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From hiking beside waterfalls to roasting marshmallows over an open fire to sleeping under the stars, camping gives us a chance to reconnect with nature and escape the stress of daily life. When seeking out adventures in the great outdoors, though, it’s important to remember that our camping choices can impact the environment in some pretty significant ways.
While we all know we shouldn’t litter, there are plenty of other steps we can take to preserve the beauty of the natural world. To make your next camping trip as eco-friendly and sustainable as possible, consider these tips to minimize your footprint.
1. Embrace Minimalism: Use What You Have, Borrow, or Rent
The first step toward sustainable camping is to adopt a minimalist mindset. Before rushing to buy new gear at REI, take inventory of what you already own. You might find that you already have many essentials for your camping trip.
Perhaps an old sleeping bag can be revitalized with a good wash, or your trusty hiking boots just need a bit of maintenance. Reusing and repurposing gear reduces waste and saves you money.
You can also considering borrowing or renting items that you might not use frequently, like specialized camping equipment. Does your brother or coworker have a camping tent you can borrow instead of buying a new one? Do it!
By borrowing and renting gear, you reduce the demand for new products and minimize the resources and long-distance shipping that often goes into their production.
2. Buy Camping Gear from Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Brands
If you do need to purchase new camping gear, opt for products from eco-friendly and sustainable companies. Look for companies that use environmentally responsible practices and eco-friendly materials.
Some companies I recommend include Nemo, Teton, and Patagonia, as they maintain ethical working conditions and use camping materials that are safer for you and the environment. Check out the information that camping gear companies provide online about sustainability to get a sense if it’s really a priority to them, or if they’re just saying the right things to make them seem greener.
Look for certifications like Fair Trade or products made from recycled or renewable materials, too. Many outdoor brands have started using sustainable practices and offer a range of environmentally-friendly options.
3. Ditch Plastic: Embrace Reusable Containers
Plastic pollution poses a severe threat to our environment, and it’s essential to reduce our reliance on disposable plastic items while camping. You can opt to carry reusable water bottles and reusable snack and sandwich bags. Store your meals in glass jars or silicone storage containers rather than plastic ones.
Choosing reusable containers not only helps reduce the amount of plastic waste, but it also keeps your food fresh and minimizes the risk of wildlife encounters at your campsite. Plus, reusable containers are durable and will last for multiple camping trips, so they’re a sound investment.
You can also find several coffee makers without plastic parts, several of which work well over a camping fire, like the Colette camping French press pictured above.
4. Just Say No to Flame Retardants
If you want to avoid harmful chemicals in your camping gear, try to steer clear of flame retardant chemicals. These “forever chemicals,” often found in tents, camping pads, and sleeping bags, have adverse effects on both the environment and our health. It’s also a good idea to avoid chemicals like PVC (found in many waterproofing materials and vinyl products).
Fortunately, outdoor companies have recognized these concerns and have started to offer flame retardant-free alternatives for tents, sleeping bags, camping pads, and even air mattresses. These alternatives protect your well-being and contribute to a more sustainable camping experience.
5. DIY Snacks and Meals
Preparing your snacks and meals for camping can be both cost-effective and eco-friendly. By avoiding pre-packaged, single-use items, you reduce plastic waste. Using reusable storage containers, you can pack ingredients for delicious, home-cooked meals and trail mix.
Cooking your meals from scratch also allows you to control the ingredients and make healthier choices. You can experiment with recipes and adapt them to your preferences or any food allergies. Plus, cooking food over a campfire is one of the best parts of camping!
6. Dispose of Trash Responsibly
Disposing of your trash is an essential aspect of sustainable camping. Bring reusable trash bags, and designate one for trash and another for recycling. Never burn trash while camping, as this can release harmful toxins into the environment. Instead, pack up all your waste, leaving your campsite as clean as you found it.
Carrying out your trash helps preserve the natural beauty of the wilderness and prevent harm to wildlife. Some materials can take years or even decades to decompose fully. Leaving them behind can disrupt the ecosystem and harm local plants and animals.
7. Embrace Biodegradable Products
Camping can be more sustainable when you use biodegradable products in your shower kit. Look for biodegradable soap, toothpaste, and body wash options that minimize your ecological footprint. These products break down naturally, so they’re more friendly to the environment than traditional, non-biodegradable options.
Using biodegradable products helps ensure that you leave no trace of your presence in the wilderness.
8. Invest in Rechargeable Batteries
Camping often involves battery-powered devices, like flashlights, lanterns, and GPS devices. Instead of disposable batteries, opt for rechargeable or solar-powered ones.
Rechargeable and solar-powered batteries help reduce the number of disposable batteries ending up in landfills. They can be charged hundreds of times, so you don’t have to keep replacing them to power your camping gadgets.
9. Protect Natural Water Sources
While camping next to a lake can be beautiful and serene, it’s vital to protect natural bodies of water. Use eco-friendly sunscreens when swimming to avoid contaminating water with harmful chemicals. You can also bring a reusable, non-toxic water filter for your drinking needs.
By using a water filter or water purifier, you can avoid single-use plastic bottles and have a constant supply of safe drinking water during your camping trip.
Leave Nothing but Footprints
Camping gives you the chance to connect with nature, but it’s so important to camp responsibly. By adopting these sustainable camping tips, you can reduce your environmental impact and leave the wilderness as beautiful as you found it.
Remember that small changes in your camping habits can make a big difference in preserving nature. Gear up for your next camping adventure with sustainability in mind and enjoy the great outdoors while minimizing your ecological footprint.
And remember: take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints!
