Camping Green

Tents
Most of the waterproof tents and gear are made with toxic solvents that emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and dioxins during the production phase. They are then coated with Teflon, which is made with Polytetrafluoroethylene (PFOE), or perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), where both are known to be possible human carcinogens during the manufacturing process, causing increase infertility and birth defects.

Alternatives to synthetic-made tents are canvas tents, which can be found in some army surplus stores. But be careful when purchasing these canvas tents, as many of them are treated with chemical insecticides and fungicides. Not too fond of canvas tents? Consider purchasing tents made from recycled material or those that are low or free in PVC.

- Nano OZ From Nemo Equipment: Most of the tent is made from post consumer waste PET Bottles, such as the fabric, the zipper tap, and even the cords and edge binding.
- Salt Creek 2 from Big Agnes: This two-person, three season tent is unique in that nearly the entire tent is made from 100% recycled dye-free polyester. Plus, all the seams are taped with waterproof, solvent-free polyurethane (non PVC or VOC) tape.

Sleeping Bags
It is hard to come across sleeping bags that are free from synthetic materials. Sleeping bags are usually stuffed with petroleum-based polyester or down by-products from the meat industry. Consider purchasing sleeping bags stuffed with 100% cotton, or those made of 100% recycled material, such as:

- Skinny Fish from Big Agnes: This sleeping bag is made from 96% recycled materials, filled with 100% recycled synthetic material and lined with 100% recycled polyester.
- Verde 20 by Sierra Designs: The sleek, lightweight bag is ideal for the serious green backpacker or camper, since it is made from all natural cocono, a coconut extract. The insulation and shell fabric are made from recycled pop bottles and the liner fabric is made from coconut husk and recycled plastic.

Waterproofing:
Many waterproof sprays and sealants are petroleum-based and made from many different chemicals, such as fluorochemicals. Choose water based sealants and sprays. There are those that are beeswax-based, such as those from Nikwax, that can be washed into clothing or sprayed on tents and bags.

Flashlights and Lanterns
On your next camping trip, ban the use of batteries. Purchase LED flashlights and lanterns: they produce a brighter light while using less battery power. Wind-up, solar-powered or shakeable flashlights are even more eco-friendly, since there are no batteries needed to operate these, therefore you will never be left in the dark.

Some Food for Thought
-Cookware and Dishware: Cut down on the waste that you produce during you trip by purchasing reusable cookware and dishware. Indeed, plastic utensils and Styrofoam plates are convenient, and there is no need to wash them later (save on water, right?), if you are an avid camper, the waste generated by your three meals each day add up a bunch. Purchase durable camping dishware and cookware that will last you for years. Or even cut back on the purchases and reuse some old cookware and dishware that you have at home.

-Food storage and containers: Packaged camp food creates a lot of waste, which ultimately ends up in landfills. Try to minimize the packaging and waste by bringing bulk food from home. Purchase items from bulk stores, such as marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate for s'mores, or store food in containers or PVC-free bags. This way, any left-over food can be re-sealed for future meals, or brought back home after the trip.

Never burn plastics in the campfire
This releases noxious and dangerous carcinogens that you will inhale.

Stoves and Grills
If possible, avoid using your electric or fuelled grills during your camping trip. Campfires are easy and convenient way to cook your food; just use a lid for your pans if you don't like the taste of campfire smoke. You might not be able to cook everything over the fire, but you can cook certain foods to help reduce the amount of cooking time on a fuelled stove.

Water
Instead of bringing individual water bottles, consider bringing a big jug or two of water, encouraging everyone to bring their reusable stainless steel water bottles. Not enough room in the car for the jugs? Consider investing in a portable water filter that you can use for any outdoor event or trip. One popular brand is the Katadyn Water Filter, ceramic and activated carbon filters that are sure to last 20 to 100 times longer than most filters. More products are available at Camping Survival.

Recycling
-Bringing two garbage bags instead of one encourages your whole gang to recycle. Take use of the recycling facilities your campsite has. Try reducing as much waste as possible first, and then recycling what you can.

Keeping Bugs and Mosquitoes Away
-While it is easy to cover yourself from head-to-toe in DEET, an effective chemical used in many mosquito-repellents, it is not the most greenest option. To go 100% green this camping season, consider using natural repellents, such as the soy-based repellent Bite Blocker.
-Carbolic Soap has been found to be effective at repelling against mosquitoes. While it is not the story for everyone, carbolic soap is a mild antiseptic soap which will help with the mosquito bites afterwards. Carbolic soap can be purchased in many natural food stores or bulk stores.

-View more tips on natural mosquito repellents here.