I am looking at the calendar and am shocked that midsummer is already here. Much more shocking - I haven't gone camping yet! That must be remedied soon, and for good measure, made up for this fall when the temperatures are cooler and popular camp sites are a little slower.
For nature lovers, what is greener than staying outside and camping out under the stars, atop the forest floor?
But when I think about my favorite camping spots, vandalism and littering are always two of the biggest problems facing these highly sought-after green destinations.
Luckily, it's easy to be humbled by nature. For all camping enthusiasts, these Green Quick Fixes will be easy to follow:
¢Bring food in reusable containers from home rather than single-use packaging.
Carry out everything you carry in, including food scraps. Try separating trash and recycling — food scraps, cans, glass, toilet paper, other paper for recycling, and a bag for hopefully just a very few things you cannot recycle.
Don't ever burn trash (even paper plates) as part of the campfire. It causes air pollution!
Don't pioneer new trails or camp in ecological nooks that you are unfamiliar with. You could be sleeping on an endangered species or wreaking havoc on a last stand of rare grass.
Camp where others have camped before and reuse fire pits whenever possible.
Tarps are necessary when keeping your tent dry against rain. They can also help to minimize wind and help with bugs. Be courteous in how they are set up. They create runoff and can erode the area you are camping in. Do not dig drainage channels—they definitely start the erosion process! Also, when breaking own camp, take a moment to redistribute the clumped-up debris from your tarp runoff.
Be sure fires are out before you fall asleep. Not only should you be concerned about safety, but you don't want to be responsible for starting a forest fire. Also, check ahead on any fire bans at the campsite area.
Don't cut fresh wood for campfires — only use fallen pieces. Not only are fresh pieces moist and won't work well, you could seriously harm or kill a tree.
If you are really considering bringing a generator to a camp site, maintain it carefully so you do not spill fuel. Also, be mindful of the noise. Other campers nearby will not appreciate the whirring the engine makes.
Use Castile soap when washing dishes and oneself out in nature. Conventional soaps damage all kinds of ecosystems.
When absolutely no plumbing is available, dig a hole for a bathroom. Also, pick up your pet's waste and trash it or dig a hole and bury it. It's best to carry out toilet paper waste, too.
Remember that cigarette butts are NOT biodegradable and be sure to take them out with the rest of your trash.
At camp, be sure to gather up plastic bags and other trash and don't leave things around that can blow away.
If you are fishing for food while on your camping trip, dispose of entrails properly so as to avoid attracting bears and other predators. It's really not a good idea to simply deposit fish remains on the forest floor. You may need to pack and carry the entrails out. You may be able to deposit fish entrails in water (of more than 10 feet deep), unless Whirling disease is a problem for the fish in the region you are camping in. You may also be able to bury entrails in a hole of at least six inches deep located at least 200 feet from water sources. Check with area land managers prior to your trip for appropriate disposal methods.
When buying camping supplies look for items that contain recycled material — such as fleece jackets, flashlights, etc.
Use rechargeable batteries for flashlights and other electronic necessities.
It's important to use sunblock and bug spray, however, look for brands that do not contain ingredients that are environmentally hazardous, including DEET. There are sunscreens available that use titanium dioxide or zinc oxide rather than other non-biodegradable chemical compounds and there are many brands that make eco-friendly bug repellents. Many companies also use recycled packaging!
Don't use or minimize use of most health and beauty products and cosmetics while on your trip. When they wash off in lakes, streams, and ponds they can harm the environment.
Reuse whatever you can—paper plates, cups, plastic forks, etc., then recycle everything you can when the camping trip is over.
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Andrea Fox, a Beverly resident, has been writing about environmental sustainability and eco-topics for eight years. She is a member of the Society of Environmental Journalists and a watershed protection advocate in Salem Sound Watershed.
