Step #3 - a movable feast

There is something about hitting the open highway that makes me hungry. It could have something to do with the countless convenience stores, drive-ins, and diners along the side of the road; not to mention the billboards that line the roadside, enticing people to take the next exit for a meal or a quick snack.

These little fast-food diversions don’t come without a cost, however. They are both expensive AND usually rather environmentally un-friendly. A little pre-planning is all that it takes to stay green and healthy away from home.

Bulk up! – stop at your favourite bulk foods store for dried fruits, nuts, and organic snacks. Repackage them at home in reusable containers and bags.

It’s a wrap! – we are all sandwich artists at heart. Wraps, sandwiches, and random stuff on buns can be made at home for a fraction of what you’ll pay on the road. Get creative with fillings and condiments, and be sure to pack ingredients like tomatoes and lettuce separately to keep them from sogging up your bread.

Keep your cool! – perishables, drinks, and fruit can be kept fresh in a cooler even on the hottest of days. Make your own ice packs by freezing tetra-packs of juice or by filling zipper-bags with crushed ice. You can refill your bags with fresh ice at stops along the way. And don’t forget to recycle those empty containers!

...and if you have to stop for snacks, seek out roadside fruit/vegetable stands, local grocery stores and bakeries, and farmer's markets (if you are lucky to be travelling on market days). Some of the best meals I have had on the road have consisted of fresh-off-the-vine fruit, local artisan cheeses, and freshly baked breads purchased right from the people who picked/made them. Be prepared by making sure you have a cutting board and paring knife included with your picnic essentials*.

Lastly, take the time to stop and enjoy your meals and snacks. Pre-plan your stops or keep an eye out for picnic spots and parks along the way. Not only is it a chance to stretch your legs and let the kids run off some energy, it's often the little stops along the way that make for the best memories.

*blanket and/or tablecloth, reusable plates/bowls/cups, reusable cutlery, salt & pepper, bottle opener, can opener, cloth napkins, sharp knife, cutting board, bags for collecting garbage/recyclables (when containers are not available on-site), small container of dish-soap for clean-ups.