I’ll Show You How: Ultimate Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Camping Tips
/The chill outside, the sky-high trees and the twinkling morning light with the sound of gushing water — these are enough eco-reasons to be outside instead of being trapped in a suburban environment.
It’s a win in our books if you’re outside but how do you ensure what you’ve is eco-friendly camping gear?
We all know the sheer joy of camping while overlooking a lake or a campsite surrounded by towering trees. There’s nothing quite like hearing the crackling of the embers and telling a few stories underneath a sky sprinkled with stars.
The night is well-spent once you tuck yourself into that sleeping bag and slowly, hopefully, drift off to sleep. And then it is morning. The dewy grass and morning fog makes everything look so ethereal, and it reminds me that this experience is what makes camping such a positive and memorable experience.
However, breathtaking and adventurous it might be to go to the great outdoors, I cannot emphasize enough how these wild places are some of the most fragile in the world.
I would even dare say that camping is not simply for enjoyment — we have a duty to protect the wildlife and natural environments we have the privilege of visiting.
This is where eco-camping or sustainable camping comes in.
Here, I talk about what eco-camping is, its benefits, and some tips you can use to get started on your next camping trip. It’s surprisingly much easier than you might think, but its impact on the environment is quite significant. Eco-camping can also protect the experience of the great outdoors for future generations.
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What is eco-camping and why is it so important?
what is eco-camping? Here’s my guide and tips
Camping has soared in popularity these days, which isn’t surprising. People have grown to appreciate nature and seek more time away from the stressors of everyday, blitzy life.
Whether it’s an overnight trip or a multi-day expedition, there are more happy campers than ever before.
This is great, in my book! But we should remember to be careful about how we do our camping because every action has an effect on the environment, especially in wild areas.
Without knowing it, our camping activities might cause some form of damage.
Eco-camping seeks to remedy that by encouraging outdoor practices that leave little to no impact on the environment. From building your campsite to pitching your tent, eco-camping teaches us that there is a way to protect nature.
The benefits of eco-camping
There are many benefits to eco-camping, both environmental and otherwise. Here are several reasons why it’s good to practice this sustainable act:
Reduce the impact on the environment
Eco-camping highlights practices that minimize our impact on the environment. A simple example is opting for reusable containers rather than disposable plastics and paper products.
By creating less waste, there is little to no impact on the environment. Many eco-campers practice the Leave No Trace rule, which means that there should be no discernable signs that you visited your chosen campsite.
Saves money
Depending on where you’re going, eco-camping can often be cheaper than other vacation options. Campsite reservations are usually less costly than staying in hotels or Airbnbs.
And since you’re bringing or cooking food to your campsite, there’s also no need to spend in restaurants.
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Though our individual contributions might be small, doing our part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions can be done through sustainable eco-camping.
Not only does it cost less than other vacation options, but it is also a low-emissions alternative. Compare driving to a campsite with flying out to a different destination — you’re definitely going to cut down on emissions with a car as compared to flying on a plane!
Your mental and physical health is taken care of
One of my favorite parts of eco-camping is how it contributes to my physical and mental wellbeing. There have been studies that show how being in nature can positively affect well-being along with physical activity.
Encourages environmental conservation
The main difference between regular camping and sustainable camping is that the latter teaches us the value of environmental conservation. While some environmental activists would argue that it’s better not to go camping at all to create no impact, I believe we also lose out on the opportunity to connect with our world through nature.
Learning about how to conserve nature while exploring it is an important lesson we learn through eco-camping.
Tips for eco-friendly camping
When I first started eco-camping, it was hard not to be a perfectionist. It felt like there were so many things that I had to get right. I learned along the way that the better approach is to take a few steps in the right direction.
Don’t feel pressured to be completely eco-friendly straightaway. Try following some of these tips, and you can gradually build the habit of being a better eco-camper.
1. Choose the right camping location and go at the right time
Because camping has become so popular, it’s common for hotspots to get really busy, especially during peak seasons. This can put a strain on the environment.
Choosing the right camping location will not only cause less damage to the environment but it can also make the experience more enjoyable for you. Consider alternative destinations or plan your trip during off-peak seasons.
Besides, I find that the road less travelled leads to more of memorable experiences!
When choosing your campsite, bear in mind the local wildlife. For instance, it might be deer mating season in a place that you’re eyeing. It wouldn’t be a very good idea to camp here because it could be unsafe and it might disturb the natural order of things.
2. Buy used gear or rent the equipment you need
Some campers get stressed when it comes to buying the equipment they need, especially since good quality camping gear can be a bit expensive. The good news is that not everything you need has to be brand new!
A couple of eco-friendly ways to source your camping gear is to borrow or buy secondhand. You can even make things like sleeping bags from recycled materials.
The essentials you’ll need are a tent with a tent footprint, a sleeping bag with a sleeping pad, and good quality outdoor clothing.
3. Camp close to home
If this is your first time camping, then I suggest you camp closer to home. Not only will it reduce your carbon footprint, but it will also make the experience a little easier.
