6 Ways To Have A More Eco-Friendly Camping Trip

Go offline at least once a month. Give yourself a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Go camping and find a place with little to no internet and cellular coverage, like parks or campgrounds.  

It allows you to explore the wilderness and bask in nature’s beauty without any distractions. You might not realize this could be what your soul needs, a little time with mother nature. Also, you’ll surely develop survival skills and boost your confidence.  

And here are ways to have an eco-friendly camping trip:

1. Camp Out In Designated Areas

Research the area before going. If you’re unsure, it’s best to consult with local authorities as they know the place better. Also, check the weather forecast. It is for you and your companion’s safety; you wouldn’t want to disrupt the natural habitat in that place.   

Whether you like it or not, you might find yourself in a sticky situation with wild animals. Furthermore, always be prepared and bring a first aid kit, compass, and a map.

2. Bring Camping Gear

Bring your camping gear. However, if you don’t have your own, you can borrow from your family and friends, rent, or you may purchase from stores. Some shops sell recycled camping mats, tents, and sleeping bags in good condition.  

Buying from these stores saves you money. And you’re also helping the environment by getting recycled goods. Other camping gear you might be interested in:  

• • Hanging Tents – This looks unconventional, but it’s useful if the ground is too cold and uncomfortable. You get a good view of the sunrise and sunset, depending on where you plan to put up the tent. 
  • Portable Solar Power – It’s not only renewable, but you get free electricity from the sun. Remember only to charge your electronic devices when the battery is low and refrain from using them until they’re fully charged.  
  • Head Lamps – This is convenient compared to using a phone or flashlight. It’s best to go hands-free as you check the perimeter at night in the wilderness. Or if you want to explore caves.  
  • Mosquito Repellent – It’s multipurpose; you can use it to repel mosquitoes, light up the campsite and scare off predators lurking at night.

3. Prepare Your Food And Drinks

Before you head out to your camping site, do your groceries. Get organic food from your local farmers. Buying from them means the produce is fresh and free from pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers, which are harmful to the environment.   

Think about what you’re going to cook like simple dishes like cheesy campfire potatoes, berry-peach cobbler, pizza bread, grilled corn on the cob, s’mores, popcorn, and grilled cheese dogs, to name a few. Feel free to look up online recipes.  

In storing your food and leftovers, refrain from using single-use plastic; instead, get compact, spill-proof containers with no BPA or phthalates. The same thing goes for your water bottle.

4. Get All-In-One Biodegradable Soap

You’ll have to wash your food containers, water bottles, face, body, and clothes. Thus, it’s best to get an all-in-one biodegradable soap. Some dish detergents are phosphate-based, which causes algal blooms in bodies of water.   

However, if you decide to use dish detergent for your kitchen utensils and regular soap to wash your body, be mindful of where you dump the water. Avoid areas that lead to any bodies of water that can cause water pollution.  

When drying your clothes and towels, use the sun’s energy. You can bring clothes line with you too.

5. Use Dried Leaves, Fallen Tree Branches, And Twigs To Start A Fire

Refrain from using lighter fluid to start a campfire. Lighter fluid has organic compounds that contribute to ground-level ozone and is hazardous for the environment. Look around your surroundings and use wood shavings, dry grass, leaves and bark, fallen tree branches, and twigs instead.   

6. Organizing A Clean-Up

Make your camping memorable by organizing a forest clean-up among family and friends. Pick up trash as you walk towards your campsite. While you’re at it, you want to sort your waste and bring reusable trash bags.  

It’s an excellent opportunity to teach your kids about proper waste disposal and keeping the environment clean if you’re with your kids.   

After organizing the clean-up, take home what you initially brought with you to camp. Leave no traces behind.

Conclusion:

Camping does so many wonders to a person. It will reduce stress, and gets you to do exercises like hiking and climbing. And more importantly, it teaches you valuable life skills to survive on basic necessities alone. 

If you decide to go camping with your family or friends soon, the list above should help. You’ve not only taken a break from the city and social media, but also you did it in a way that’s safe for the environment. And that’s a win-win.