As summer arrives many backpack and head for the forests. Camping can certainly be a refreshing change for us but you also need to make sure that your negative impact on the environment is minimal. You will have to adapt the ‘leave no trace’ method so that when you go away only thing that is left are your footprints.
Tips for Eco-friendly Camping
Choosing a Destination:
If you want to become an environmentally conscious traveler then you will have to start planning for the trip ahead of time. Ideally, you should look for a destination, which is closer to your home. This way you will have to travel less and reduce your carbon footprint. As most of the US cities have a state park just close to city limits, you will save yourself and your family from the frustrating delays on the highways apart from reducing harmful emissions from car.
Reusing Things:
During camping, you do not have to come prepared with everything disposable such as plates, napkins and cutlery. Instead, to that what you can do is bring in washable as well as unbreakable things as replacement for these items. Additionally, you need to have your own biodegradable soap to use while camping and bring in a breathable bag to putting the towels or cloth napkins that are not in a condition to reuse.
Sunscreen and Sprays:
Fear of insects or mosquitoes can make you purchase a lot many repellents, which are very harmful for the environment and to your own health as well. You will have to look at more safer and eco-friendly alternatives such natural repellents, non-toxic sunscreens and other organic products. This way you will be able to reduce contamination of water at the camping location and play your part in saving the environment.
Camp Fire:
It is better to carry your own seasoned wood and do not reply on the wood available close to camping grounds, as many times these are unseasoned and result in smoky fire, which pollutes the air and takes a lot of time to heat up. Gathering wood from the location will also do not good since mostly these are particulate producing, damp and harm the forest ecosystem.
You also need to completely put off the fire in the night or while leaving the camping site. This way you will be able to stop forest fires as well as avert a situation where the fire keeps on polluting the environment even after you leave the place. In addition to it do not burn material in which food was packed or any type of plastic, you should take such things back home for correct disposal.
When Nature Calls:
At many camping grounds, you will find bathrooms and composting toilets that can be used but if you are at a remote place where there is no such facility then you will have to take steps yourself. You should go to any camping site carrying toilet paper with you and search for a secluded spot that is at a distance of about two hundred feet from any water source.
Next thing to do will be do make a hole in the ground that is at least six inches deep and do your thing. After you are done, properly cover the hole and put the soiled toilet paper in a paper bag along with a sponge, which is soaked in ammonia to put off the odor and kill bacteria. After returning home, dispose them off in the right manner.
Summary:
We can take several steps to enjoy a camping trip to the fullest, knowing that we are following eco-friendly steps and saving the environment.
