Camping is a great way to recharge your batteries by connecting with nature and friends while enjoying the outdoors. The responsible way to make the most of nature’s bounty is to develop a few camping strategies that conserve natural resources, reduce waste, honor others in the shared space, and does not harm any delicate eco-systems. Here are a few practical ways to make sure your next trip leaves Mother Nature intact for future use.
Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Supplies
There will be items that will require cleaning before the end of any camping trip, and it’s smart to be conscious of what we are pouring into the ground when we wash dishes, hose off gear, and clean a smelly dog. Choose biodegradable soaps and don’t dispose of any wash water within 200 feet of a natural water source.
Invest in Reusable Gear
1) It's well known how much pollution paper plates generate. Purchase some time-tested enamel camp plates that can be used over and over.
2) Use cloth bandanas as napkins. Give everyone their own color and wash them all at once at the end of the weekend.
3) Instead of single-use plastic, purchase silicone containers that can be used for years.
4) Get a heavy-duty aluminum water bottle and refill it. Keep a refillable gallon container at your campsite.
You may pay a little more up front for sustainable materials, but they last and pay for themselves in more ways than one.
Choose Your Campground Wisely
Many campgrounds are sensitive to responsible land management and usage. They protect their water sources with timed showers, have designated trails to avoid interference with plant and wildlife, recycle waste products, offer composting, and reduce electric usage with the use of smart bulbs and limited light pollution. It’s a more natural experience and creates a restful environment. Do a little research and see if the campground you choose has been thoughtful about its carbon footprint.
Plan Your Meals Ahead of Time
If you are traveling in an area unfamiliar to you, consider leaving with a meal plan. In more remote areas, the nearest grocery store can be an additional 30 or more miles from camp, and it is often more expensive than a store in an urban area with lots of competition. You will save time and fuel by having a menu ahead of time. When possible, try to buy locally sourced produce and contribute to the community you are visiting. Repackage your food into small reusable containers and pack your refrigerator in a way that requires less space for containers and allows more air flow, better circulation, and efficiency.
Plan Your Route Efficiently
Sometimes, a slightly longer route is the better route if you end up avoiding a congested beltway. Conserve gas by having just a few gallons of water in your RV tanks. One gallon of water weighs eight pounds, so a topped-off forty-gallon tank will add 320 pounds of weight to your rig, reducing your fuel efficiency. Some people follow the 4-4-4 rule. Travel less than 400 miles per day, arrive before 4 PM, and stay at each destination for at least four days. This allows for more time to rest and thoroughly explore an area. Consider getting an electric bike to take advantage of the local attractions once you arrive at your destination. Many bike paths lead to town, the beach, or a scenic overlook. They are easy to park and fun!!
Learn and Practice the Principles of Leave No Trace
Most people think of ‘Leave No Trace’ as packing out what you brought in but it goes much deeper than that. Founded by a consortium of federal land agencies as a nonprofit in 1994, the tenants are designed to make people aware of the impact their stay on nature has. There are seven principles, some of which we’ve already covered here, but the rest deserve to be highlighted, too.
1) Plan ahead and prepare. Know where you are going, the route you are taking, and where the resources are in the event of any emergency. Have medicines, pet records, and emergency roadside numbers accessible.
2) Travel and camp on durable surfaces. In other words, don’t go off-road in undesignated areas.
3) Dispose of waste properly. Take out what you bring in.
4) Leave what you find. Avoid changing the landscape in any way.
5) Minimize campfire impacts. When you arrive at a campsite and it has a designated fire ring, never move it. Believe it or not, there’s an ecosystem under those stones. Never bring your own firewood to an area that prohibits it. This can transfer invasive species and cause huge problems. It is best practice to buy firewood locally.
6) Respect wildlife. Never approach wildlife or interfere with their migration, as this causes stress to the animal and risks the safety of others around you. It’s good to remember we’re the guests at their house.
7) Be considerate of other visitors. Be mindful and conscientious of others nearby. Examples include keeping your dog on a leash, being aware of how much noise you are creating, and considering how much light you are generating at your campsite.
Final Thoughts
Nature is for all of us to use and enjoy, and when we work together to create an environment of respect for it and others who are using it, we are securing this privilege for future generations.