4. Use a fire pit
Wildfires are some of the most devastating threats to nature. Unfortunately, some of these fires have been caused by careless campers who didn’t know how to contain or put out their campfires.
If your campsite doesn’t come with a fire pit, then keep your fire small and know how to extinguish it, either with dirt or water. The last thing you want happening on your camping trip is starting a fire and endangering both human and animal lives.
5. Pack sustainable food options
Packing the right food is essential for camping trips, especially those that involve more activity. Here are some ways to make more eco-friendly choices when preparing your food:
Shop local: Doing so means reducing the carbon footprint of your food, which has to travel farther if you buy elsewhere.
Make your own food: Whipping up your own grub from the ingredients in your pantry can minimize food packaging waste.
Bring reusable containers: You won’t have to spend on single-use plastics, which contribute to environmental waste anyway.
Use biodegradable trash bags: Don’t forget that trash bags are also added waste! Use biodegradable ones instead.
Bring a water filter: You can drink from natural water sources this way.
6. Use non-toxic products
Another way to be more eco-friendly is to choose products that won’t harm the environment when you go camping. Use non-toxic insect repellent and sunscreen instead.
7. Leave no trace
A good rule of thumb when leaving your campsite is to survey the area. Does it look any different than when you first arrived?
Making sure that you leave no trace goes beyond picking up all your trash. It also involves not disturbing the environment, whether that’s picking flowers or chasing animals. Remember that you are an observer in someone else’s home and that you should respect the environment.
8. Treat wildlife and your surroundings with care
Connected to leaving no trace is treating wildlife and your surroundings with care. As much as possible, stay within the designated camping spots and trails. If you decide to go off the path, then be very mindful of how you explore.
This is especially crucial when encountering animals. No matter how fluffy, huggable, or cute they may look, remember that they are still wild animals.
They are probably more scared of you than you think, which makes them vulnerable. I’ve found that in my experience, it’s best to simply observe from afar without feeding them. It also helps to be quieter and at night so as not to disturb the wildlife.
9. Know how to use the restroom outdoors
Camping means being outside for extended periods. During this time, you will definitely need to use the restroom once or twice. There are some eco-friendly guidelines to observe when doing so:
Do not do your business within 200 feet of a water or food source so as not to contaminate the area.
Dig a small hole, relieve yourself, and then cover it. Some campsites will require you to take your business with you, so it’s important to check before you go.
Never leave any toilet paper behind.
Do not go near or on the trail.
10. Use rechargeable batteries
Taking electronics is unavoidable, even on a camping trip where you want to disconnect. For lanterns and flashlights, I recommend using rechargeable batteries. There are even solar-powered devices that you can purchase.
11. Tread lightly
Eco-camping is all about minimizing our disturbance to the environment. This includes the kind of impact we make on the trail. It’s important to tread lightly, so wear soft-soled shoes to prevent damaging plants and small critters that you may not see at first.
You may also come across uneven ground on your campsite; this is totally normal! Rather than levelling it out, however, bring the proper mat to place under your tent instead. This keeps you from disturbing the natural terrain.
12. Practice green cleaning
If you’re camping overnight, then you will probably have to do some washing. When cleaning your reusable plates, cups, and silverware, make sure to use biodegradable soaps.
Toxic dish detergent can cause serious harm to the environment. Also, refrain from dumping your wastewater into streams or rivers. It is better to empty it on vegetation or dry ground.
13. Use refillable food and water containers
Choosing the right refillable food and water containers is also an exercise in being more eco-friendly. While any reusable containers in your house will do the job, try to invest in containers that have no phthalates or BPA. These are chemicals that leak into food and may contain carcinogens.
You also want containers that are convenient to travel with without any messes. Be particular about choosing containers that have no leaks.
They should also be break and spill-proof. I also make sure to get containers that are slim and compact so that it doesn’t take up too much space in my camping bag.
Another thing you should pack is a small basin and sponge along with your biodegradable soap. This will make cleaning up much easier while staying eco-friendly.
It’s also good to invest in quality reusable water bottles. I personally prefer the insulated ones that keep your water hot or cold for long periods. It may be easier to bring packs of water bottles with you, but this just creates more trash that you have to pick up.
Try bringing your reusable bottles and then buying a couple of gallons for refills. This will be more eco-friendly in the long run.
Eco-Camping Gear Worth Buying
If you are thinking of buying good, long-lasting camping gear, be sure to maximise all the resources and friends that you’ve borrowed, tried and tested — that’s the best way to get started without going on a gear frenzy.
Having said that, here are some of the best eco-gear out there worth investing:
Clothing
Sleeping Bag & Pad
Cooking Equipment
Toiletries
Lion Alp biodegradable gel (for toilets)
Some Last Thoughts…
It’s great that we are starting to think about all this but naturally, as social media glorifies nature, it will always attract people who are less cautious. The least we could do is not harm it with our indulgence and maybe set an example for people to follow.
Done well, we may leave less of an impact than a standard day of normal life.
