Zero Waste Challenge for July and August: Sustainable Camping

Travel restrictions mean that many of us are opting for a staycation this year. While you could hire a holiday cottage, what’s more fun than going camping? Getting away from the home office to spend time in nature and sleeping under starry skies…bliss. When it’s done sustainably, camping can be a pretty eco-friendly pastime too. Here’s our guide to sustainable camping.

Check out a local campsite

You won’t be flying a thousand miles to foreign climes this year, so you’re already reducing your carbon emissions. You can do the same at home by choosing a campsite that’s close to where you live. The chances are, there are plenty of beauty spots nearby that you might not have even thought of.

Choose a sustainable camping site

Many campsites are catching on to the benefits of eco-tourism and are gearing themselves towards the more eco-conscious customer. Look out for features like solar-powered showers, compost toilets, and great recycling facilities.

Take reusable items with you

When you stock up at the supermarket for your sustainable camping trip, remember to avoid single-use items. Forgo the plastic bottles and cans for reusable water bottles, glass bottles, and flasks. If you intend to have a BBQ, avoid using a disposable one if you can. For lighting your BBQ, go all Bear Grylls and use natural firelighters like newspapers or twigs.

Rather than buying food and drinks and creating a lot of packaging waste, make them at home and put them in reusable containers.

Keep your campfire eco-friendly

Camping just wouldn’t be the same without a campfire. However, if you want a sustainable camping holiday, you need an eco-friendly fire. Choose locally and sustainably sourced wood, and don’t burn anything you shouldn’t. Burning materials like plastic can release toxic fumes into the air. It goes without saying that you should make sure your campfire is completely extinguished before you leave.  

Follow the golden rule for sustainable camping

The most important thing you can do when you go camping is to leave the site as you found it. The goal is to have fun and enjoy nature while minimising your impact on it. Recycle as much as you can. Take your rubbish home with you, and respect the plants and wildlife wherever you go.

Camping is a great choice for a staycation with family or friends. After more than a year of restrictions, what’s better than spending some time in the great outdoors?

We hope we’ve inspired you to consider a sustainable camping trip this summer. For more articles on reducing waste and sustainable living, check out the rest of our blog.