As you head out into The Great Outdoors this camping season, it’s a great idea incorporate some eco-friendly products and practices into your adventuring. It goes without saying that making even small, manageable changes to reduce your carbon footprint while camping can make a big difference. If each camper thought about leaving nature as he found it, the Earth would be in much better shape!
Whether you camp in a tent or an RV, you can opt for eco-friendly camping products to use around the campsite.
Powering Up Sustainably
- Solar-Powered Portable Charger: As you might imagine, there are a lot of great products available that use the sun’s power to charge electronic devices. This is especially helpful when you head off the grid or are at a more rustic campground. Solar-powered portable chargers come in a variety of sizes/charging capacities. They are convenient to use and use solar energy to charge up devices such as phones, lanterns, speakers, etc.
- Solar Lanterns: We LOVE solar lanterns! They provide lighting around your campsite and reduce battery waste by using solar power to charge.
- Solar-Powered or Hand-Crank Emergency Radio: Stay entertained and informed, without worrying about needing disposable batteries.
Sustainable Campsite Living
- Biodegradable Soap: Pick up some soap that won’t harm the wildlife, plants or water sources around you as you camp.
- Eco-Friendly Mosquito Repellent and Plant-Based Insect Repellent Candles: Repel pesky biting bugs without compromising the health and environmental risks of non-natural insect repellents that contain harmful chemicals.
- Bamboo Travel Utensils and Collapsible Silicone Food Containers: Reduce plastic waste and opt for reusable solutions for dining outdoors.
- Eco-Friendly Fire Starters: Another way to avoid harsh chemicals when camping is to use eco-friendly fire starters. They help make your campfires more sustainable and less harmful to the environment.
- Portable Water Filter and Reusable Water Bottle: These products will minimize plastic bottle use and ensure access to clean water without contributing to plastic waste.
Eco-Conscious Camping Gear
- Hemp Hiking Socks: Comfy and cooling apparel made from sustainable materials are a great option for hiking and outdoor adventuring!
- Compostable Waste Bags: Proper waste disposal is essential when you are camping. Consider minimizing your environmental impact even more by collecting food wasted in compostable bags.
- Biodegradable Trail Markers: Trail markers are a smart idea if you plan to go off the beaten path. Consider leaving no trace with eco-friendly trail markers instead of things like plastic tape.
- Solar Shower: Solar showers offer an excellent eco-friendly camping hygiene solution. The sun heats up the water in the water reservoir (usually a bag) and the end result is warm/hot water for an outdoor shower!
Practical Tips for Eco-Friendly Camping
- Pack Out What You Pack In: Always aim to leave your campsite cleaner than you found it. Take all trash with you, including food scraps and biodegradable waste, to avoid attracting wildlife and impacting the environment.
- Use Eco-Friendly Products: Opt for biodegradable soaps, eco-friendly insect repellents, and natural personal care products to minimize your chemical footprint in nature.
- Minimize Single-Use Plastics: Bring reusable water bottles, cutlery, plates, and containers. Swap plastic bags for silicone ones or beeswax wraps for food storage.
- Campfire Responsibility: Use established fire rings and keep fires small to minimize impact. Avoid burning trash or items that release harmful chemicals. Ensure your fire is completely extinguished before leaving.
- Stick to Trails and Campsites: Protect plant life and ecosystems by using existing trails and campsites. Venturing off can lead to erosion and habitat disruption.
- Use Solar-Powered Gear: Light up your campsite and charge your devices with solar power. It’s clean, renewable, and reduces reliance on disposable batteries.
- Conserve Water: Be mindful of your water usage. When washing dishes or yourself, use a small amount of biodegradable soap and do it at least 200 feet away from natural water sources.
- Recycle and Compost: If your campsite offers recycling and composting, make sure to separate your waste accordingly. If not, take it home with you to dispose of properly.
- Respect Wildlife: Keep a safe distance from animals and do not feed them. Feeding wildlife can harm their health, alter natural behaviors, and expose them to predators.
- Choose Sustainable Gear: When possible, invest in high-quality, sustainable camping gear. Look for products made from recycled materials, ethical production practices, and durability to reduce the need for frequent replacements.
I hope that these tips and product suggestions help you as you seek eco-friendly camping practices! If you have tips or products that you love that aren’t on our list, drop us a comment below and tell us about them!
The more sustainable your camping practices, the happier the planet. Utilizing eco-friendly camping habits will help to ensure the preservation of nature for future generations!
