Camping is perhaps the best way to get in tune with nature and enjoy the outdoors to the fullest extent. Living in the wild, even just for a few days, can be an exciting and spiritual adventure. When camping, it is important to respect the natural landscape and wildlife. By creating less camping waste, people will be able to enjoy the outdoors for many years to come.
1. Pack mindfully
One of the easiest ways to create less waste while enjoying an outdoor trip is to carry in less waste to begin with. This is especially helpful when it comes to food. Instead of carrying wrappers or bags that need to be thrown away, repackage snacks and foods into reusable containers that can be taken home. An even better idea is to eat natural snacks with no wrappers, such as apples or bananas, as much as possible. In addition, instead of using disposable water bottles, carry a reusable water bottle with a filter.
2. Dispose of waste
Another way to create less waste is to always properly dispose of any trash you do have. Flammable items such as toilet paper can be burned. Items that will not burn completely, such as plastic and tinfoil, should be placed in a trash bag and either disposed of in the proper receptacle or carried home and thrown away there. Never leave any trash at a campsite.
3. Eco-friendly products
Water pollution can also be an issue. An excellent way to create less pollution is to avoid the use of soap as much as possible. When soap is needed, use a natural, biodegradable product. Always wash items at least 200 feet away from any natural water sources.
4. Path markers
When hiking or traveling to your destination, avoid leaving trail markers such as flags, blazes or stone piles. Although these can be helpful, they disturb and clutter the natural environment. Instead, use a map to navigate. Follow hiking paths and utilize a compass to get to the destination.
5. Leave no trace
At the end of the camping trip, check for any items left behind. This may seem obvious, but there always seems to be some small item that gets overlooked. These lost items actually create waste, disturbing the environment. Another way to ensure that no items become lost is to use brightly colored tools and utensils that are easy to spot. This also ensures that replacements won’t need to be purchased for the next trip.
For more on reducing camp waste, check out: 5 Important Steps to Becoming an Environmentally Friendly Camper, Tips for Practicing Proper Hygiene on Your Camping Trips.
Featured Image from Ananya Bilimale/Unsplash
