Mass tourism is creating havoc on popular travel destinations. People are now opting for calmer, more quiet places to spend their time at. Thousands of travelers who plan to spend their weekend or vacation at a camping spot will experience nature at its finest. Spending their nights under the blanket of sky, getting their hands dirty by setting up their tents, reconnecting with family & friends and most importantly that special connection with nature sounds oh so mesmerizing. The increase in our desire to connect with nature is great, but the affect it has on our environment can be devastating. Thus, here we have a guide to a sustainable camping experience that every can enjoy.
Pack Green
Pack only important stuff. Buy food items from your local grocery store and repack them in containers with minimize plastic use. Make one pot food at home and freeze it. This way you will use less dishes and will be able to relax more at your camping site. Use beeswax wraps to store your food. They are re-usable and extends the life of food. Pack dry goods and personal items in a cotton canvas reusable bags. Packing in a smart, green way will help reduce the effect pollution has on our environment.
Choose Your Location Wisely
Be eco-conscious in every decision you take. Choose a camping location close to your house & carpool. This will reduce carbon footprints and you can reduce the fossil fuel consumption. If you have no campsites near your house, then choose a group that can take you to a popular camp site with other travelers. This would reduce your carbon footprint and as a bonus, you get to share the camping adventures with other people.
Eco-Friendly Campfire & Safety
If you are lightening a camp fire please be responsible. Many places have degraded by overuse of fire and using firewood. Make sure there is no fire ban at your camping site. Bring your own fire wood and burn your wood away from trees and at least 12 feet away from your tent. You should also buy a Fire Retardant Tent for your safety. Furthermore, keep your fire under control at all times. No body wants to be responsible for a forest fire. You can also use fire tablets that are more eco-friendly than burning wood/coal. If you are planning to burn wood or coal, please cleanup the ashes before you leave.
Toxic Free Products
We have to be considerate when taking toxic products for camping. It will not only affect our nature but also the wildlife around us. Please remember we are spending our nights and days in their environment so taking their well-being into consideration is very important:
Use bio-degradable soaps and shampoos.
Use eco-friendly sunscreen, specially if you are planning to take a dip in the water. Sunscreens can damage coral reefs.
Try all natural toothpaste.
Use natural insect repellents and cleaning products.
Clean up after yourself
This last point is the most important point in this blog. DO NOT leave your waste at the campsite. Remember the trash bag that you left behind will take hundreds of years to degrade. It might pollute the rivers, become choking hazard for birds and other wildlife animals. So, collect all your trash & compost and dispose it to the nearest facilities. Be mindful of the campers who will come after you. The best thing you can do for the environment is to collect trash that was left by others.
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