Why Camping Isn't Environmental (And How To Change It)

A zero waste guide to camping, satisfying even the laziest adventurer!

Camping rocks. Unplug, disconnect and escape the city stresses.

While most people adopt the 'leave no trace' principals at the campsite and depart the site cleaner than they found it, what happens to all the trash we take home?

You see, the packaging of your favorite snack bar may take over 100 years to decompose - yikes!

Mirror / Via mirror.co.uk

But there's good news - it is possible (and super easy!) to reduce your waste when camping.

Here are 7 super simple swaps that will suit even the laziest adventurer:

1. Water

Instead of picking up a pack of bulk water bottles to keep you hydrated, consider a larger water container. If you're on the road, you can refill them at gas stations and fill up any reusable water bottles you have with you too.

2. Bulk Food

If you've never shopped in bulk, you're missing out. You'll be surprised to find that most of your supermarket perishables can be purchased from bulk bins, meaning that you can buy as much or as little as you need. You'll find anything from grains, beans, flours, pancake mixes, cereals, and snacks all the way to candies and chocolate treats.

Just bring re-usable containers, fill 'em up and you're good to go. You'll even find campfire marshmallows!

3. Cooler

Rather than using ice bags wrapped up in plastic, use reusable ice blocks. You can pick these up from your local camping store - easy!

4. Refillable Propane

Instead of using disposable propane tanks to fuel your gas stove, go refillable! It will last longer and shows love to Momma Nature.

5. Hand Sanitiser

When camping, it's important to maintain your hygiene as best as possible. Instead of buying tiny individual packets of hand sanitizer, consider purchasing a bulk bottle and filling up smaller reusable containers.

6. Protein

Protein is key to keeping your energy up, especially if your day time adventures include sports such as hiking, rock climbing or swimming.

Great protein ideas include hard boiled eggs, beef jerky (which you can purchase in bulk from specialty butchers) and dips such as hummus as well as roasted chickpeas/beans.

If you're feeling creative, whip up these high protein crackers, slather on some peanut butter and top with sliced banana - delish!

7. Toiletries

Most of our conventional toiletries come in disposable, plastic packaging. If you're not up to DIYing, there are amazing, environmentally conscious companies such as LUSH who offer sustainable cosmetic options - check out their waste free shampoo bars!

Happy camping!

Giphy / Via giphy.com