With the weather warming up, folks are flocking outside and picnickers abound. But where there's a picnic there's usually overflowing garbage cans.

When taking your picnic to the park or the beach try to reduce the amount of waste you leave there.

For the table, bring a cloth tablecloth instead of a paper or plastic one. It will be more durable and you can throw it in the washer when you get home.

Bring reusable utensils, plates and cups (they'll make your neighboring picnickers envious).

Instead of buying prepackaged food, make your own fare and pack it in reusable containers rather than foil or plastic wrap.

Or use recycled paper plates and napkins, and biodegradable and compostable cutlery and cups. (Treecycle has a variety of options).

You don't need a pricey picnic basket to tote your lunch; however, they are very cute! Take your things in a backpack or canvas bag that you already have around the house.

Be sure to take out what you bring in. Take leftover food (and compostable ware) home for your compost pile. If your picnic area doesn't have recycling bins available be sure to take out any bottles or cans to recycle at home.

Amy says: When I go picnicking we take an old futon cover to spread out on the ground. It's double sided for an added layer of cushion and moisture protection if the grass is damp.