frugal camping tips
traveling the pnw

7 Eco-Friendly Camping Tips

Getting out in the great outdoors, exploring the wilderness and terrain and relaxing in nature is what makes a great camping trip. The government has taken steps to ensure that beautiful areas remain so through conservation and care. It is our job to take the same care when we are out camping, hiking and exploring this summer. We can all do this by being conscious of our impact as we camp and how we can reduce that impact to create a more green and sustainable camping trip. It’s our responsibility to use these eco-friendly camping tips to ensure we are doing our part.

eco-friendly camping tips

Camping green really is not difficult. It just takes a little preparation. Let these frugal camping tips guide you:

Reconsider the RV

RVs use an incredible amount of energy and fuel to run. For your next camping trip, consider packing up the car with a tent and sleeping bags. Big tents are cheaper and a lot more earth-friendly. The only thing to consider with a tent is to take care not to pitch it outside of designated camping areas; this could disrupt wildlife and vegetation.

Use Reusable Equipment

Avoid purchasing packages of paper or Styrofoam plates and cups and plastic utensils. Instead, invest in sturdy plates, cups, and utensils that can be washed and used again. Also, consider replacing paper napkins with fabric napkins that can be easily rinsed and reused.

Conserve Where you Can

Get the biggest bang for your buck with LED lighting, which is the most efficient type of lighting that exists today. The bulbs in LED’s use up to 90% less energy. LED lights are brighter for a longer amount of time (up to 600 hours) than traditional flashlights, which drain batteries quickly. It is also important to consider the tips for camping with a dog.

This 4-pack of LED camping lanterns is a best seller

Use Safe Products

When washing yourself or dishes while camping, it is important that the water you are rinsing away is not harmful. Find soaps that are biodegradable so that they are less likely to contaminate streams or harm animals that may drink from them. Where possible, use soaps at least 100-feet away from
rivers, lakes, or streams.

Once you are out there, take precautions to ensure you not doing more harm than good. Here are some green tips for while you are camping:

Leave No Trace

Take care to take out everything you bring into your camping site. Don’t leave trash or equipment when you leave. Plan to bring bags that you can easily carry back out at the end of your trip. Don’t leave food or food scraps either as this can be dangerous for animals. Bury any human and
pet waste thoroughly, including toilet paper.

Additionally, take care to avoid causing a wild fire. Create a contained fire pit with stones to help keep flames contained. Make sure your fire is completely out before leaving by covering it in water and scattering the cool ashes at the end of your camping trip.

Green camping is not complicated. It’s not even more expensive. It is just a shift in thinking from ‘anything goes’ to ‘what is the most Eco-friendly option.’Use this frugal saving tips as a spring board for developing other green habits for you and your family to follow while on your camping vacations this summer.

Find a whole selection of eco-friendly camping supplies to prepare for this summer’s camping trips!

One Comment

  • Russ Lovell

    Tip #8 – If you must camp in an RV due to constraints such as age, health, logistics, or time, consider a delivered RV rental. RV’s use a lot of fuel, as mentioned in this article. One way to offset that fuel consumption is to rent/share an RV that is local to your destination.

    There are many RV owners willing to share their RV to earn extra money and offset costs. Most are willing to deliver to your destination from the nearby storage location. If your trip is 200 miles to destination, renting an 8 gallon per mile vehicle rather than using a 30 mpg vehicle makes a big difference; not only on carbon output but also dollars spent.

    Check out http://www.RVPlusYou.com. They are aiming to not only cut carbon and cost, but save money for renters and generate some income for owners! A cool concept that is win/win/win for owners, renters, and earth!

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