If you like to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern life, or if you just like to spend a few days around the campfire, then your camping trip is definitely marked on the calendar for the next few months.
While getting back to nature may seem like the pinnacle of green, the last thing you want to do is leave a campground looking like you've been squatting in some sort of post-apocalyptic scenario for the past few months.
A sustainable camping trip is easy to achieve - all you need is to cut back on your trip, pack your bags and camp nearby!
A sustainable camping trip not only gets you away from the noise of life, but it also helps lighten the load on the planet by reducing pollution in the process, so what are you waiting for, find out how to start a sustainable camping trip!
1. Choose a nearby campground
Try choosing a campground closer to home to help you lower your fuel costs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions to the environment.
Click here to find a wealth of information about federal, state, provincial and local campgrounds. Whenever possible, choose a national park or suburban area with manicured areas to enjoy the beauty of nature while ensuring your own personal safety.
2. Leave the site as you found it
Unless you plan to live on the land as your ancestors did, your food and wine will likely come in non-biodegradable packaging and containers. Be sure to bring garbage and recycling bags or some sort of dumpster to collect your waste and recyclables until you leave. Then - take your bag with you when you go!
Make sure you leave the site like you found it! Depending on the campground, there may be a place to put your trash once you are ready to go home. If you're not sure, ask before booking the site for information on waste and recycling.
3. Avoid disposable tableware and paper plates
Picking out some reusable camping cookware for yourself will help reduce waste. As convenient as paper plates and plastic cutlery are, these items can really start to pile up after a few days of campfire meals, especially if you're camping in groups.
Set up a sink with some hot water (compliments of the campfire). Bring some detergent from home and you'll be able to keep your cookware clean over the weekend.
4. Pitch a proper tent
If you have an RV, you'll get more power ...... really! Using a tent as a shelter during a camping trip is the least carbon-intensive option. Sleeping under the stars is also an option, but as any Canadian who has camped around summer can attest, the weather (aka snow in May) can be a bit too harsh to escape.
If you have an RV, you'll get more power ...... really! But many people may not be able to equip an RV, and this is when you need to choose a tent for sustainable camping. Choose a tent from the ShiningShow brand, which can provide you with a comfortable and safe collection of tents. It's also important to pay attention to the weather while traveling to choose a tent, and as any American who has camped around summer can attest, the weather (aka snow in May) can be a bit too harsh to escape.
5. Respect the Flame
The campfire is the heart and center of any camping trip, so treat it with the respect it deserves.
Keep your fire contained in a fire pit and be aware of any fire bans in the area you decide to go camping. Parts of North America are experiencing some incredibly dry conditions lately, which is the perfect catalyst for wildfires. If it's bedtime or much-needed daytime naps, make sure you put out your fire before it's left unattended.
Don't burn your trash or recycling in a fire; the chemicals that make up the packaging are not good for your lungs or the environment. Also, don't even think about grilling over burning cling wrap!
It doesn't take much to reduce your impact on the environment on a camping trip. A little preparation and research goes a long way in being a thoughtful guest in Mother Nature's home!
