Sometimes we tend to forget how serene and beautiful nature is. What could be better than taking a few days off and spending time amidst wilderness in all its glory away from the humdrum of cities? Camping is a great idea for someone who is looking for peace and calm, but sometimes, it can be toxic for nature if we are not careful. Here are tips that will let you give back to the nature while camping.
Camp or hike in small groups
It might sound like a fun idea to go camping or hiking with your entire gang, but before you act upon the idea, think. The larger the group, the more difficult it would be to have an environment-friendly camping.
Not everyone might share the same ideas as you about preserving the nature and some might litter around. The noise made by a large group can also disturb the other residents of wilderness.
Do not use the natural water sources to wash and bathe
Washing dishes, clothes, or bathing in a river can pollute the water which can directly harm the wildlife. Instead of washing directly in the river, take some water in bucket and use it at a distance so that it doesn’t mix with the river’s water.
Bring a trash can
You are responsible for your own trash; you cannot litter around the wilderness. Carry a small trash can that you can use to collect all your waste. Remember to take your trash and not leave it behind. Your action might encourage others too.
Practice safety around fire
Of all the things you can do to harm the environment, starting a forest fire is the worst. It is fun to sit around a campfire to cook and play games, but you need to ensure that it is safe. Keep the flammable objects away, be aware of forest fire season, and extinguish the fire completely before leaving the campsite.
Use reusable dishes
Paper plates and plastic spoons are definitely a convenient option, but you should also consider the amount of waste it will create. Reusable dishes that are made of silver or steel are better options. You could even go for foldable plastic dishes.
Maintain your distance from animals
Whatever you do, you should make sure that you don’t disturb the wildlife. You should not chase animals nor come between a mother and her children. And, if you have dog with you, put it on a secure leash so that it doesn’t bother other animals.
Go where the other campers go
In order to ensure that you don’t disturb the wildlife at all, don’t look for a new campsite deep inside a forest. Look for trails left behind by other campers and follow it. Most likely, you will find a well-used campsite that is away from the homes of animals.
Try to clean the campsite
If you spot trash left behind by ignorant campers before you, try to clean it up. It might feel like unnecessary labor, but leaving a place better than you found is always a great idea.
Avoid feeding the animals
The signs saying, “don’t feed the animals” should be taken seriously whether you are in a zoo or in a forest. When you feed animals in a forest, they start depending on visitors for food and stop hunting or grazing. And for that reason, you should not feed the animals however much you want to.
Pick a strong ground to camp
Before pitching your camp, make sure you have picked the right spot. Always choose a hard ground that is made of gravel or rock. You will find it easier to set your tent on it and your fire will also be safe.
Use biodegradable toiletries
Instead of bringing your regular toiletries, bring biodegradable and environment friendly toiletries. Your regular toiletries might contain harmful chemicals that might harm the environment.
Apart from that, carrying your regular toiletries will add unnecessary weight to your luggage. When buying biodegradable toiletries, pick them in travel size so that your luggage is lighter and you can switch back to your regular ones when you go home.
