. Brewha-ha.com has a few suggestions – including a recipe for Polish beer rye bread

Whether you’re having a picnic, a barbecue or just looking for a fun activity to do with your kids outside, Susan at PlayLibrary offers a list of 50 outdoor toys and games that are perfect for summer.

This time of year there are bugs everywhere, don’t forget to bring the bug repellent along with your favorite dish to your next cookout.

Christine at Mad Cropper not only shares her favorite winter or summer recipe but also shares that you can turn recipes into creative works of arts. Find out how!

And while you’re out having all the fun and good food you can handle, don’t forget your pets – they enjoy special summer treats too!

At Quilting and Patchwork enjoy an array of potluck foods and memories from the Food Bloggers.

You never know what medical emergency could happen while your are picnicking…Marye at Simply Home Remedies is bringing the antidote for nearly ANYTHING!

Eliza at Babylune provides a checklist of tips to consider when taking baby picnicking.

Finally, when it’s all said and done – perhaps you can kick back with a nice frozen beverage. MomGadget prefers the Dominican Coco Loco

[image via stock.xchng]

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

1. Pack green silverware and plates. That means real dishes or at the very least a smart eco-alternative.
2. Bring at least one meatless main dish.
3. Aim for a healthy organic picnic.
4. Block the sun with eco friendly sunglasses.
5. Toss an earth friendly Frisbee.
6. Don’t forget the human safe bug spray and sunscreen.
7. Forget stuff like balloons to mark your picnic spot. Use something safer for the environment like paper streamers. If you must have balloons make sure you don’t allow them to fly free.
8. Take something fun along for water play.
9. Don’t take too much stuff – if you’re out in nature, explore, and learn about the area, before relying on tools and games. Make sure to take a map, and stick with your pals.
10. Take it with you: Don’t pollute nature. When the fun is over, put out all fires, pack up, and haul out all your picnic trash, and that includes food. Human leftovers are no good for animals.

Click here to learn about all the current contests, themes, and green challenges going on at Tree Hugging Family in July 2008

Post from: Tree Hugging Family