Our Quick Guide to GREENER Campingđżâťď¸
Happy Earth Day! đ
One of the true values of camping is spending time outdoors and in nature, and because we rely on earth for so much we should remember to give it a little TLC. While we depend on the earth for so much, camping just wouldn't exist or be the same without the beauty of nature as we know it, so it's up to us to ensure we preserve it for future generations to experience and enjoy the same way we do!
We're going to go over some very quick, simple, easy swaps and ways that you can camp a little "greener"! Keep these in mind throughout this year's camping season and see what little changes you can make to make a big difference!
1. LEAVE NO TRACE
Leave no trace (or LNT) is increasingly popular vocab. in the camping community, but why? What do we mean when we say that?
It's exactly how it sounds, leave no trace of yourself. You should always leave an area (campsite, hiking trail, etc.) in the same condition or better than you arrived. This definitely includes packing-out all garbage and trash, but also extends to things that we don't often consider - like putting nails in trees or leaving remnants of campfires.
If you really want to feel good about being eco-friendly, you can even bring a bag for compost.
Whatever you do, do not leave anything at your campsite that wasnât there before. This means even toilet paper and hygiene products.
âCarry in, carry outâ is a rule that all campers should follow.
2. "Watts Up!" [Invest In a Portable or Fixed Solar Panel]
It goes without saying, using solar power is a way greener power source than plugging into shore power or running off of batteries. Especially if you're someone who likes to camp off-grid, investing in a solar panel for your unit allows you to live off of 12V and keep your battery charged! Adding solar panels to an RV is a great idea. Luckily, the RV solar kits on the market today make adding solar to your RV easier and more affordable, with a variety of options available for all vehicle sizes and energy needs.
3. Say "NO" to Plastic Water Bottles
Though it seems simple to grab a case of bottled water for your camping trip, think about how much you are hurting the environment.
According to a study done by the Pacific Institute, it takes three times as much water to make one single bottle of water than it does to fill one bottle of water.
To make matters worse, the chemicals used in the production of that one bottle of water are so toxic that it renders that water unusable, and thus it goes to waste.
That same study found that it takes 17 million barrels of oil to produce all the water bottles in the United States every year.
And how many water bottles is that?
50 billion per year. That boils down to 1,500 water bottles being consumed every second in the United States alone.
These statistics are enough to get us off the water bottle trend.
And you should do the same.
Trade in those plastic water bottles for some reusable bottles or bladders to take with you on your camping trip, and anywhere else youâll want water.
4. Bring Reusable Dishes
Although the convenience of paper plates is tempting, the thought of "I can just throw it into the fire to reduce waste" is a common misconception.
Burning paper and plastic dish-ware releases harmful greenhouse gases, and throwing them out adds to the landfill, and unfortunately these products are not recyclable.
Opting for some reusable dish-ware or picking some up from a second-hand store is a great inexpensive way to stock your unit with trailer dishes, you will reduce a ton of waste over the camping season and won't have to worry about packing dishes in and out between each trip!
5. Opt for Natural Body Care Products
If you're taking a lake-shower, be sure to use eco-friendly, biodegradable products.
When camping, youâll be taking with you sunscreen, bug repellent, lotions, and makeup.
And, chances are good youâve thought about how these products affect your body, but not about how using them affects the environment.
Water-soluble products such as sunscreen have the power to pollute lakes, rivers, and any other bodies of water you come across in your adventures.
Thus, you want to avoid products that contain permethrin, because this is deadly to the life that exists in that water.
To keep it simple, if the product is water-soluble, donât bring it with you. Find ones that will still keep you safe from the sun and bugs, but which wonât hurt the environment in the process.
Youâll also want to get toothpaste and soap that is biodegradable.
It is the accumulation of small things like this that can, over time and with enough people, cause Mother Nature some serious damage.
Non-biodegradable toothpaste and soap can take a very long time to break down, so instead bring ones that will be easier on the environment.
6. Camp Only in Designated Areas
While âoff-roadingâ when you're camping sounds adventurous, you are likely causing the environment a lot of harm by doing so.
Designated camping spots are chosen based on their durability, their safety for you, and their safety for the environment. Staying in areas that will have the least impact on the land is what you should be searching for.
7. Practice Fire Safety
Camping just isnât really camping without a stomach full of sâmores and sleepless nights thanks to spooky ghost stories around the fire.
In other words, the campfire is an integral piece of the camping experience.
However, if done wrong, fires can be a big problem for both you and the environment.
Here are some things to keep in mind when building a campfire:
- Research ahead of time any fire bans in place
- Only build a fire in a fire pit
- Keep the fire a manageable size
- Do not burn food â that will attract creatures
- Do not put the fire out and immediately leave the site. Instead, pour water and wait 45 minutes to ensure all the flames are out
- Respect every park's fire regulations and don't bring in unauthorized firewood
8. Make the LED Switch
LED lights are an energy-efficient solution for RV lighting. Products range from interior LED dome lights, outside LED tail lights to LED strip light kits. An RV LED replacement bulb consumes up to 1/10 of a regular bulb plus they donât produces any heat!
LED Lights Do Not Accumulate Harmful Chemicals In The Environment: Unlike the compact fluorescent lights which have 4 to 5 milligrams of mercury present in each of them, LED lights are free of any chemical which can be hazardous for environment or public health. While the upfront cost is not cheap, making the switch the LED will save you money in the long run as they last considerably longer than traditional bulbs.
By making a few small changes we can feel good about camping and have a respect for the environment. Small, conscious efforts make big differences over the long run and your contribution is never 'too small', your kids and grandkids will thank you in the future for allowing them to experience & enjoy nature as we know it!
Happy Earth Day today and everyday!
Happy Camping đđ