This article was first published on Cravings by Chrissy Teigen and lightly edited for clarity.
No one loves a summer BBQ or outdoor gathering more than us. But cleaning up after one? Not so much. And while traditional disposable options like paper plates and plastic cutlery are convenient, there's so much waste that comes along with them. Luckily, we are coming in hot with some turnkey solutions for convenient, non-toxic, compostable options to keep you grilling and chilling all summer long. Here are five tips for throwing a zero-waste BBQ this summer.
Compost any leftover veggie scraps from food prep.
When in doubt, get scrappy! Gather all your leftover veggie scraps and compost them in a designated bin or participate in a community composting program. By doing so, you're not only reducing waste but also creating nutrient-rich soil for future gardening and growing more beautiful veggies of your own!
Serve the feast using sturdy compostable plates and bowls.
Forget the flimsy plastic plates and opt for Repurpose's durable compostable plates and bowls. Their dinnerware is made from sturdy plant-based materials (also free of nasty chemicals like PFAS and BPA!) that will let you pile them high with veggies, dips, snacks, or salads.
When it comes to cutlery, ditch the plastic.
Repurpose's compostable cutlery made from renewable and upcycled resources are ideal for your next picnic or BBQ spread. Their utensils are designed to be sturdy and functional, offering a sustainable alternative to single-use plastics. When you're done, simply toss them into the compost collection bin. (Note: No compost? No problem! These, compared to plastic, emit 80% less CO2 into the atmosphere when getting produced!)
For drinks, the Repurpose Compostable Stemless Wine Cups are a must.
Just because it's compostable, doesn't mean it can't be cute AF! Raise a glass to a waste-free summer picnic with Repurpose's Stemless Compostable Wine Cups. Crafted from plant-based materials, their glasses are a sophisticated, eco-friendly solution. Now you can enjoy your favorite beverages without compromising sustainability or style.
Store leftovers for later and reuse cut-up veggies for stocks and sauces.
Our pro tip? Save leftover untouched crudites or raw veggies from the meal in containers, freeze them, and then use later in soups, stocks, or sauces!
To see all of Cravings' picks for the perfect summer BBQ, head to Cravings' favorites