8 Ways to Green Your Camping Trip
This story is part of Earth911’s “Green Eight” series, where we showcase eight ways to green your life in various areas.
Summer camp is not just for kids. With warm weather, longer days and TV reruns, a camping trip may be on your summer agenda. Here’s eight ways to enjoy the environment while also maintaining it.
1. Recycle Plastic Bottles
Not just at your campsite, but in general. One of the many uses of recycled plastic bottles is to provide the fiber filling for sleeping bags. They can also be used in fleece pullovers and blankets, which may come in handy while you’re camping. If you’re in the market for a new sleeping bag, ask about this option before you purchase. Use Earth 911 to find out where to recycle plastic bottles.
2. Goodwill Hunting
Unless you’re an avid camper, you probably don’t venture to the great outdoors more than five times a year. So before investing in new camping equipment, look for a backpack, tent or cooking supplies from a second-hand store. Donate your old camping products for reuse to these same stores.
3. Minimize Food Packaging
Depending on the length of your trip, you’ll probably have to cook several meals at your campsite. When you’re shopping before the trip, think ahead to what you’ll have to throw away. Buying in bulk instead of individually wrapped products will reduce your waste, as well as your likelihood of bears and raccoons digging through your trash cans.
4. Be Water Conscious
Camping near a water source adds new potential opportunities for fun, including swimming and canoeing. There’s also additional responsibility to keep waste out of the water. If your campsite has a bathroom, use it when nature calls. If not, make sure these activities occur at least 200 feet from the water. Bring a folding shovel to bury any solid waste six inches under ground.
5. Recharge Those Flashlights
Flashlights are helpful for seeing when it gets dark. But are you powering them with rechargeable recycle rechargeable batteries once they can’t hold a charge using Earth 911.
6. Stay on the Trail
What camping trip would be complete without a day hike? Instead of being a trailblazer, follow signs and the beaten path while you’re walking. Traveling off the path leads to soil erosion and the trampling of native plant life. Also avoid the temptation to throw rocks and remove brush while you’re on the trail.
7. Don’t Be a Pampered Camper
Instead of filling your pack with cosmetics, embrace a more natural look when you’re camping. Wash your face and use extra deodorant as a substitute for a daily shower. If you decide to clean up in a natural body of water, avoid using soap because it may harm the aquatic life.
8. Pack Out Your Recyclables
A cold brew might taste nice around the campfire so keep in mind you can recycle the glass bottle it comes in. The same goes for cardboard boxes. Do a quick sweep once you’re packed up for any waste, whether it’s yours or not.
Depending on the Find a recycling center near your desired campground using Earth 911.
