How to Go Green on Your Camping Trips - Panergy

Most campers appreciate their natural surroundings, but some campers accidentally litter, the environment.

Many introduce harsh chemicals to their campsites or take other actions that could negatively affect the surrounding ecosystem. If you're concerned about keeping your camping trip green, good news: you're not alone. There are hundreds of great earth-friendly camping products available, but before you rush out to your local camping store or fill up an online shopping cart, here are a few quick steps that you can take to avoid some common ecological mistakes.

BRINGING SMARTER SUPPLIES

In order to keep your campsite green, pay attention to what you bring into the environment.  A typical camping supply checklist might include paper towels, shampoo, soaps, and other potentially unfriendly stuff.  By keeping an eye on what you're bringing into the environment, you can camp with a clear conscience.

One of the most important things to look at is your campsite's trash.  Are you planning on using trash resources at an established site or will you need to cart your own garbage away from the campgrounds?  If the site has trash services, bring a few extra trash bags just in case you're visiting at a busy time of year.

In either case, you should also try to minimize trash by any means necessary.  Don't bring anything unnecessary.  Realistically think about what you're bringing and try to cut out as many store-bought items as possible.  After all, you're roughing it.  You should also avoid bringing computers, tablets and other high-tech devices, and use a campfire instead of a propane grill whenever possible.

CHECKLIST FOR A GREENER CAMPING TRIP

Before you hit the road for your next trip, here's a quick checklist to help make your camp a little bit more eco-friendly.

LED Flashlights/Lanterns - Avoid less efficient light sources.  You always need a flashlight, but an LED or solar-powered light has a smaller footprint than a traditional flashlight.

Reusable Food Containers - Avoid single-use plastic containers.  Try making your own trail mix or pre-cooking some food and re-use your food containers on subsequent camping trips to stay earth friendly.

Biodegradable, Earth-Friendly Soap - You might not even need soap, depending on the length of your camping trip.  If you decide to bring a bar, make sure that it doesn't use harsh chemicals that could harm local wildlife.  If you can't track down any earth-friendly soaps, try to bathe at least 200 feet from lakes and other natural water sources.

Vinegar and Water - Bring some vinegar and water in spray bottle to clean dirty grills, camping equipment, etc.   Vinegar and water's a much better option than the harsh cleaners you'd use in your kitchen or bathroom, and should work just as well at the campsite.

By paying attention to how you're affecting your environment, you can enjoy nature while keeping your camping trip fun, friendly and green.