Here we are in the heart of summer! Without a doubt, July is my favorite month for summertime picnics, a chance to get out and enjoy the sun, take in the views, get energized, and out of the quarantine slump. What’s fantastic about picnics is that you can have one just about ANYWHERE–back of your car, near the beach, at a park, or roadside with a beautiful view. Planning and packing for a picnic may take a bit of effort, but we can all plan on making sure to leave NO WASTE BEHIND! Given our environment’s state, it’s more important than ever to clean up after ourselves, recycle our trash, and compost responsibly.

Of course, our Cheese & Charcuterie Boards are the perfect answer to plan a beautiful, tasty, and no-waste picnic. How do we keep it no waste? Keep reading. 

The Compostable Way

As we enjoy our “al fresco dining”, we can positively impact the environment by using more eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastic serve ware. 

PLASTIC: Most plastics in use today are made of polyethylene terephthalate, or PET for short, and are nearly indestructible. It is nearly impossible to decompose PET plastics because most bacteria cannot break them down. UV light from the sun can break plastic down, but it takes a long time.

It takes plastic up to 1,000 years to decompose in landfills. WHAT?!!! How can we change this? 

Today, many foodservice companies are making the switch to more compostable products, replacing plastic plates, cups, utensils, straws, and food containers. They can withstand hot and cold foods and are even freezer and microwave-safe. But unlike the traditional plastic containers, these products benefit our planet in so many positive ways:

• They are made from annually renewable resources: resources that can be restored and replenished by nature within a year.

• They are chlorine and BPA-free: toxic chemicals we want to avoid

• They can break down under the right conditions through moisture, heat, and the help of microorganisms.

PLUS: They are very beautiful looking!

Overall, the benefit of using compostable products is that its end-of-life disposal is environmentally friendly, eliminating waste and providing the earth with essential nutrients when fully broken down. As consumers continue to recognize the importance of sustainability and keeping our planet clean, many companies worldwide are working towards making their dinnerware and packaging reusable, recyclable, or compostable. 

And we are lucky to have a local company in the Bay Area that’s doing just that!!

World Centric: How They are Making a Better World

Located in Rohnert Park, California, World Centric® is a leading manufacturer of sustainable disposables. What makes them such an awesome brand to work with? World Centric products are all made from plant-based materials that take into account the earth’s full life cycle: beginning and ending as nutrient-rich soil. Their products are made from a variety of compostable materials, including:

• Bamboo

• Compostable PLA plastic primarily made from corn

• FSC certified paper –“forest-friendly products”

Their primary goal is to help eliminate single-use plastic and encourage a zero-waste lifestyle. World Centric partners with environmental and social organizations whose programs offset their carbon emissions and create regenerative ecosystems. There is undeniable evidence of a global shift towards sustainability. World Centric sets the extraordinary example of a business at the front lines of the battle against waste and pollution.

“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” – Jane Goodall

Beautify Your Picnic

Compostable products are more and more beautiful these days. They’re durable, affordable and help set the mood for casual gatherings.

If we all use this time to educate ourselves on ways to live more sustainably and make real, eco-conscious decisions, we can make a huge difference in our future.

Check out our Instagram for our Picnic Cheeseboard + World Centric Giveaway this week! (7/8/2020 – 7/13/2020)