A Happy, Green Camper: Tips for Eco-Friendly and Safe Camping and Hiking, Part II

For nature lovers, outdoors enthusiasts, and active families alike, camping and hiking season is almost here!

We’ve already covered some of the ways you can enjoy a carbon neutral camping experience. Aside from reducing your carbon footprint, take safety into consideration, too!

Before hitting the trails or the campsite, there are a number of measures to take into account in order to ensure a fun – and most importantly – safeexperience.

Camping Safety:

• Pay attention to all signs, warnings, park regulations and ranger instructions. The rules are there for a reason!
• Get vaccinated before your camping trip – ask your doctor if you and your family are up to date on all recommended vaccines, especially if you are travelling to locations outside the United States that might have health issues.
• Prepare healthy and safe food with these helpful tips.
• If you will be building a campfire, practice appropriate fire safety. Consider purchasing flame-free, portable or electric heaters/stoves in order to offset carbon emissions, as well.
• Never use fuel-burning equipment, grills, heaters, lanterns, etc. inside a tent or camper.
• Use insect repellent to protect against bug bites that may cause disease. These forms of natural insect repellent are a great way to offset your carbon footprint, as well!
• Bring appropriate bedding/clothing for the temperatures.
• Save your skin, and help reduce carbon emissions and the effects of global warming by using these forms of eco-friendly sun protection.
• Don’t leave out food, garbage or other materials that may attract dangerous wildlife, such as bears or mountain lions. Keep all food in airtight containers, and stored away from your tent.
• Keep an eye on kids if they’ll be swimming in rivers, lakes, streams or other bodies of water. Stay away from any body of water with a strong current.

Our best advice is to be prepared (the Boy Scouts are on to something with this motto!). Be sure to bring along emergency equipment, first aid kits, flashlights, blankets, maps/compasses, etc.  Before leaving on your trip, check the weather report, carefully go over the safety regulations of your campsite, and tell your friends and family about your plans and exact location.  In case of emergency, know who to contact and how to reach them quickly.

Follow these tips, and you’ll be a happy camper – literally!

A carbon neutral lifestyle can be a challenge — but one that you don’t have to tackle alone. We’re here to help! Reduce your carbon footprint with help from JustGreen Lifestyle’s Carbon Offsetting program and products.

Resources:

http://www.cdc.gov/family/camping/

http://www.chasinggreen.org/article/eco-friendly-sun-protection-sunscreen-green/