{"id":25016,"date":"2018-03-27T08:00:36","date_gmt":"2018-03-27T15:00:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/?p=25016"},"modified":"2022-04-08T15:27:14","modified_gmt":"2022-04-08T22:27:14","slug":"how-to-have-a-more-eco-friendly-camping-trip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/camp\/how-to-have-a-more-eco-friendly-camping-trip","title":{"rendered":"How to Have a More Eco-Conscious Camping Trip"},"content":{"rendered":"

I recently returned from a camping trip with pockets bursting with single-use snack wrappers. As I shoveled it all into the garbage, I wondered how it was possible to generate more waste \u201croughing it\u201d than I do in my city life. I wanted to do better so I consulted with three REI experts on how to have a more eco-conscious camping trip. I<\/span>t just takes a desire to do better for the planet, with a little planning. <\/span><\/p>\n

1. DIY Snacks and Meals<\/b><\/h4>\n

As you\u2019re planning meals and snacks for your trip, think carefully about waste. Instead of enjoying single-use goos, grab a <\/span>squeeze bottle<\/span><\/a> and refill it yourself. \u201cI started looking for recipes to make my own protein and energy bars,\u201d said Gemina Garland-Lewis, National Geographic explorer, ecohealth researcher and REI member. \u201cI can make my own, buying ingredients in bulk to decrease the packaging waste on that side.\u201d She added, \u201cI use the beeswax wraps\u2014they\u2019re washable and reusable.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

2. Pack Out Trash, Compost and Recycling<\/b><\/h4>\n

Whether you\u2019re in the front country or backcountry, the easiest way to make an impact is by sorting your waste. Bring at least two reusable trash bags, one for trash and one for recycling, you could even consider bringing one for compost. If your campground or trailhead doesn\u2019t have compost or recycling, take it home and make sure your waste is properly disposed of. Make frontcountry camping even easier with <\/span>these<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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3. Buy Organic Food<\/b><\/h4>\n

Organic agriculture is <\/span>easier on<\/span> the environment than traditional agriculture, said Greg Gausewitz, REI product sustainability manager. Traditional agriculture uses <\/span>synthetic fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides <\/span>that <\/span>can be <\/span>harmful to the environment. So, if you\u2019re buying dehydrated food with us or shopping at your local grocery store for food to make yourself, <\/span>consider going<\/span> organic. (Learn more here<\/a> and here<\/a>.)<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Get Biodegradable Soap and Toothpaste<\/b><\/h4>\n

Soap and toothpaste <\/span>can have a negative impact on the environment and<\/span> can take a long time to degrade out in the wilderness. Bring biodegradable products into the wild, and always make sure you\u2019re 200 feet away from any water source when you\u2019re using soap or toothpaste.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Use, Rent, Repair<\/b><\/h4>\n

The lowest-impact product is often the one that already exists.<\/span> Before buying a new piece of gear, <\/span>consider <\/span>buying <\/span>used gear<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>renting your gear<\/span><\/a> or <\/span>repairing the gear<\/span><\/a> you do have. \u201cThe longer you can keep a product in use, the longer you\u2019re avoiding the impact that new products have on the environment,\u201d Greg said. <\/span><\/p>\n

6. Make Cleanup a Game<\/b><\/h4>\n

It can be fun to clean up your <\/span>campsite or the trail<\/span>, especially with kids. \u201c<\/span>Use your<\/span> reusable <\/span>trash bags, and make it an adventure or game to pick up any trash left behind by others who were there before you,\u201d said Adam Hockey, senior field research guide and backpacking expert. <\/span><\/p>\n

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7. Leave No Trace<\/b><\/h4>\n

Memorize <\/span>these principles<\/span><\/a>. And don\u2019t forget these often-overlooked facts: aluminum cans and trash are not OK to burn (they are <\/span>air and soil pollutants<\/span><\/a> when burned); and fruit peels take a long time to biodegrade (banana skins take <\/span>two years<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

8. Keep Water Clean<\/b><\/h4>\n

E<\/span>xcessive use of suntan oils, lotions, makeup and other water-soluble products can pollute lakes, rivers and ponds. You should also be careful to avoid getting permethrin (bug repellent) or permethrin-treated products in water, as they may be toxic to aquatic life. Be thoughtful about what you put on your body before you swim. If it is water-soluble, leave it at home.<\/span><\/p>\n

9. Use Rechargeable Batteries<\/b><\/h4>\n

To avoid creating unnecessary waste, consider using rechargeable batteries, or even getting products that can be recharged by the sun. \u201cI use rechargeable batteries with my headlamps and lanterns\u2014so I have no extra batteries,\u201d said Gemina. Pro tip? The best place to pack your backup set of rechargeable batteries is in another headlamp that you bring along, just in case.<\/span><\/p>\n

10. Take Reusable Bottles<\/b><\/h4>\n

It can be easy to fall into the habit of buying disposable plastic water bottles. With a little planning, you never have to do that again. Pick up a few <\/span>bladders<\/span><\/a> or<\/span> bottles<\/span><\/a> for easy-to-hike use and a <\/span>water-storage bag or water tank<\/span><\/a> for front-country use.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/span>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

I recently returned from a camping trip with pockets bursting with single-use snack wrappers. As I shoveled it all into the garbage, I wondered how it was possible to generate more waste \u201croughing it\u201d than I do in my city life. I wanted to do better so I consulted with three REI experts on how […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":22,"featured_media":25021,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[588,480,591,66],"internal-tag":[1672,1677],"class_list":["post-25016","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-camp","tag-camping","tag-stewardship","tag-sustainability","tag-tips","internal-tag-pre-redirect-camp","internal-tag-pre-redirect-camping"],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","canonical_url":"https:\/\/rei.com\/blog\/camp\/how-to-have-a-more-eco-friendly-camping-trip","smart_links":{"inbound":0,"outbound":0},"traffic_boost_suggestions_count":0,"meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"How to Have a More Eco-Conscious Camping Trip","url":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/camp\/how-to-have-a-more-eco-friendly-camping-trip","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/camp\/how-to-have-a-more-eco-friendly-camping-trip"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/03\/Harnois_102517_0500.jpg?resize=150%2C150","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/03\/Harnois_102517_0500.jpg?fit=6720%2C4032"},"articleSection":"Camp","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Aer Parris-Hoshour"}],"creator":["Aer Parris-Hoshour"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Uncommon Path \u2013 An REI Co-op Publication","logo":""},"keywords":["camping","stewardship","sustainability","tips"],"dateCreated":"2018-03-27T15:00:36Z","datePublished":"2018-03-27T15:00:36Z","dateModified":"2022-04-08T22:27:14Z"},"rendered":"