Camping is a fantastic way to get out and appreciate the glory of nature. It is the perfect time to unwind, relax and unplug from the stressors of everyday life. You can reconnect with your loved ones, or take time alone to ponder life’s big questions. Watching a fire in the evening can be just as mesmerizing as staring at your phone, but presents a better opportunity for quiet reflection.
Although plenty of modern conveniences are available to make your camping trip more accessible and comfortable, getting back to basics is what it’s all about. It can be tempting to splurge on every gadget on the market, but we are here to show you how to simplify your trip to be a more sustainable camper. The beauty of your surroundings is the real drawcard for camping, so let’s all work together to preserve the environment. We can all aim to reduce our impact on the planet by following any of the following ways to be a more sustainable camper.
Stay at designated campsites
It can be tempting to find an untouched corner of the great outdoors to set up camp, but you could be causing a significant amount of damage to the environment by doing this. Regardless of how lightly you tread, camping will still negatively affect your surroundings, so ideally, use public campgrounds, particularly if traveling with a vehicle.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Some people use a lot of disposable items when camping. This includes cups, paper plates, and single-use containers to individual portions of drinks, snacks, and cereals. While these might add to convenience, the added refuse is damaging to the environment. Especially where recycling services are challenging to find or non-existent.
Reusable dishes are a must, and are easy to carry, even on a hiking trip. The same goes for water bottles. If you are unsure of the drinking water’s safety at your location, then there are plenty of different ways to protect yourself because it is essential to stay hydrated when outdoors and far from medical treatment.
Fires
Campfires are synonymous with camping, but this doesn’t mean that fires aren’t damaging to the environment. While we don’t want to put a damper on fun, there are ways to ensure your campfire is more sustainable. Never break living trees or bushes for your fire, and ideally use any logs that the campsite has set aside. Energy-efficient camping stoves are excellent for cooking and can use either small, portable gas tanks, or twigs and dry brush.
Remember that fire safety is paramount when in the wilderness. Be smart and never leave your campfire unattended. Have water or sand easily accessible to put the fire out, and make sure that you only burn non-toxic materials.
Although camping is innately a more environmentally friendly getaway than hopping on a plane, there are still ways to ensure that you pose as little threat to the Earth as possible. Simple, ongoing changes can lead to a significant reduction in your environmental costs. So think before you act and leave your location as you wish to find it the next time.
