Ah, Labor Day weekend—the unofficial sendoff to summer. Whether you’re heading out to a campsite, gathering with friends for a backyard cookout, or soaking up the last rays at the beach, it’s the perfect time to relax, recharge, and reconnect with nature.
But there’s one thing we don’t want to leave behind: waste.
Holiday weekends are notorious for overflowing trash bins, single-use everything, and a heavy reliance on convenience. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With a few simple swaps and some intentional prep, you can enjoy a fun-filled weekend without the plastic guilt.
Let’s break down how to make your Labor Day camping trip or BBQ delightfully low-waste—and still full of all the good stuff (like s’mores and veggie skewers).
Rethink Your Packing List
Whether you're camping deep in the woods or setting up a backyard tent for the kids, the first step to low-waste adventures is thoughtful packing. Ditch the disposable everything and go for reusables that can handle the mess and come home with you.
Start with the basics: cloth napkins, reusable utensils, food storage containers, and a cooler filled with meals prepped in reusable wraps or jars. UNpaper Towels® are clutch for everything from wiping picnic tables to drying hands to cleaning up sticky marshmallow fingers.
Pro tip: pack a separate “clean-up kit” with a small wet bag, cloth wipes, and a travel-size soap bar or homemade all-purpose spray. You'll be shocked how often you use it—and how little waste you make in the process.
Keep Mealtime Waste-Free
It’s tempting to reach for paper plates and plastic cutlery when feeding a crowd, but those items add up quickly. And after a windy day at the park or campsite? They’re often blowing around in the bushes.
This Labor Day, keep things easy and eco by setting the table with reusables. Stainless steel or enamel plates, bamboo cutlery, and cloth napkins make for a more beautiful (and sustainable) setup. Reusable bowl covers also come in handy for keeping bugs off your sides and leftovers fresh after the grill goes out.
And if you must go disposable for a larger group, aim for compostable options made from uncoated paper or palm leaves—but check that your local green waste bins accept them.
Eat with the Planet in Mind
A low-waste BBQ isn’t just about how you serve your food—it’s also about what you serve. Plant-based meals are easier on the planet and often easier to prep ahead, especially when you're dealing with coolers and campfire cooking.
Skip the plastic-wrapped hot dogs and go for grilled veggies, bean burgers, corn on the cob, fruit skewers, or foil-packet meals using mushrooms, potatoes, and herbs. Want a meat option? Buy local and skip the pre-marinated packs that come swimming in plastic trays.
Bulk shopping helps here, too. Pick up buns from the bakery in a cloth bag, grab chips in bulk with your own container, and prep sauces and dips at home in glass jars. You’ll cut down on trash and cost.
Keep Your Labor Day Low-Waste
To help you prep without stress, here’s your go-to list of eco-friendly camping and BBQ essentials:
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Unpaper Towels: Replaces paper towels, napkins, and even baby wipes for hands and faces
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Reusable Snack Bags or Storage Tins: Ideal for dry snacks, fruits, or leftover sides
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Beeswax Wraps: Great for covering sandwiches, cheeses, and veggies on the go
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Cloth Napkins: Durable, washable, and prettier than disposables
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Reusable Utensils & Plates: Opt for bamboo or stainless steel sets that won’t break or melt
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Wet Bags: Store dirty napkins, towels, or cloth wipes until you get home
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Refillable Water Bottles: Skip plastic bottles and stay hydrated with a refill station or jug
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Glass Jars or Containers: Use for salads, sides, dips, or desserts without the plastic
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Natural Fire Starters: Ditch chemical-laden lighter cubes for dryer lint or cardboard roll starters
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Compost Bin or Bag: Bring a small bin to take food scraps home for composting
Camp Smarter, Not Trashier
If you’re camping this Labor Day, keep the "leave no trace" rule close to your heart. That means packing out all your trash (yes, even the compostables if there’s no compost system), avoiding single-use plastics, and using biodegradable soap at least 200 feet from water sources.
Bring a durable dishwashing setup: a basin, biodegradable soap, and scrubbers or cloths you can reuse. Skip the plastic-packaged mini shampoos and bring solid bars or refillable containers. And if you’re planning a campfire? Use locally sourced wood, and avoid burning coated paper or plastic packaging—those fumes are no joke.
Make It a Family (or Friends) Affair
Sustainability is way more fun when you do it together. Get the kids involved in setting the reusable table, packing their own cloth napkins, or picking out their favorite print of Unpaper Towels. Have a “who can pack the least trash?” contest with your camping crew. Or create a simple “leave it better” challenge: everyone picks up three pieces of trash before leaving the site or park.
These small moments add up to lasting habits—and help normalize low-waste living in every kind of crowd.
Remember: Progress > Perfection
Maybe you forgot the cloth napkins. Maybe someone brought pre-packaged cookies in plastic trays. That’s okay. Low-waste living isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being intentional. Every reusable swap and piece of trash avoided is a win.
So pack your basket, fire up the grill, and enjoy a Labor Day that’s light on waste and full of joy. The earth (and your future self doing post-weekend cleanup) will thank you.
Want to stock up before the long weekend? Our Sustainable Kitchen Collection has all the washable, reusable, campsite-friendly tools you need to make this Labor Day your lowest-waste one yet.
