The Beginner’s Guide to Zero-Waste Camping

 

Camping is always a great opportunity to connect with nature. However, it’s important to be respectful of the land you visit by not leaving any trash behind. 


What better way to practice a zero-waste lifestyle than when you’re camping?


Here’s how to start 

1. Eat a plant-based diet 

Most common camping food is made for convenience, which means it involves a lot of plastic packaging (hot dogs, chips, marshmallows, etc.). Instead, opt for plant-based meals that you can prepare ahead of time. Changing what you eat may sound daunting, but all it takes is a little bit of creativity and planning. 

 For example, for breakfast, you can make pancakes and fruit. Prepare the pancake mix in a mason jar ahead of time and bring some fruit to chop up at the campsite. Add water to the mix and bring a skillet to cook up the pancakes in the morning. Portable grills are very accessible, and a great investment if you intend to camp often. For lunch you can whip up a colorful salad, and for dinner you can make sandwiches.  

2. Reusable silverware and plates

Most people use disposable silverware and plates while camping because it’s easier. But as we know, while these products are convenient, after you dispose of them they sit in landfills for hundreds to thousands of years. Buy or borrow some reusable plates (that won’t break easily), and bring some bar dish soap to the campsite to wash them. For silverware, just bring what you have from home or opt for the more sustainable bamboo cutlery.

3. Reusable hygiene products 

Our shampoo and conditioner bars are perfect for camping. Not only are they zero waste, but they’re also compact so they don’t take up a lot of space when you’re packing. If you use cotton swabs on the regular, check out our reusable q tip. This product is also compact and can be easily cleaned with just soap and water. If it's that time of the month, don't forget your menstrual cup

4. Other reusable products you might want to bring

Don’t forget your reusable water bottle! In addition, if you’re somewhere without safe drinking water, consider buying a portable water filter so you don’t need to bring plastic water bottles. 

Other common essentials to bring 

  • Tents
  • Bikes 
  • Other sports equipment
  • Sleeping bags
  • Cookware and stovetops 
  • Pop-up canopies
  • Lawn chairs

The most sustainable option is to reuse what you already have.


Before you buy anything, make sure to always ask friends or family if you can borrow their equipment. Most people have all their equipment lying around their house unless they’re actively on a trip, so it doesn’t hurt to ask first.


We wish you a fun and safe trip!

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