Eco-friendly Camping Tips – Camping is a fun way to be outdoors and appreciate nature. And in many ways, the camping boom of 2020 contributed.
The share of first-time campers exploded in 2020 at five times the rate of 2019. 21 percent of campers in 2020 classified themselves as new to camping (10.1 million first-time campers), up from 4 percent in 2020. 2019.
Eco-friendly Camping Tips
But who exactly goes camping? Historically, recreation has often excluded people of color. Although segregation in national parks officially ended in 1945, it took years for it to apply throughout the park system.
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Only now is the outdoors becoming more diverse. In 2020, 60% of first-time campers were from non-white groups, the highest figure since the North American Camping Report was created.
Support groups like Black Girls Hike RVA, Outdoor Afro, Disabled Outdoors, or Indigenous Women Hike can help make the outdoors more accessible and inclusive for people of color and people with disabilities.
If you have access to camping, it’s important to consider how camping might affect wildlife and the natural environment before hitting the trails. Here’s everything you need to know to make your next camping trip eco-friendly and low-impact.
Sustainable camping is when you make an effort to reduce your environmental footprint while camping. This can be done in a number of ways, from using energy-efficient electrical appliances, to solar-powered generators, to using reusable materials instead of single-use plastics.
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The ultimate goal is to try to Leave No Trace and help reduce the impact you have on natural wildlife and ecosystems. To get it right, consider taking an online Leave No Trace course before your next camping adventure.
Better yet, try to leave the place better than you found it. When you’re camping and you see trash? Consider picking it up and disposing of it properly.
You can also participate in sustainable camping by purchasing gear made from sustainable materials. Or choosing used camping gear instead of new gear.
Rei, Patagonia, Gear Trade, and Outdoors Geek offer used gear at discounted prices. This gear works as effectively as a new gear, it’s just been loved a bit. Some of these sites will even buy gear from you.
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Camping is good for the environment if you leave no trace and respect the environment in which you camp. It’s also a great way to connect with nature and reflect on your ‘why’.
When I refer to your “why” question, I mean your reason for being an environmentalist, caring for the environment, or not wasting. Like, why care about the environment in the first place?
Being in nature helps us understand this “why” better. It’s better to see our stunning and vast ecosystems up close and understand how important and worth protecting they are.
However, camping is not good for the environment if campers leave trash, food or old items behind. This can cause irreversible damage to the ecosystem being visited, be it small or large.
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It’s also a good idea to camp with gear made from sustainable materials or used. Even better, using what you have is always the best option, so check if you already have camping gear before buying a new one.
It’s also a good idea to ask friends and family to borrow their equipment. This helps avoid waste and saves money.
Before you go camping, it is important to know what type of camping you are going to do. This will help you access the gear and items you need. Knowing this makes it much easier to prepare, choose greener options and avoid waste.
There are many ways to become a more responsible camper. The first is the realization that outside is not a garbage can, it is home to many wild creatures and plants.
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Reducing waste on a camping trip helps ensure that wraps or bags do not contaminate local soil, rivers or streams.
These changes will help you reduce the amount of trash you have to take with you or accidentally leave behind on camping trips.
If you’re looking for some new camping gear, check out these sustainable camping gear. All these products are Going Zero Waste approved. Some are made from recycled or sustainable materials, while others can potentially be purchased used.
For all the products listed under REI, I’ve linked to their new products, but also try to find them under their used gear (available to members only).
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I’ve gone ahead and highlighted some key features of each brand, but this is not an exhaustive list. Be sure to check out their websites for more information.
I’m so glad you’re here! I hope you will join me on my zero waste journey. I am focused on keeping things simple, easy and most importantly positive! Whether packing your gear or setting up your campsite, let environmental awareness be your guide. There’s plenty of help online: EcoWatch.com, for example, offers “6 Tips for Green Camping,” including advice on how to restore a site without leaving a trace.
If you’re an occasional camper, can you forego expensive new clothes and gear (and the carbon footprint of making them)? Instead, try borrowing from outdoorsy friends, renting from gear dealers, or buying used gear and clothing from sites like wornwear.com.
Some campgrounds, like some towns, suffer from over-tourism. Why choose a destination where your visit will change that? Skip popular places advertised on social media; instead, look for sites described as ‘hidden’, ‘spacious’ and ‘low-key’ in travel guides and visitor reviews. (The new National Geographic book 50 States, 500 Campgrounds is available at books.disney.com and where books are sold.)
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Pack reusable cutlery, not disposable items: dishes, cutlery, cups and water bottles. Bring trash cans to the campsite to separate recyclables from trash. Do not leave waste in the ring of fire, as most of it decomposes slowly: for example, up to two years for banana peels.
Products used at home may contain ingredients that are harmful to the environment. Be sure to get toothpastes, soaps, shampoos, and other hygiene products that are clearly labeled as biodegradable for use at camp. Another essential for camping with a cell phone: The CampingForFoodies.com blog lists tools you can use to charge your phone’s battery, from a hand-cranked weather radio to a wood-burning camp stove. Camping is a great way to embrace the world around you. you and see nature and wild animals up close. Unfortunately, it’s very easy for us humans to damage a wonderful environment without meaning to.
Use the best tips for creating an eco-friendly campsite so you can enjoy the outdoors while respecting your surroundings.
Every camper should be aware of the Leave No Trace principles, which are popular rules that people follow when camping, hiking, and enjoying other wilderness activities. The essence of the Leave No Trace (LNT) concept is simple – your visit to the wilderness must leave no trace behind.
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When camping, this means things like disposing of human waste away from water sources and trails, and leaving whatever you can find behind. Those flowers by the campsite may look nice, but leave them there to keep the campsite undisturbed, ensuring it continues to bloom.
Always re-read the LNT policies before your camping trip so that you can re-evaluate your load and bring all the supplies you need to maintain your campsite. Adopting these practices ensures that your presence contributes positively to maintaining the natural beauty and functionality of the environment.
Camping gear plays a key role in reducing your environmental footprint. For example, use eco-friendly and biodegradable products such as natural toiletries and cleaning products to avoid polluting natural waterways.
Choose reusable and durable equipment, including plates, utensils and food storage containers, to reduce waste and the need for constant replacement. Plus, dishwashing equipment is essential in the kitchen for your next land adventure, as it ensures you can responsibly clean and recycle your dishes in the wild.
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Whether you’re going on a long overland trip or a weekend camping trip, you can pack portable gear to keep your utensils and dishes clean.
Making a careful choice of what to bring with you can have significant environmental benefits, especially in high-traffic camping areas.
Instant access to a stunning display of nature to explore is one of the main advantages of choosing camping over staying at a resort when you’re looking for an eco-friendly vacation.
Camping allows you to observe and connect with the natural world. You must maintain a safe distance from wildlife, allowing the animals to maintain their natural behavior and minimizing risks to their welfare.
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Also, avoid damaging plants and trees by not tying equipment to them, breaking branches, or removing bark. This way you can maintain the integrity of the campsite for future visitors. Following these principles is an investment in the future of the environment.
This prevents habitats from becoming unnatural and promotes a healthy interaction between people and the natural world. Use your newfound knowledge of how to create an eco-friendly campsite to lead a more responsible and enjoyable outdoor adventure
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