Camping lets you spend more time outside and escape your daily routine. However, a camping vacation can also involve a lot of single-use plastic between meals, drinks, personal hygiene, and cleanup.
The good news is that you may cut waste without completely changing your entire camping setup. You can enjoy the outdoors while reducing the amount of plastic you carry by choosing a few useful eco-friendly camping essentials.
What Makes Camping Gear More Sustainable?
Using sustainable camping gear can help minimize waste with reusable, Plant-based, compostable, or longer-lasting products. The ideal option for your trip depends on how you camp and what works for you.
Reusable equipment is frequently a practical option for things you use frequently, like water bottles. Certified compostable products can be a helpful alternative to traditional plastic when dining in groups or when it's inconvenient to carry and wash dishes.
When you are choosing eco-friendly camping products, keep these things in mind:
- Reusable products that can be used on multiple trips
- Use sustainable materials which should be plant-based or responsibly sourced
- Used materials that have been certified as compostable are used when appropriate
- Use products that are lightweight and easy to carry
- Packaging that uses as little plastic as possible
- Options for appropriate disposal at your destination
Making everything perfect is not the goal of sustainable camping. It's about making sensible decisions that cut waste without making travel more challenging.
6 Eco-Friendly Camping Essentials to Pack
When setting up plastic-free camping, there are a few basic items to consider: food, beverages, water, personal hygiene, and waste. These six essentials can help you substitute some of the most common single-use plastic products you may be tempted to bring.
1. Compostable Camping Tableware
Serving grilled food, pasta, salads, or meals with sauces can make camping meals messy. Compostable camping tableware like plates and bowls can simplify mealtimes and cleanup, as cleaning plates at the campground isn't feasible.
One alternative to think about is bagasse dinnerware, which is produced from sugarcane fibre. Campers can use these plant-based alternatives for traditional disposable plastic tableware. They are especially helpful for outdoor gatherings when multiple people need to be served simultaneously, such as family camping trips and group outings.
2. Compostable Cutlery
Forks, knives, and spoons are small items, but they can quickly add up to a lot of plastic waste on a camping trip with a group.
Reusable utensils aren't always practical, so compostable cutlery is a great option. If you want to serve meals without adding to your conventional plastic utensil set, there are plant-based alternatives that can be helpful, like PLA or birchwood cutlery.
Make sure you have enough knives, spoons, and forks for the number of people you're serving, and think about bringing a few extra for unforeseen guests or dropped cutlery.
Reusable cutlery could be more useful for a solo camping or backpacking trip. Compostable cutlery can make dinner serving and cleanup easier for bigger gatherings.
3. Compostable Cups
Another aspect of camping where single-use plastic can easily pile up is drinks. Having the proper cups makes serving beverages easier, whether it's coffee in the morning or cold drinks by the campfire.
For bigger camping parties or outdoor events when it's inconvenient to wash numerous cups, compostable cups can be a practical choice. You can choose sustainable alternatives made for hot or cold beverages, depending on the product.
A reusable insulated bottle or cup would be a better option for regular camping. Certified compostable cups can lessen reliance on traditional plastic drinkware for social gatherings.
4. Reusable Water Bottles
One of the simplest ways to cut back on plastic while camping is to use reusable water bottles.
Bring a strong and durable bottle that you can refill when clean drinking water is available rather than carrying several single-use plastic bottles. Depending on your destination and water source, you can also think about an appropriate water filter or purification system for extended travels.
When hiking in warm weather or spending long days outside, an insulated bottle can be especially helpful for keeping water cold.
The secret is to pick a bottle large enough to meet your water demands without adding extra weight to your pack and sturdy enough for the kind of camping you do.
5. Bamboo Wipes For Camping Hygiene
Camping often doesn't have easy access to a shower, bathroom, or running water. When it comes to cleanliness after a long hike, a day in the sun, or a night outdoors, it can become a challenge.
If you are camping and don't have a shower available on site, then bamboo wipes can be a convenient addition to your camping kit. Only bring a few different products, depending on the situations you're likely to encounter.
Shower wipes can help you freshen up after long trekking, working out, or spending the day camping when a shower isn’t available.
Deodorant wipes can help you feel refreshed by rapidly removing sweat and dirt after long trekking. You can use them as needed because they are compact enough to fit in your backpacks.
Flushable wipes can make personal cleanup easier, particularly when you are using campground or portable toilets during camping trips. They can be particularly helpful when access to water is limited and offer a practical solution to feel fresher and cleaner after using the restroom. Additionally, they are also convenient to carry in a backpack or camping hygiene kit for easy cleansing when needed due to their small size.
Sunscreen wipes can be useful when you spend a lot of time outside and are exposed to the sun for a long time. They can make it easier to apply or reapply sun protection when hiking, engaging in outdoor activities, or spending time at the campsite. They are also practical to carry in a backpack. They are also convenient when you don't want to carry a heavy bottle of sunscreen and provide a rapid, mess-free application.
Feminine wipes can also be useful for women during longer camping trips, especially if there are not many restroom or shower facilities available.
Packing simply the wipes that are appropriate for your trip is the best course of action. A multi-day hiking adventure may require significantly different hygiene supplies than a quick overnight camping trip.
6. Compostable Trash Bags
Every camping trip will result in some garbage, even if you take effort to minimise it. Used napkins, food packaging, and other inevitable garbage must be disposed of.
For suitable waste streams, compostable trash bags can serve as an alternative to traditional plastic bags. They can make it simpler to gather trash before departing and keep your campground tidy.
However, compostable bags are not something you should discard. Pack the bags and dispose of them in accordance with local regulations if your location lacks a suitable composting site.
The simplest camping guideline is still the most important: pack it in, pack it out.
Conclusion
You don't need to replace everything you already own to go camping with less waste. When it makes sense, start with the eco-friendly camping essentials you use most frequently and choose reusable solutions.
Particularly for group camping, compostable plates, bowls, cutlery, and cups can be helpful alternatives to traditional disposable plastic for food and beverages. Reusable water bottles can cut down on single-use plastic while traveling, and bamboo wipes can help with personal hygiene in situations where running water and showers aren't accessible.
The objective is simple: pack what you need, pick better options when it's feasible, and leave the campsite as tidy as you found it.