Green Picnic Picks

Charles Higginson

Outdoor parties, picnics and hikes can be distressingly earth-unfriendly. You can end up with bags full of 'disposable' products like paper plates, plastic cups and utensils. Now, you can buy fully biodegradable alternative products to replace those items and more. Here are several earth-friendly ideas to help you enjoy both nature and convenience as you keep your gathering green.

1. Biodegradable plates ? as sturdy as paper, but made from cane fibers, a natural byproduct of sugar refining. When the picnic's over, toss them in the compost pile. $21 for 125; Treecycle; (406) 626-0200.

2. Tableware utensils ? 100 percent tree- and petroleum-free, made from plastic based on potato starch, they'll decompose in a compost pile. $6 for 50 forks, knives or spoons; Real Goods; (800) 919-2400.

3. Compostable cups and straws ? made from a corn-based plastic. Drink up, then toss these nonallergenic, crystal-clear cups and straws into your compost pile. $9 for 50 cups, $6 for 400 straws; Eco-Products; (303) 449-1876.

4. Vortex blender ? it's human-powered! Whip up party drinks, even miles from any electrical outlet. Forty-eight ounce pitcher, stable stainless-steel base, ergonomic handle with two speeds, secure base clamp. $88; Real Goods; (800) 919-2400.

5. Petroleum-free charcoal starter ? Every cookout needs a fire, but not the smelly smoke of petroleum-based starter fluid. Odorless, ethanol-based fluid is 99 percent petroleum-free and burns hotter than standard fluids. $7 for a 32 ounce bottle; Real Goods; (800) 919-2400.

6. Water filter ? Fill the Katadyn Base Camp water filter, hang it in a tree and let gravity supply the drinking water. The EPA-approved element removes bacteria and parasites from 5 quarts of water in 10 minutes, without pumping or chemicals. $59; L.L.Bean; (800) 441-5713.

7. Solar candles ? Wax candles burn down, flicker and blow out, and they're unsafe in some situations. Set these nifty solar-powered LED table lights in the sun during the day, then enjoy hours of safe, flicker-free amber light. $20; Real Goods; (800) 919-2400.

8. Recycled paper products ? Clean up with unbleached, 100 percent recycled napkins and paper towels. $6 for 500 napkins, $11 for six 120-sheet rolls; Treecycle; (406) 626-0200.

9. Table linens ? 100 percent natural, certified organic cotton, with patterns created by the natural colors of different cotton varieties. $42.95 for a 50-inch-square tablecloth (matching napkins and placemats also available); Abundant Earth; (888) 523-2784.