How to Have a Plastic-Free Camping Trip
As the warmer weather and longer, lighter days unfold, outdoor enthusiasts, festival lovers and road-trip enthusiasts will be getting prepared for a fantastic summer of adventures outside in the great outdoors. And, if a few nights under canvas sounds like your perfect vacation, there’s a high chance you’re already eco-conscious and living a plastic-free lifestyle as much as possible.
Camping has become increasingly reliant on plastic products — from disposable utensils to nylon tents and polyester sleeping bags which are toxic to ecosystems, the wildlife living there and for humans who unwittingly ingest harmful microplastics.
This article explores how to embrace camping while eliminating plastic from your backpack, with practical tips to protect natural settings wherever you pitch your tent.
Innate Respect for Nature
As an outdoor pursuit, people have a deep-rooted and innate drive to camp, eat alfresco, and even forage in nature. Disregarding the prehistoric days of our cave-dwelling and nomadic ancestors, camping as a recreational activity dates back to the late 19th century. Back then, this was a way to seek temporary shelter in nature on foot, horseback, or wagon. Like modern-day travelers, they were also attracted by the prospect of living outside and experiencing nature with a renewed sense of freedom.
Similarly, sleeping under the stars holds undeniable appeal. For extended nature immersion with greater comfort and convenience than traditional camping and more mindful resource management, exploring second-hand camper van options – as discussed on the blog by Out and About Campers – presents an eco-conscious choice, aligning with the broader goal of a plastic-free camping experience by minimizing waste and resource consumption. Reusing a vehicle reduces manufacturing impact, and built-in kitchens can lessen reliance on single-use food packaging for self-contained travel. Unsurprisingly, camping, in its various forms, remains a sustainable and popular travel choice.
Related: Advocating for Environmental Responsibility Within Legal Guidelines
Consider the Impact of Plastic on the Great Outdoors
Traditional camping gear contains significant amounts of plastic, much of which eventually finds its way into landfills, waterways, and ecosystems. Single-use plastic bottles, food packaging, and disposable utensils are all particularly problematic and take hundreds of years to decompose. Even when they are properly disposed of, these items contribute to further problems, contaminating natural waterways and damaging delicate ecosystems.
Therefore, if your next camping trip involves cooking over an open flame or reconnecting with nature on an idyllic beach, you might want to be mindful about the equipment you pack to make the excursion as plastic-free and eco-friendly as possible. According to reports, plastic trash accounted for a huge 77% of discarded material waste across 58 US locations last year. Many of these were natural beauty spots popular with campers, spanning national parks, wild and scenic rivers, national forests, and national historic landmarks.
The good news is that many of you camping enthusiasts are demanding and seeking ways to minimize the environmental footprint of camping trips without sacrificing the comfort and convenience that makes outdoor experiences so enjoyable. There are plenty of sustainable camping and hiking brands to choose from, helping to make your next camping trip a more plastic-free one.
Learn About Plastic-Free Camping Products
If you want to learn more about how to cut plastic from camping, it’s valuable to know that traditional plastic water bottles and food containers can be replaced with stainless steel, bamboo or glass alternatives. If you have the option, where possible, switch to reusable coffee cups, plastic free water bottles and non toxic outdoor dinnerware. Doing so can help to reduce your risk of using drinkware or items that may contain Bisphenol A (BPA) or Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), which can be harmful.
Companies like Brown Living, Plastic Freedom and EcoRoots offer durable camp gear that will last for years, while stainless steel food containers provide leak proof storage without plastic. Jars with metal lids make excellent multipurpose containers for keeping items dry, storing leftovers, or even enjoying morning coffee. Beeswax goods have also become a popular alternative to plastic, providing a breathable way to preserve food with plastic-free coverings.
Meanwhile, you might want to purchase from brands who manufacture unique edible cutlery or create pieces using bamboo, titanium, or stainless steel in place of plastic. Many offer lightweight metal utensil sets that nest together for easy packing. Bamboo cutting boards weigh less than plastic versions and naturally resist bacteria.
Cast iron or stainless steel cookware, while heavier than some plastic-coated options, will last for generations with proper care. When it comes to dishes and crockery, enamelware is a great alternative to plastic with remarkable durability. Lightweight titanium plates and bowls offer a less heavy option for backpackers concerned about weight.
Related: 17 Best Plastic Coffee Makers by Style for a Delicious, non-Toxic Coffee
Select Eco-Friendly Sleeping Tents and Gear
While completely plastic-free tents remain challenging to find, some companies are making progress with organic cotton canvas tents treated with natural waterproofing oils. These tents are significantly heavier than synthetic alternatives but provide excellent durability and breathability.
For sleeping bags, wool and cotton options exist, though they typically come with higher price tags and require more maintenance than synthetic versions. Companies like Shepherd’s Dream offer organic wool sleeping bags that regulate temperature naturally and resist fire without chemical treatments. If you prefer, purchase second-hand equipment from online sites, at yard sales, or from local charity shops.
Related: Plastic Free Water Filters: Can We Find Water Purifiers without Plastic?
Support the Growing Eco-Conscious Shift
Camping brands increasingly recognize that there is a demand for eco-friendly products, with many implementing sustainable materials and manufacturing processes. The hospitality sector has seen a rise in eco-friendly campgrounds in response to increasing numbers of green-conscious campers.
Campsites themselves are evolving to meet eco-conscious campers’ expectations. Some eco-friendly and zero-waste campsites have adopted sustainable practices by adding extra green spaces to their grounds, installing solar power and other renewable energy sources. Many also offer comprehensive recycling facilities, composting toilets, and run clean up programs with layouts in place to protect their fragile ecosystems from excessive impact.
A shift toward plastic-free camping represents amazing progress in the global fight against climate change, helping to preserve biodiversity and safeguard natural environments. As an avid camper, you might also want to get behind and invest in camping, hiking or outdoor-related businesses prioritizing sustainability.
Related: Green Your Game: A “Plastic Free Sports” Approach
Choose Responsible Camping Practices
The joy of camping need not come at nature’s expense. Rather than discouraging outdoor recreation, the plastic-free movement aims to enhance our connection with nature by ensuring you follow the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace. This includes being mindful about where you camp to avoid contributing to over tourism at popular destinations.
According to reports, parks and campsites continue to be swamped by visitors year-on-year, so much so that some of America’s national parks now require bookings to camp out, in an effort to control numbers and battle overcrowding. They have also been awarded grants that go toward helping the National Park Service manage visitor growth alongside conservation, infrastructure maintenance and other areas.
Even as a solo traveler, consider exploring less-visited areas yourself to lessen the impact and play a small, but important part in respecting these natural spaces. Always research local regulations regarding campfires, as restrictions vary based on location and season. When fires are permitted, use established fire rings, keep flames small, and ensure the fire and burning embers are extinguished before you leave.
Related: 11 Tips for Plastic Free Gardening Made Easy
Conclusion
As you head off on your plastic-free camping adventures, perfection isn’t the goal but progress is. Whether you’re pitching up on a mountain peak or in the middle of a field for a music festival, each plastic item you manage to eliminate from the typical selection of equipment is positive.
Your example can also help to inspire friends and likeminded campers who might adopt plastic-free traveling now and in the future. Whether you’re a first-time camper or an intrepid outdoor explorer, join the #implasticfree community today and help reduce plastic one trip at a time.
