Think of the last time you went on a camping trip. Would you say that the trip was eco-friendly? Nature offers us beautiful views, clean air and lifelong memories but some of us may be destroying it with disposable camping habits. Camping and its products have an impact on the environment but luckily there are ways we can minimize the damage.
In this article, we discuss how your next camping trip can be greener and healthier without creating a hole in your pocket.
Limit your chemical use
Some of the products campers may bring with them include soaps and detergents to clean up their utensils or for some, they would want to clean up either their gear or some of their clothes. Most of these products we use contain harmful chemicals in them. When we pour out the soapy water weโve used, it will drain into the soil or run to other water sources damaging the environment and polluting the water sources. Therefore, opt to go for natural biodegradable washing detergents, soap or even toothpaste. Alternatively as well, you could also purchase natural products that are multi purpose which can be used as shampoo, bathing soap and dish washing liquid.ย
Be responsible with campfires
One of the many highlights of camping is the evening session with your family around the campfire and roasting marshmallows. You can set up a fire to keep in as green as possible in different ways such as;
- Donโt burn anything in the fire like litter
- Donโt make your fire bigger than it needs to be
- Extinguish the ashes properly before you go to sleep and before you leave the campsite
Only set up your campfire if you know how to. Never try to wing it. Majority of the bushfires that happen are carelessly and accidentally lit by inexperienced campers. Be aware of the fire bans and restrictions of the campsite you’re in and you should set up your campfire in an open area.
Have a plan for your waste
Donโt be that camper that throws their litter and contains all over the campsite but plan out your waste stations. Firstly, you can go for packaging that can be recycled. Then ideally, you can have two bins, one for recycling and the other for rubbish. This way you can easily empty the trash into the bins once you get home. Take absolutely everything with you. You could also go ahead and collect any other rubbish left around by other campers. Some campsites have long drop composting toilets which would be an effective way of disposing your waste. If the site you are in doesnโt have one, dig up a cat hole, do what needs to be done then bury the waste and toilet paper so that animals and fellow campers donโt stumble upon it.
Donโt carry anything with you that you didnโt bring
We as humans like to bring things back home once we come back from travelling as a way to remember the awesome time we had. Well that’s okay if maybe you had travelled outside the country or somewhere local that youโve never been but when it comes to camping donโt carry anything with you from the campsite. Donโt carry things like stones or plant life back home. Leave the campsite how you found it or even better.
Choose a campsite closer to home
Being that cars are the leading contributors of greenhouse gas emissions, picking a campsite that is close to your home will help reduce your carbon footprint. Do research on these campsites or you could check the national park authority online. Youโll definitely find multiple suggestions of places youโve never been. If you are in the Toowoomba area, make sure to visit us at Murphy’s Creek Escape for your next camping trip.
Purchase reusable items
Bring out some utensils from home such as cutlery and Tupperware containers if you have some. Avoid bringing plastic plates, spoons or water bottles with you. If you want to save up on space, you could invest in collapsible bowls and all in one cutlery set. You can then store this items in your camper trail for later use instead of always packing and removing them
Use eco friendly camping equipment
Visit your local camp gear store and check out for some eco-friendly camping equipment like tents and sleeping bags. The North Face Storm Break Tent, is high on quality and sustainable. They also last a long time hence you donโt have to keep buying a new one every year. Also, an inflatable sleeping mat is a better option as compared to foam mats as they are less bulky hence can save on space. When it comes to clothing, you can opt for cruelty free options. Shoes, shirts and even backpacks can come in eco friendly options. Many businesses are also turning to more eco friendly standards of manufacturing.