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| Algonquin 2011 |
Being Canadian and having such a vast amount of untouched beautiful land to explore, camping is a great way to experience the Great Canadian Outdoors... but it is important to remember that all of this untouched land is only untouched by humans... it is the home to millions of species - both animals and vegetation.
Below I have listed a few tips on how to be more of a green camper...
Tip # 1
Eliminate Garbage - try your best to pack items that do not have plastic or metal packaging - aim for items that are either packaged in cardboard and re-pack items into reusable containers. If you do bring plastic or metal garbage - take it home with you and recycle/dispose it accordingly.
Tip # 2
Do not burn Plastic - only burn paper, cardboard, leaves, or wood - and do not just cut any branch off to burn, be sure to ask the park supervisors where you're staying about fire wood - some may allow you to use wood from the forest that is already dry and dead. Also, be sure your fire is in a designated fire pit or if there is no pit, in a dry, grass-less and vegetation-less area.
Tip # 3
Do not Feed the Animals - trust me... I know they are super cute, and you think you're just helping them out but realistically you are harming them. When animals are constantly fed by campers, they become dependent on being fed rather than finding their own food making it more difficult for them to find food when there are no campers around. It also attracts more animals to your campsite which can be both bothersome and dangerous. Also, burn leftover scraps of food rather than burying them. This will keep animals from coming to your campsite at night and digging up the leftovers.
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| Alogonquin 2011 |
Use Biodegradable Soaps - Especially if there are no bathroom facilities - but also know how to use biodegradable soaps, as they can still cause pollution in our water systems because they need soil and rocks to help break it down. When camping with no running water system be sure to rinse your hair, body and any dirty dish water at least 200 feet away from any body of water - this allows the soap to be filtered out of the water through the soil and rocks before it reaches the stream, river, or lake. Dig a hole at least a foot deep and try to dump most of the soapy water in the hole... not on vegetation. Again - this is for biodegradable soap, do not use regular brand-name soaps that are full of toxins and pollutants.
Tip # 5
Shop Locally - As you're driving to your campground you may pass a bunch of local farmer stands with fresh fruit and veggies. Not to mention the little towns that most likely have small local bakeries and delis. Try to purchase most of your food supplies from these vendors. See my Shop Local blog post for the benefits of supporting local vendors.
Tip # 6
Pick A Clear Spot - for setting up camp that is. Most campgrounds will have designated campsites, even in the backcountry of Algonquin National Park. Whether you have a designated site or not, be sure that you pick a clear, flat spot away from large hills for your tent. This will not only protect you from the lumpy ground or from rainwater running off the hill and building up under your tent... it will also help keep vegetation from being destroyed and flattened by your tent.
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| Alongonquin 2011 |
The Classic - Take only memories, leave nothing but footprints
For more tips from friendly staff on camping and great green camping products visit your nearest Mountain Equipment Co-op!!!
What are some of your favourite camping memories/tips/experiences?
- M
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