How to camp sustainably

Going outside, camping, and spending time in nature will help us be better advocates for the environment. When one learns about the beauty of what is natural in our wild environment, their eyes tend to be open to the damage within urban areas. More sustainable camping isn't all that different from more sustainable living—all it takes is a willingness to do right by the environment and a little forethought.

“Humanity is now standing at a crossroads. We must now decide which path we want to take. How do we want the future living conditions for all living species to be like?”
-Greta Thunberg

• Sort your waste
  You can camp more sustainably by not just sending everything to the landfill! Don’t merely limit yourself to a single garbage can; pick through your waste to create piles of compost, recycle, and trash. 
  
• Shop local, organic, and biodegradable
  Companies produce whatever consumers will purchase- that is called demand. By putting your money towards more eco-conscious goods, you are fueling the demand for sustainable products and putting an end to products that harm our planet.
  
• Bring a reusable water bottle
  Hydration is key while venturing outdoors. Why go through a plastic water bottle each hour when you can just use a reusable water bottle?! Remember that water bottle companies don’t sell water; they sell plastic.
  
• Leave a place cleaner than you found it
  Follow the Girl Scout golden rule to leave a place cleaner than you found it
  or read the leave no trace seven principles here.
  
• Keep our water clean
  Sunscreen, lotions, cosmetics, and other water-soluble materials can contaminate lakes, rivers, and ponds. Opt for natural body products instead!
  Be cautious when using permethrin (insect repellant) or permethrin-treated items because it is dangerous to aquatic life. Before you go swimming, think about what you put on your body.
  +Use Coral Reef safe sunblock when swimming in the ocean
  +Avoid aerosol cans such as bug spray- the ozone layer will love you! Plus, off-spray can kill bees, hummingbirds and important pollinators.
  
• Only camp in designated areas
  While the adventure of off-roading may seem fun, it is extremely harmful to the environment. Designated camping areas are selected for their resilience, as well as their safety for you and the planet.
  This goes for trails too. Be sure that while hiking, you remain on trails to not harm any vegetation in the area
  
• Treat mother nature with respect
  To be honest, no one really cares if Matthew and Katie were there in 2008, so don’t scribble it on the rock! Leave nature be.
  
• Keep your distance
  Never, ever, ever, feed wildlife. Feeding wildlife can lead to their dependence on humans for food, as well as them abandoning their natural feeding habits to be near human activities. This can lead to a disaster. Keep in mind that the less you meddle, the better.
  
• Don’t buy new!
  Before you buy new, see whether you can borrow or rent the equipment needed. If you still lack something, look for it secondhand. Used equipment is always a smart alternative because it minimizes the demand for new items and keeps other's unwanted items out of landfills. Bonus- it also saves money.
  
• Realize YOU make a difference
  Whether at home, in your backyard, or on the trails you have the power to do good. You can make a change. You can create a difference.