5 Useful Tips for Environmentally Friendly Camping

Although camping already seems eco-friendly, there are additional ways to reduce your ecological footprint and preserve our forests and campsites to continue to use them for the longest time possible.

Check out our Camping Guide to learn even more tips and advice on this activity, which is just as enjoyable to do with others or alone in the four corners of the country.

1. Minimize wraps and single-use objects and bring your own containers and other reusable tools

In addition to being easier to organize in a cooler and being more airtight – remember, the scent of food can attract wild animals – you can use empty containers to build a sand castle, collect rocks with the kids or pack away your camp meals so you can enjoy them for lunch the next day.

A handy checklist: containers with lids, insulated cups and bottles, reusable bags, beeswax wrap, durable utensils and dishes, and presto!

2. Consider organizing your trash…and bringing it back with you

Instead of throwing everything out on site (plastic wrap may fly away, little forest creatures may go in and eat your trash…), do what you would do at home. Bring a different container for each type of waste: compost, recycling, non-recyclable trash…and bring back your containers in order to leave no trace.

3. Drink and eat local water and products

Rather than bringing a large, cumbersome plastic water container, why not opt for a filter or purifying bottle that will purify water from a lake, stream, or river? More eco-friendly and compact, why head out without one?

When you head out to do your shopping, favour local brands and products. What’s more, locally-grown fruits and vegetables taste better, especially in the summer! It’s a choice that’s just as eco-friendly as it is economical.

4. Reduce your energy consumption

Come nightfall, you’ll surely need a bit of lighting in order to prepare your meals and play some board games. Use light emitting diodes (LED) lights instead of traditional bulbs in your lanterns or opt for beeswax candles. If you are lighting a campfire, avoid using fire-starting products, limit the size of your fire, and think about collecting the ash afterwards. Mixed with a little water, it becomes the perfect natural laundry soap.

Some other ways to reduce energy consumption? Try to get around on foot, bike, or canoe as much as possible. Don’t idle your car motor to charge electronics. Try to use rechargeable battery-operated tools, bring extra batteries, or select electronics that use solar energy.

5. Leave no trace

Even if your adventurous spirit is awakened when you’re out in nature, pitch your tent at a distance from riverbanks and respect flora and fauna; don’t disturb the animals and avoid cutting branches or plants.

On site, opt for biodegradable shampoo, sunscreen, cleaning products and dish soap in order to avoid leaving traces in the water and surrounding land.

Before leaving your campsite, do a big clean up and visual inspection of the space so as not to forget any objects or trash that will take ages to disintegrate.

Additionally, you can read the seven principles of leaving no trace to learn more about decreasing your ecological footprint before setting out on your next adventure.

To gear up in a green way, discover our vast selection of eco-friendly camping equipment and brands.