Eco-friendly camping tips for greener staycation summer
As holidays abroad are off the agenda for many in 2021 more people are taking to their tents for a summer staycation. Despite feeling at one with nature while away, some camping habits aren’t the best for the environment.
The team at money.co.uk have explored how to make a camping trip as eco-friendly as possible.
Observing local wildlife, camp stove cooking, lighting fires, disposing of rubbish and going to the toilet can all cause damage without realising.
Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at money.co.uk, said: “After the year we’ve all had, everyone deserves a holiday. However, lots of accommodation choices are filling up fast, leaving last-minute bookers with fewer options.
“Some British holidaymakers might already be committed to a sustainable, responsible, eco-friendly lifestyle, but it is especially important when camping. Natural beauty spots and countryside spaces are also some of the most fragile in the world and we’ve all got a responsibility to protect them.”
Ten top tips for an ecofriendly camping trip ...
1 Use, reuse and recycle. Habits, like recycling, are usually followed at home but are quick to disappear when we go on holiday. However, it’s important to keep up good environmental habits during a camping trip too.
2 Don’t be rubbish. When out in the wild, it is important to be mindful of where you are. Even the smallest bit of waste can do a lot of damage to the environment and local wildlife. Take biodegradable bin bags when you’re out and about, to carry around unwanted rubbish.
3 Check for chemicals. The products used during a camping trip can have even more of an impact on nature than leaving rubbish behind!
4 Go solar. Gadgets are needed in every aspect of life and whilst the idea of forgoing technology during a camping trip might be nice, sometimes gadgets are needed. However, it is easy to make environmentally friendly choices when charging and using these products. Solar technology has advanced a long way and is a great alternative energy supply for almost all electrical appliances.
5 Refill water. Instead of taking a multi-pack of single-use water bottles, reduce plastic waste by finding a safe source of water and packing reusable water butts, boxes, or bottles.
6 Equipment. First-time campers with no gear should think twice before picking up their equipment. Tents made of plastic will eventually end up in landfill, so first-time buyers should opt for one made from natural materials like cotton, hemp, or even recycled water bottles.
7 Stay sustainable. Getting good grub when hiking, walking and exploring is important when camping. Before doing the big shop ahead of camping, look at greener and more sustainable options.
8 Getting there. Camping hotspots are quick to fill up, particularly in high season, so it is worth considering the environmental impact of having lots of people in natural spaces at once.
9 While there. When camping in the wild, and not at a dedicated campsite, it is important to pick a spot that isn’t home to animals – somewhere you can see someone has camped before would be ideal.
10 Be prepared. Before heading out of the door, double-check and ensure everything needed for camping is packed. Being overly prepared can reduce waste, as campers won’t need to rush out to make unnecessary purchases that could have been brought from home. Only having to make one trip to the campsite will also reduce air pollution.