Learn to waste less when camping

Learn to waste less when camping
The reason we go camping is to escape to the great outdoors and strip back to nature, but the harsh reality is, camping can be a source of enormous amounts of waste. It's not ideal when you arrive at a new campsite to have to clean up the rubbish clouding your views and littering your campsite. Make the most of your escape by striving for zero-waste from the moment you pitch your tent and the time you pack up at the end. It may sound like a daunting task, so we have put some tips together to help you get underway as a conscious camper!
  • Opt for solid toiletries
You never realise how many toiletries you use daily until you go camping and have to lug it all to the shower block. If you think about it, all of those shampoo bottles, pump soaps and shower gels amount to a lot of plastic at the end of the trip. Join the Greenies and try solid soap and shampoo. Not only does it reduce the amount of plastic produced, it also saves space and makes for a lighter trip! Added bonus – unlike liquids, solid toiletry bars don't leak.
  • Be water-wise
One of the biggest contributors to plastic waste is disposable water bottles. It also happens to be one of the easiest ways to reduce waste. If you do your research and check whether the campground has drinking water on site before you arrive, all you'll need to pack are some reusable water bottles. Otherwise, swap out the store-bought crate of bottled water for a large water cooler and fill up at home.
  • Meal prep is the key
Packing food for camping doesn't mean packing plastic. Meal prep is a time-and-waste-friendly tool. Prep your meals at home in reusable containers that just need a wash, a reheat or can be pulled from the esky as you need. The same goes for snacks that can be homemade instead of store bought. It's also a great way to make sure you have your favourite foods on hand.
  • Ditch the plastic plates
We're all guilty of reaching for the disposable plates and cutlery when camping, so kick the temptation altogether and don't pack them at all! You know that you'll be washing up your pots and pans anyway, so what's a couple of extra plates in exchange for a waste-free environment? Here are some basics to get you started.
  • Organise your rubbish
Organising your rubbish isn't strictly reserved for home. In fact, most camp grounds nowadays offer the facilities for recycling. Make it easier for yourself and separate your waste as you go into a landfill and recyclables. This way you'll reduce the amount of rubbish sent to landfill and you can spend your days enjoying the clean outdoors!

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