Camping is a refreshing change to connect with mother nature. This is a chance to reset our minds and souls while wandering around in the wilderness. However, the adventure can be dangerous for the wilderness. We all need to change our camping trip habits for the better. Let’s do better for our planet for a greener environment. There are various ways how to have an eco-friendly camping trip with a little greener planning.
- Re-usable rule
Snacks and meals are a must-have on any camping trip. You need to think carefully about the waste products after you take your meals. Pack the waste into sealable bags and dispose of it safely. Consider re-using items such as beeswax wraps. Make your own protein and energy snacks to pack in eco-friendly bags and to reduce packaging waste. Do not use disposable plates, cutlery, napkins, and towels. Pack unbreakable utensils so that you do not get into the temptation of throwing them in the wild.
- Recycle
Bring re-usable trash bags to pack out trash and compost and for recycling. If you do not come across recycling bins on your trail, take the trash home and dispose of properly. Use products that are sustainable and that use recycled materials. Look for camping tent made with 100% recycled materials.
- Buy organic food
Organic agriculture has a lesser effect on the environment than traditional agriculture. Organic food does not have fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides that are harmful to human beings and the environment. While shopping for meals and snacks, consider natural products. Consumers are becoming more interested in containers that have no BPA or phthalates. These chemicals can leak into your food, even in microwaves.
- Biodegradable soap and toothpaste
Soaps and toothpaste can harm the eco-system if not selected properly. Some soaps and toothpaste take a long time to degrade, therefore, consider carrying biodegradable soaps and toothpaste on your camping trip. Besides, make sure that you are about 200 meters away from the waters sources when using these products to avoid contaminating the water and to facilitate eco-friendly actions.
- Rent and Repair
You can always rent gear to suit your need if you do not have one. Repair the one that you already have if it is light, comfortable, and eco-friendly. Before buying new gear, consider using that which you already have, renting and repairing to know what you exactly need and to learn through experience. New gear tends to have greater impacts on the environment because you cannot really trust the seller’s word. Re-use your old equipment since you can personally evaluate its effect on the eco-system.
- Have fun cleaning the camp
It will be easier to make your camping trip eco-friendly when you make the cleaning exercise a game. If you are with your family, make it adventurous to pick up trash. You could even collect waste left behind by others before you. Make camping environment-friendly; make it even greener.
- Have minimal impact
This is the best rule of the jungle; leave no trace, leave the campsite the way you found it, leave only footprints, take only pictures. Let no one know that you were there, not even the animals after you are gone. Do not burn anything in the wilderness, not even plastic bags because they pollute the air. Even the fruit peels such as banana peels take a very long time to biodegrade. You need not burn anything or leave anything in the wild to support an eco-friendly culture. No litter, no smoldering fire its, no ripped up grass, no crushed bushes or repositioned boulders. Stay on the marked trail never picking plants, flowers or berries and never harming or disturbing the wildlife for the sake of the eco-system.
- Keep water sources clean
We mentioned that you should always clean at least 200 meters from any water sources. Apart from avoiding harmful soaps and toothpaste, avoid excessive use of dangerous and toxic body lotions and sunscreens and other water-soluble items that can contaminate the water while cleaning or swimming. Also, be careful when spraying insect repellants that contain permethrin as they are harmful to aquatic life. We do not have to treat sunburns and insect bites after the trail, but we should try safer alternatives such as Goddess Garden Sunscreen, or make your natural mosquito repellants.
- Rechargeable batteries
Rural areas are dark at night, consider solar and lantern chargers. Avoid carrying extra and single-use batteries. Consider rechargeable batteries, headlamps, and lamps. Use a solar panel to recharge your lighting devices as it is eco-friendly.
- Re-usable bottles
Water is essential for your camping miles. Carry only the number of water bottles that you need. Do not dispose of waste in the wild, pack all trash and waste and dispose of in the right locations for an eco-friendly adventure. Consider bringing a large water container from which you can refill your water bottle.
- Know how to go about
Know how to go about it. What happens when nature calls while in the wild. If there is no toilet nearby know where and how to dispose of human waste. This should be 200 feet from any water sources. Bring a toilet paper and dig a hole at least six inches deep and cover it up. Put the tissue-towel in a paper bag until you can find a proper disposal point; do not leave it in the woods.