Summer camping is upon us here in the US. However, no matter where you live, if you’re into protecting the earth as best as you can, then you’ll want to know how to while camping. Check out this eco-friendly summer camping checklist below, and I’ve also mentioned a few things on how to have the best eco-friendly camping experience.
Eco-Friendly Summer Camping Checklist
Eco-friendly means no harm to the environment. You’ll want to conserve where you can, use no plastic, and buy eco-friendly products. Most important, however, you are going to want to find camping sites that practice these values. It’s doable while camping this summer using all or some of this summer camping checklist below. Do your research on where to camp before you head out.
Related: Top 5 Eco-Friendly Items to Take Camping(Opens in a new browser tab)
Buy Second-Hand Camping Gear
Before going out and buying everything new, think about second-hand purchases. What are you willing to purchase second-hand that you feel you’ll be comfortable with using? I’m a stickler when it comes to buying pillows second-hand. I don’t do it.
Where to look for second-hand camping stuff? Try garage sales, second-hand stores, thrift stores, or you could even borrow from a neighbor or family member.
With any camping gear, second-hand or new, be sure to test all equipment, tools, etc., before leaving on your camping trip.
Eco-Friendly Summer Camping Checklist
Besides the obvious of what every camper needs; tent, sleeping bags, compass, multitool, repair kit, first-aid kit, etc., let’s go a little deeper to allow for an eco-friendly campsite. Be sure to do some research on eco-friendly camp gear.
- bring along a vast water container that everyone can share
- everyone gets their own refillable water bottle
- all-natural clean-up supplies (leave no trace behind)
- stainless steel cookware
- stainless steel picnic plates
- bamboo travel utensils
- Eco-friendly fire starters such as UCO Sweetfire
- eco-friendly lunch ware
- biodegradable trash bags
- energy-savings stove
How to have a more Eco-Friendly Camping Experience
To have a more eco-friendly camping experience incorporate these things into your summer camping checklist while you’re packing
- Pack your snacks and meals in reusable bags.
- Compost all your scraps into a small compost and bring it home to place in your outdoor compost at home.
- Always stay on the trail. Don’t mosey around in unknown land.
- Conserve water where ever possible.
- If near water, like a lake, use the lake water to rinse your utensils, plates, cups, etc. Don’t use your drinking water.
- Do family activities using what you find in nature (see what we spelled below using sticks).
Related: Fall Camping Checklist & Tips(Opens in a new browser tab)
And one last point – as my cub scout will tell you – “leave no trace,” which means leave your campsite the way you found it. If you want to go a step further with your eco-friendly camping, you can pick up trash as you go along. And, yes, it’s other people’s trash that was left behind.
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