Camping is a great way to immerse yourself in nature, but the collective impact of campers and other wilderness explorers can have a negative effect on the environment over time. Sustainable camping can help preserve natural spaces for future generations.
It starts long before you leave home with mindful planning. If you’re ready to make your next camping trip more sustainable, these practices are a great place to start.
1. Plan Ahead and Pack With Purpose
Almost 80% of all plastic ever made remains in landfills and natural environments. Making the conscious decision to bring a reusable water bottle instead of buying bottled water for your camping trip is a small way to reduce your contribution to pollution.
Choosing reusables over single-use food service items is another step to a greener camping trip. “Green” disposables, such as paper cups with plastic linings and bioplastics, can fall short of their promised benefits due to the materials and production processes used. This makes reusable plates and cutlery the more sustainable choice.
When packing food, consider meal planning as your first line of defense against waste. For example, instead of bringing a whole bag of vegetables, it’s better to pre-chop what you need at home and store them in a reusable container. Pre-measure ingredients, such as pancake mix and spices, into small containers to avoid packing bulky items. These strategies will reduce organic waste at the campsite, which can’t be composted in a wild setting and often attracts animals.
2. Choose Your Gear and Consumables Wisely
If it’s your first time camping or you rarely go on nature trips, consider borrowing or renting gear instead of buying new equipment to avoid overconsumption. Look for local outdoor recreation shops, university gear rentals or online platforms that rent high-quality equipment.
Invest in durable, eco-conscious gear if you do need to buy equipment. Choose brands that offer robust repair programs, as it’s a sign that they’re committed to longevity over disposability. It’s also best to prioritize products made from recycled materials, like recycled polyester jackets or tents.
Standard soaps often contain phosphates and other chemicals that can trigger harmful algal blooms in bodies of water and disrupt ecosystems, so avoid using them. Instead, use biodegradable soaps and cleaning supplies to protect local water sources. For insect repellent, opt for natural pest control solutions, like lemongrass oil, cinnamon or citronella, over commercial sprays to avoid releasing harmful gases into the environment.
3. Select a Campground Committed to Conservation
Do your homework when booking a camping site. A truly eco-friendly campground will advertise its efforts on its online platforms, so look for green initiatives and sustainability commitments when browsing campsite websites.
Search for tangible signs that a campground is committed to conservation. These signs can include having designated bins for recycling, composting and general waste across the grounds or relying on solar power and other renewable energy sources to power the site. It could also have nature-focused activities and wildlife preservation efforts.
4. Practice Conscious Trail and Campsite Etiquette
Always follow the Leave No Trace principles when you’re out in the wilderness. These seven principles cover everything from water disposal to respecting wildlife, providing a comprehensive guide to being a responsible camper.
Also, ensure proper food storage, whether you’re out exploring trails or resting in your tent after a busy day. Animals have an incredible sense of smell, and they’ll come looking for your dinner if you don’t store it properly. If you’re in bear country, consider extra-secure storage options and keep your camp clean to protect your food.
A Greener Trip Makes for a Better Experience
Your love for the great outdoors comes with the responsibility to protect it. It begins with thoughtful planning and conscious consumption, followed by mindful behavior in the wilderness. Think of these practices as ways to deepen your connection with nature.
They let you take a more active role in preserving the places that bring you joy and peace. Ultimately, a greener trip is a more fulfilling one.
