Tips on How to Camp Sustainably

 

Picture this: You wake up in your tent, cozy in your sleeping bag. You step outside to a stunning view of the sunrise and the peaceful sounds of birds chirping. You feel energized and rejuvenated and cannot wait to start your day surrounded by wonderful nature views. But then you spot the unsightly mess of plastic and waste left behind by the someone who camped there before you. Unfortunately, this is the new reality of many campsites located even in the most serene and beautiful parts of the world. 

Here at Campertunity, we love camping and exploring the outdoors, ready for the next adventure! As camping increases in popularity, so do the negative impacts from campers which include things such as trail erosion, littering, and wildfires. Therefore, it is our responsibility as campers to protect our environment so that we can keep our beloved nature clean and green!

For your next camping trip, keep these tips in mind so you can camp in an eco friendly and sustainable manner. 

1. Find campsites near you and travel locally to reduce your carbon footprint 

In order to camp sustainably you should also consider your journey to and from the campsite. Traveling out of province or out of country means using fossil fuels and therefore increasing your carbon footprint. For your next camping trip, pick a local campsite. This not only reduces your carbon footprint, but also gives you the chance to explore unique campsites in your vicinity! 

Campertunity offers hundreds of unique campsites all across Canada. Simply type in your destination and discover one of a kind campsites that are different from your typical provincial park destinations. Explore the wonderful landscapes of Canada by pitching your tent on beautiful private properties. You not only reduce your carbon footprint but also support local landowners and farmers as well. How cool is that!

Book your next adventure here! 

2. Leave no trace behind 

This may seem obvious to some people, but the message is important to reiterate. Campsites can often be found littered with waste, so make sure to leave your campsite better than you found it. That means taking all the litter with you when you leave, including biodegradable waste. Biodegradable waste such as fruit and vegetable remains might seem safe enough to leave behind, but it can attract wildlife to the campsite causing them harm.

3. Save water and reduce water waste 

For your next camping trip, try not to use more water than needed even if there is an abundant source of freshwater available. Avoid using harsh detergents and soaps, instead use a biodegradable option. To avoid polluting fresh water resources, do not wash away soaps or detergents in the source of water.

4. Make food at home and reduce on single use plastic 

Instead of buying prepackaged meals covered in single use plastic, DIY snacks for your camping trip. Buying ingredients in bulk and preparing your own food can reduce food waste and also help you save money. Plus, you get to show off your cooking skills to your fellow campers who will definitely be asking you for the recipe!

5. Be mindful of wildlife in your surroundings 

One of the best things about camping is getting the chance to observe beautiful wildlife. While it may be awesome to brush up on your wildlife photography skills, be careful not to get too close. This can be dangerous for you as well as the animal. Our forests have a very delicate ecosystem that can be disrupted by human intervention. This includes plants as well as animals. Before going on your camping trip, educate yourself about the flora and fauna around your campsite so that you can be mindful of your environment. While nature might be abundant in beauty, it is our responsibility to take good care of it. 

With these tips in mind, you are on your way to become a sustainable camper! While there is still a lot to learn, we hope these tips give you some helpful advice to get you started on your eco-friendly journey. After all, the earth is something we all have in common and we must protect it! 

Article by Mitula Shanwal, Marketing Manager of Campertunity, www.campertunity.com