Your guide to zero waste camping
We all produce a lot of waste while camping. From cooking, to cleaning, to hydrating, much of what we do creates waste. If we do not dispose of waste properly it can attract wildlife and lead to unintentionally feeding them which can harm their digestive systems, reduce their immunity, and affect their health and could even cause death. Also, dumping waste in rivers, ponds or the sea affects marine lives. Even when it is disposed of properly, camp waste can take its toll on the environment. Oftentimes, these areas are not equipped to handle the large amount of waste created by so many visitors. Creating less waste is the first step to alleviate this problem. Taking trash bags home with you can help further. 10 easy ways for zero waste camping Luckily, there are 10 simple ways we can reduce the amount of waste we create. By planning ahead and preparing, we can make adjustments to what we bring on our camping trips and into the outdoors to ensure less waste is created and that the waste we do create is easier to manage or dispose of. Use a refillable water container and reusable bottle instead of a case of plastic water bottles. Instead of paper plates and plastic utensils, carry a cool set of camp dishes with you while camping outdoors. Use reusable and washable tablecloths and wipes. Avoid single use plastic and paper completely. Any single-use paper products or one-time wipes just add to waste. There are other perfect alternatives - you have rags and clothes in your clothes which can come handy on your trip, and you can use them however you wish. Just keep a few additional pieces with you. Use reusable straws. Pack food into reusable containers before you head out for camping. Avoid buying and bringing food with unnecessary packaging Reuse containers for trash bins – Ice bags and snack containers make great trash cans when emptied. By using a smaller trash bag, or better yet a reusable binbag, we can be more aware of the amount of trash we create. Keep a separate bag for recyclables and pack it out with you. Leave the campsite better than how you found it. Don’t waste the opportunity to show respect for nature and the environment! Any camper knows what you pack in, you pack out. But sometimes this isn’t always the case. When you go camping, be aware that you might need to tidy up while packing out. Make sure you don’t leave anything behind apart from great memories.
