Camping provides access to beautiful hiking and fishing sports, making it the ideal way to escape from the daily chores so you can unwind and relax.
It is important to keep the environment in mind though – and that’s where sustainable camping comes in.
It’s important to keep your environment in mind, and going into nature is not an exception. Only because you go out hiking or camping, you are not taking care of it. Actually you can damage nature especially then.
Sustainable camping includes green electricity, less plastic waste, energy-efficient electrical appliances and food from regional producers.
There are a lot of things you can do to make your stay at a campsite eco-friendly.
Related Read: Camping Survival Tips for Adults
Top tips for sustainable camping
It’s often the little things that have a big impact. Reduce the time spent in the shower, for example, and save water when doing the dishes by turning off the faucet in the meantime.
Let’s have a look at the things you can do to minimize the damage on the environment when camping:
Use solar energy
Use as few electronic devices as possible or charge them with solar energy. Also, look for energy-saving lighting, for example in the form of LED bulbs.
When camping in a motor home, portable solar equipment creates pollution-free electricity and therefore it is an excellent clean alternative. They can provide power for a number of devices such as radios, chargers and lights.
If you want to have a shower in the great outdoors why not use a solar shower? It is as simple as filling a water bag in the morning so that you’re ready to wash in the afternoon.
Here’s a few great solar-powered camping gadgets:
- A solar-powered generator.
- Solar-powered camping cooker.
- Solar-powered cooler box.
- Solar-powered camping lantern.
These are all great gadgets to add to your sustainable camping kit!
Take your litter with you
Campsites have huge problems with waste, therefore if you go to a campsite make sure you throw away all the litter you have produced. Instead of adding to the litter problem, try to leave the campground in better condition than you have found it. This is crucial because it can take months or even years for litter to decompose. Also try not to leave food, as this attract animals to the campsite for a snack.
Do the following: Take a small bag with you, and collect just a bit of trash until the small bag is full. Then take that to the next bin.
Recycling should not only be a matter of course in everyday life, but also on camping vacations. Therefore, avoid packaging waste as much as possible. If this is not possible, you can still protect the environment with correct waste separation and disposal. Almost every campsite has its own waste stations where you can easily dispose of your waste properly.
Have a safe fire
Most campsites have fire restrictions you should pay attention to, whilst other campsites even have their own fire rings you can use. When choosing wood go for fallen timber instead of cutting wood off trees.
When you can’t make a fire because of safety restrictions you can use camping stoves to cook, lanterns to provide you with light and extra clothing to keep you warm.
Wash it green
If you keep the environment in mind and bring reusable cutlery then also wash it green. Instead of using toxic detergent, you should try to use biodegradable soaps. Also remember that liquid waste should not be emptied into a river, but onto vegetation or dry ground. Â
Rely on the bike on site
To explore your vacation region, you don’t have to get into your car or camper. On foot or by bike, you can spend more time in the fresh air and possibly even discover a “secret path” or two. Short distances can often be covered more quickly without a vehicle, and you can avoid a long search for a parking space. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, public transportation is a good and inexpensive alternative.
Green clothing & equipment
Nowadays caravan dealers choice in camping materials, so choose wisely. When it comes to sustainable camping you can consider the following idea’s:
Choose a tent that is completely made out of recycled materials. If that’s a bit too expensive for you, have a look at pre-owned tents or eco-friendly tents at a sporting goods store.
There is also a broad range of eco-friendly sleeping bags. Whatever choice you make, be sure to look at the materials before you decide to buy a tent or sleeping bag.
Merino wool clothes are perfect for sustainable camping – read our full post to find out why Merino wool clothing is perfect for traveling. Hint: They don’t need to be washed as often and are biodegradable!
Choose local products
Choosing the small, local restaurant instead of the international chain, shopping at the weekly market with regional specialties instead of in the supermarket, or getting souvenirs in the small store next door, which may seem a bit unimpressive at first glance.
These are small changes in your everyday vacation life on site, which nevertheless make a big difference.
You’re sure to discover regional delicacies that were previously unknown to you, get practical tips from locals, or find one or two handmade treasures for the ones back home.
When it comes to excursions, opt for the more sustainable option and go on tours with a local guide – not only do they usually know their way around better, but you’ll also be promoting the economy in your vacation country/place.
It’s just as easy to focus on sustainability during your camping vacation as it is in your everyday life.
It doesn’t take much effort or sacrifice to make an active contribution to climate protection. Whether it’s your arrival and departure, your choice of campsite or your own mindfulness, there are many small opportunities to make your trip more sustainable.
In doing so, you will ultimately not only protect our environment, but also your own vacation budget.
