The concept of “Clean as You Go” is becoming a norm for various business establishments as of late. Now, many campers are following suit. Leaving no trash behind during and after outdoor trips helps you become an eco-friendly camper. The great outdoors is already taking a toll from visitors who leave a significant amount of waste behind. Don’t disrespect Mother Nature further by following these tips to help you become an environment-friendly camper.

Going camping? It’s not too challenging to be environment-friendly before, during, and after camping. Follow these tips to help you become an environment-friendly camper.

Pre-Plan Meals

One way to start an environment-friendly outdoor vacation is to plan your food choices ahead of the trip. Only bring what the trip requires. Any excess food brought to the campsite might end up in the trash bin.

Start by planning a list of food that’s been agreed upon by all those joining the camping expedition. Then, the group should decide on one person to carry it all. In doing so, people won’t be bringing extra food supplies, which might end up in a landfill. Make sure the person assigned to bring the food is responsible enough to ration the supplies. You don’t want people eating all of your snacks before reaching the campsite.

If you’re going on a camping trip alone, you can put food in resealable bags. Don’t forget to label the containers properly. For example, one bag should contain your lunch, and another container will have your dinner. This technique prevents you from overeating and leaving waste behind after your outdoor vacation.

You can also check out buying guides for items you may need when pre-planning meals on www.outdoorcommand.com.

Don’t Bring Plastic Bottles

Convenience stores let you buy beverages in plastic bottles, but these containers may be doing a lot of harm to the environment. Many plastic bottle manufacturers use specific chemicals that may become toxic to the environment when they decompose. Also, littering plastic beverage containers poses a threat to wildlife as animals may choke on the materials when they mistake it for food.

Instead, opt to bring metal or reusable bottles for your camping trip. This way, you can keep the container after you use it instead of throwing a plastic bottle in the trash.

Buy Sustainable Camping Gear

Sustainable products help keep the environment out of harm’s way. Various camping equipment producers know of this need. Now, you can find camping gear made from 100% recycled materials.

Search for pieces of camping equipment like tents and sleeping bags made from sustainable materials. Also, determine the type of coating used for waterproofing of the gear.

If you’re searching for an eco-friendly tent, consider buying a model with a solvent-free polyurethane coating. Also, your portable sleeping quarters for your camping trip shouldn’t have toxic dyes.

You may also consider investing in an environment-friendly Recreational Vehicle (RV). Check automobile brands that supply eco-friendly RVs to help reduce your carbon footprint on the environment. RVs are useful when traveling to distant campsites if you’re not a fan of hiking—but that doesn’t mean you can’t contribute in lessening the total smog emissions of the world.

Control Campfires

Campfires are an excellent way to enjoy camping trips. But uncontrolled fires may lead to excess wastes of ash and soot. Also, don’t make the mistake of throwing your trash into the campfire. Furthermore, make sure to watch over the fire as any sparks caught by the flora in the surrounding may leave dire consequences for the environment.

Don’t leave flammable items near the campfire. Make sure that the fire isn’t near items that can easily catch flame, and that includes grass and trees.

If you’re planning to use the fire to cook food, consider bringing a portable barbeque pit instead. Also, ensure that you only use dead wood to keep the fire burning at a minimum when cooking on camping trips.

Leave the Campsite the Way You Found it

It won’t matter if you use mostly biodegradable items for your camping trip if you’re still going to throw them on the ground. It’s critical to leave the campsite the way you found it. In doing so, you let other campers experience the wonders of camping immediately instead of making them clean the area first.

If you can’t see that scenario in your head, try to put yourself in the shoes of the next campers. Ask yourself if you want to spend valuable time cleaning the area instead of basking in the glory of the great outdoors.

It’s not too challenging to be environment-friendly before, during, and after camping. But it does require planning to ensure you don’t cause additional harm to Mother Nature. Be a better camper for others and the environment with the tips mentioned above.

What are your top tips for being environmentally-friendly when camping?

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