If you love camping, then you probably know how important it is to protect the great outdoors. Sustainable camping is a must! See if you’re doing everything you can. For example, sometimes we use disposable cups as wine glasses for camping – a big camping no-no! Check out this list of sustainable camping ideas and see which ones you’re doing right…and where you can improve.

1. Leave no trace – a MUST for sustainable camping.

The most basic thing about eco-friendly camping is to make sure you leave your campsite as you found it. Pick up every single last piece of trash before you go.

2. Invest in camping cutlery and reusable straws.

Just because you’re camping doesn’t mean you should turn to plastic and paper tabletop items. Instead, get a set of utensils and even reusable straws that you use for camping. It may be a little extra weight in your pack, but it’s better than hundreds of years of ecological damage. This is an absolute must for sustainable camping!

3. Use wine glasses for camping.

Betcha wouldn’t have guessed we’d recommend wine glasses for camping, but it’s true – we are! Those red solo cups are so bad for the environment – can you really call it sustainable camping when you’re using a cup once and then letting it stay in a landfill for centuries? We think not. Instead, get some unbreakable wine glasses for camping and/or unbreakable tumblers for camping. Unbreakable Tritan drinkware will last you a very, very long time. Think of all those plastic cups you won’t throw in the trash once you make the switch. Now that’s sustainable camping!

3. Don’t disturb the flora and fauna.

All that pretty greenery should be enjoyed by all!

• Don’t pick it – or even pick it up. Leave those beautiful flowers and decades-old moss as they are!

• Pitch your tent in a place that will do the least amount of damage on its surroundings.

4. Don’t feed wildlife.

It may be tempting to give any cute animals you see a little nibble…but don’t! These animals should rely on their ecosystem and their natural feeding habits. This keeps everything in balance.

5. Be careful with your campfire!

The last thing any of us wants to do is start a forest fire! So, one absolutely imperative step to sustainable camping is to be smart with your campfire. Make sure you:

are even allowed to start a fire. Some camping areas restrict it, and there are occasional campfire bans.

Bring your own firewood rather than scrounging and using up fallen twigs.

Build your fire pit away from any wind that could spread it

Clear the intended campfire area of everything except for rocks and dirt. Place your firewood atop of this.

Do not build a fire close to your tent.

Keep a pail of water and a lot of loose, dry dirt nearby. Also a shovel if possible. You can use the shovel to put out the fire by pounding it against the fire and shovelling the dry dirt atop the fire.

These are a few tips to having a sustainable camping trip.If you have any other suggestions (and we’re sure there is a lot more you can do!), drop us a note on FB or Tweet at us!