Camping is arguably one of the best ways to get outside and enjoy nature. Naturally, respecting nature while camping goes hand in hand, so obviously we should enjoy these activities in an environmentally friendly way. Yet, as with many things, people camping tend to be irresponsible, overconsume, and create excess waste. That makes eco-friendly camping a must!
Eco-friendly camping is the best way to get outside and enjoy nature while being considerate of wildlife, natural spaces, and other campers. So, if you’re new to camping or just want to pick up some low-impact camping tricks, here are 8 things to try that’ll help you enjoy your camping trip while respecting Mother Nature.
Eco-friendly toiletries
This is a must, especially if you plan to be near water. We want the products we bring and use to break down readily so we don’t pollute natural spaces! Make sure to keep wastewater away from water sources and dump it over a wide space if there are no facilities near you. This helps products biodegrade by not being as concentrated and keeps water sources clean.
My go-to soaps when camping are always some form of castile soap, either a bar or a liquid that I sometimes dilute with water before heading out. Soap papers are a great and convenient option too but I haven’t found one that is readily biodegradable, so opt for these if going to a campground with sinks. Eco-friendly sunscreen is also a must and to help conserve water while washing my face I like to bring a lightweight cotton wash cloth for each night too.
Pre-prepped snacks and food
To make cooking easier and cut down the amount of stuff you need to bring I highly recommend prepping meal ingredients, whole meals, and/or snacks for your trip. Not only does this severely cut down on cooking time but it helps you pack your cooler more effectively. Plus, prepping beforehand will cut down on food waste! You won’t have as much trash and scraps, you’ll have more balanced food options, and you won’t get left with half-used ingredients at the end of your trip.
Typically, I always like to make pancake mix (that I store in a jar and mix milk into the day of eating), muffins, protein balls, and cut fruit and veg for each camping trip. Remember to store anything you prep in an airtight container, jar, or reusable silicone bag to prevent soggy cooler food and help it keep for longer. Once you go camping with prepped food, you’ll never do it differently again! It’s that handy.
Compost bag
This is a game-changer, seriously. Instead of having one catch-all trash bag, having a designated spot for food scraps is an easy way to combat food waste. When you’re prepping food or have scraps left over, toss them in a container or bag and then dispose of it properly post-camping. This is especially helpful when going to backcountry, where trash receptacles aren’t common and wildlife is more abundant. To minimize weight use a compact reusable silicone bag or compostable trash bags.
Water jugs
Instead of lugging a ton of single-use water bottles to the campground, opt for reusable water jugs! I love using these and cannot imagine going camping without at least two water jugs. They’re especially helpful when you’re going to a campground without water sources or when you’re visiting backcountry. Use them for anything you’d need water for like drinking, cooking, or washing hands and face. If you have access to water in your campground then you can opt for a water filter but I like the peace of mind and ease of use that water jugs offer.
For general camping, water jugs like these are ideal and pack well. For backpacking or to keep you hydrated while you’re away from camp a water storage bag is very convenient and comes in various sizes depending on your needs or group size. If you want ice, fill a cooler with ice from home and keep that in a cool place while outdoors.
Camp-life gear
Gear can be hard to make eco-friendly, especially since a lot of it is made of plastic or is coated with water-proofing materials, but there are things you can do to lessen the impact. First, like anything, if you’re buying new make sure to buy well to make sure these things last longer than a season. Things that last are inherently way better for the planet than things that don’t as it stretches out the lifespan of the resources used to make that product.
Aside from that, you can opt to find things second-hand or see if you can borrow things from friends and family. There are also places where you can rent gear – like REI – which are amazing programs that help you save money and prevent you from having to buy everything new.
Wildlife-proof food storage
Good storage for food is essential not only to make your life easier but to prevent wildlife from getting into it! Unless you’re going to an area that needs one you won’t normally need a bear-proof container so, in general, a well-made cooler and dry food container will suffice to keep other smaller animals from getting into your food. Sturdy coolers with a lock or tied to a tree or stone, for example, ensure your cooler won’t get broken, broken into, or stolen by wildlife.
Specific bear-proof containers are required in many national parks but some parks, like Yosemite, even offer canister loaners so you don’t have to buy one yourself if visiting one of those places. If you need a specific bear-proof canister, ones like these are great. Otherwise, check if the campsite you’re planning to visit has food storage lockers on site, in which case you’d only need a lock. Animals are smart, so be prepared so you don’t lose your food!
Solar charger or reusable batteries
This is so helpful in not only cutting down on battery waste but also to make sure we’re not overconsuming energy. My partner was recently gifted a solar charger that has a ton of attachments that has been so helpful when we’re hiking or need to keep communication lines open. If you don’t need a solar charger, definitely opt for reusable batteries for things like flashlights or lanterns.
Eco-friendly bug spray
For someone who gets bit by mosquitos way too much, this is a must-have when planning on spending longer periods outside. I use rosemary and eucalyptus essential oils in a carrier oil, like jojoba, for less intensive bug areas and that has worked exceptionally for me. This bug spray by Badger is also amazing, it’s easier to apply than an oil and works well for mosquitos and gnats without leaving a bunch of insecticides behind. Otherwise practice safe protocols to avoid ticks, like wearing light-colored and tight-fitting clothes with socks tucked into pants and hair tied back.
There are 7 simple Leave No Trace principles that provide a framework everyone should follow to minimize our impacts on outdoor spaces. Follow these principles to ensure you’re doing your part to protect the natural world.
- Plan ahead and be prepared
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors