by the Rodale’s team
Aristole once said, “In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.” We couldn’t agree more! And while there are tons of ways to enjoy the marvelousness of the great outdoors, few are quite like camping.
Nothing compares to sitting by a campfire, hiking through mountains, or eating fish caught just that morning. But we have to remember to be safe and respect our surroundings while enjoying ourselves in nature. To help you out, we’ve compiled a few tips on how to make your next camping trip not only marvelous, but ecofriendly, too:
1. Learn before you go. Books like Wilderness Camping & Hiking can help you acquire the necessary skills needed to safely enjoy the wilderness. And always bring a map!
2. Leave no trace. Let “Take only pictures, leave only footprints” be your motto. The next time you venture into the wilderness, be conscious of the impact you’re making on your surroundings. The objective of no-trace camping is to leave your surroundings the way you found them. If you brought it in, take it out.
3. Cook in an earth-friendly manner. Instead of using propane grills or stoves, try grilling the old-fashioned way. Simply light a fire (safely, please!) and use a portable stainless steel grill to cook your favorite campfire foods. This Grandpa’s Firegrill can be used to grill up freshly caught fish with lemons and herbs. Yum!
Additional green campfire favorites:
- Campfire Cuisine—This cookbook provides easy ideas for fresh and chemical-free eating while camping.
- Stormproof matches (pictured)—Durable matches that come in a recycled paper box and can help you light your fire no matter the weather.
- Stainless Steel Portable Grill—A lightweight grill made from durable stainless steel, with a design that supports energy-efficient, environmentally friendly grilling.
- Tinder-on-a-Rope—A safe, ecofriendly way to start a fire without harmful chemicals.
4. Unplug! Don’t bring gadgets and tech into the woods. Except for a flashlight and your cellphone (for emergencies only!), nothing you bring into the wild should require energy.
5. Keep it clean. Use toxic-free personal care products, especially if you’re washing in a stream, river, or lake.
Some of our favorites:
- Coconut Sunscreen Stick—This sunstick is cruelty free and crafted using certified-organic ingredients.
- Wildcrafted Trail Crew Soap (pictured)—Nature’s way of getting clean! This liquid soap is distilled from organic, wildharvested ingredients and comes in a compostable packaging. Juniper Ridge also donates 10% of its profits every year to wilderness groups.
- Organic Tansynella Bug Repellent Oil—An organic way to keep the bugs at bay.
6. Play it close! Stay on the trail. Staying within areas intended for use will ensure untouched woods stay that way (and will help keep you from getting lost). And camp close to home to save on fuel.
Happy camping!
Many years ago, as a young adult, I camped, once alone, and once with a friend at the Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado. Both were wonderful experiences and I have many happy memories. Now, all I have to do is drive by the Dunes to recall the joy of those 2 camping trips! Nothing better to heal what ails us then to be out in Nature!!