Written by: Jan Carla Santos 07/08/2011 10:28 AM
Camping and RVing brings us closer to nature and helps us relax and get away from the Daily grind. However, all the camping trips we take each year can have a negative effect on the environment especially depending on the camping gear we use. Once our gear is worn out or damaged we throw it away and buy new gear. The old gear typically ends up in a landfill polluting the environment and depending on how your new gear was produced, it's production can also negatively impact the environment. So CampingRoadTrip.Com has compiled a list of eco-friendly camping gear tips to help campers and RVers make their next camping trips more eco-friendly:
1. Use eco-friendly camping gear
The great thing about this modern age is that many companies and individuals have committed themselves to developing eco-friendly camping gear and apparel. When searching for eco-friendly camping gear stick to tents made of natural materials like wool, hemp and cotton. Avoid tents made of PVC and strong chemicals, which tend to give off an irritating smell especially when brand new. Check out our article on eco-friendly tents for the different types of tents available.
2. Use eco-friendly camping apparel
Eco-friendly apparel is made of eco-fabrics that yield less damage to the environment than regular fabrics. This earth-friendly apparel requires less water and detergent to wash, and is produced in environment-friendly conditions. Eco-fabrics are usually made of bamboo, soy, organic cotton and hemp. Sustainable hiking boots, which are made with recycled materials under eco-friendly conditions, would make a great addition to your green camping wardrobe. For more eco-friendly camping apparel brands check out Exofficio, Golite and Kavu.
3. Reduce your consumption of camping gear
One of the easiest ways to reduce your impact on the environment is to reduce your consumption of camping gear. While purchasing eco-friendly camping gear is a move in the right direction, production of that gear results in a negative impact on the environment. Borrowing camping gear from your friends and colleagues is one way to reduce your consumption. Another great idea is to form a group or organization of campers, RVers and hikers where people can share camping gear, experiences and environmental ideas.
4. Use solar-powered camping gear and equipment
Batteries contain chemicals that are harmful to the land, water, plants and animals. Your best bet when camping or RVing is to use solar-powered camping gear and equipment. You can find solar-powered grills, stoves and lamps in eco-friendly camping stores. Solar power is cheap and eco-friendly. Reserve your battery-operated equipment on days when the sun isn't out, but make it a point to use rechargeable batteries that can be recharged with solar power. Some brands of solar-powered camping gear and equipment are Blue Pacific Solar, Real Goods and Sun Oven.
4. Stay away from chemical-infused products such as insect repellent sprays and soaps
Of course, roughing it outdoors doesn't have to mean welcoming dangerous insects with open arms or letting yourself get dirty all throughout. However, be mindful of the soaps, cosmetics and sprays that you use as these may contain chemicals that are harmful to the land, water and animals. Some of the chemicals that pose a threat to the environment are siloxanes (found in lotion and moisturizer), triclosan (found in antiperspirant, toothpaste and cleansers) and BHA/BHT (found in makeup and moisturizer). Always choose eco-friendly chemical-free products such as Nature's Herbal Mosquito & Insect Shield with Catnip Oil (chemical-free, but more powerful than DEET), Burt's Bees All-in-One Wash (can be used on hair, body and even dishes, 100% biodegradable and with no harmful ingredients) and Coola Cucumber Face SPF 30 (protects skin from UVA/UVB, PABA/paraben/petroleum-free).
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