Green camping5 August 2010
Camping's a great way to enjoy the UK countryside. Here are our tips to help reduce your impact on the environment while you make the most of the great outdoors.
- Solar powered
From fairy lights in your tent to solar phone and camera chargers, harness the sun's energy to keep your gadgets working. - Avoid disposables
Keep clear of paper plates, disposable cups and cutlery. Invest in reuseable alternatives. - Locally sourced charcoal
Most charcoal in the UK is imported, so look for BioRegional's locally sourced charcoal. Available in selected B&Q, Sainsbury and Tesco stores. - Wind up gadgets
Perfect for indoor and outdoor use, a wind up torch and radio are eco-friendly essentials for any camping trip. - Biodegradable is best
Choose biodegradable washing up liquid and toiletries to avoid polluting local waterways. - Local food, less meat
Meat production and transportation is a major contributor to climate change. Camping is a good opportunity to eat less meat and choose locally-produced, seasonal food. - Give the car a rest
Leave your car at home and reduce your carbon footprint. Choose destinations that are easy to reach by train, coach or bus. - Organic repellents
There are a variety of natural and organic insect repellents on the market, so steer clear of chemicals and keeps bugs away naturally. - Share camping gear
Save money and use fewer resources. Borrow kit from friends, buy second hand or find free items on Freecycle. - Do not feed the animals
Tempting though it might be, feeding wild animals can make them reliant on people for an easy supply of food at camp sites.
See our 'Outdoor' range of camping accessories and books.
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