Green up your camping skills just in time for Labor Day!

California seasons means that the camping season never really ends. To learn how to green up your camping guide, read these few tips!

Trade or Buy Used

Although it can seem nice to own your own camping equipment, it isn’t really necessary unless you are an avid camper.  If you’re heading to the camp ground just once or twice this year, instead of going out and buying all new gear, check out some second hand shops to pick up what you need (or donate what you no longer use).  We love getting used stuff from Ebay, trading on GearTrade or simply borrowing a tent or sleeping bag from a friend.

Keep You and the Planet Clean

While many extreme campers may say to avoid this all together, washing dishes or yourself is a necessity for many of us cityfolk.  Although you may opt to shower or wash your dishes every other day instead of every, another way to go green is to use biodegradable soap whenever and whatever you wash.  We like Dr. Bronner’s Magic “All-One” as it can be used for multiple purposes (like washing your body, your dishes, or even your laundry!).

Ditch the Disposables

Rather than constantly throwing away paper bags and plastic cups, bring your own reusable dishware, tins or carrying cases. We love To-Go Ware!  If you do have to use disposables, be sure to use biodegradable options like Earth Shell.

Recharge

We all need to be able to see in the dark woods! But the question is–is your flashlight as energy efficient as can be? If not, no worries just check out (and probably invest in) these LED flashlights. LED flashlights have a lifetime of over 10,000 hours, which means that they use less electricity. If you have a traditional flashlight, consider investing in rechargeable batteries. 

Get the Bugs Gone, Green

Camping is a great way to get in touch with nature, but one of its greatest downfalls is the annoying mosquitoes.  We know you may be tempted to spray them with a chemical filled insect repellent but don’t give into temptation! These sprays are not only nasty for bugs, but are also harmful to the environment and to your health. Instead wear long pants or long sleeved light clothing, and avoid burning a candle or wearing floral or fruity fragrances.  If these tips don’t work, don’t hesitate to buy a natural insect repellant such as All Terrain’s Natural Insect Repellent.

Green Up Your Fire

The experience of camping is never fulfilled until you have built and made S’mores at your very own campfire.  To make sure you are “greenifying” your fire, here’s what to do. 1.) Don’t cut down branches but gather ones that have already fallen off a tree. 2.) Use an area that is approved (like a fire pit) 3. Only make small fires. 4. Do not use lighter fluid to get started. Instead, consider collecting tinder (cedar bark, newspapers, napkins, paper, or dry leaves.) and light them with a match. 5. Never leave embers behind- burn that fire completely! 6. And finally, never burn plastic or other manmade products (we know you know this, we are just reminding you!).

Leave No Trace

The cardinal rule is to make sure you leave your campsite just as you found it. Do not leave food or other supplies you brought with you behind.  We know you love Mother Nature, so show her some respect.

Happy Trails!

Images via My Eco Action and Etsy