Camping has great merits. From family bonding to improving physical and mental health, we all need camping breaks now and then. But, with camping, there are also responsibilities we must accept. Your love for outdoor activities and exploring new landscapes must come with the duties of keeping it clean as well as protected. Litter accidents are real and the RSPCA receives more than 7000 calls per year. Most of these accidents are those that cause harm to animals like badgers that have plastic cans stuck in their necks and hedgehogs with their heads inside tin cans. Moreover, you will be shocked to know how much money is required in the disposal of all of this waste. According to the sites that manage the National Park Authority, litter and garbage cleaning costs approximately £37k.

What is the best way to avoid land pollution while camping?

There are numerous ways you can help in the reduction of plastic waste while camping or even while going to a park. But, first, you need to understand where the problem lies.

How Are We Causing Pollution?

The sad truth is that we rely too much on plastic and that threatens our relationship with nature. Most people throw away plastic anywhere and everywhere leaving behind nothing but land pollution.

Each year, the Peak District collects tons and tons of general waste. Out of this, more than 50 tonnes are plastic and other such forms of waste and about 10 tonnes of the garbage collected is a recyclable waste. Nowadays, most parks, as well as the countryside, have become prey to our unclean habits. Garbage lies around in the form of plastic that ends up hurting animals and their natural habitats. More than 80% of visitors will agree that they had seen plastic deposits as litter at some point in their life.

Steps to Save the Environment

By following some small-scale steps, we can make a big difference. Here are some solutions that can curb this problem:

  • Use bottles made of stainless steel or metal instead of using those meant for one-time use. Those bottles are thrown away which creates more litter. If you want you can take portable filters with you for long journeys. Get water to drink from natural resources.
  • When you bring food to any outdoor activity, put them in reusable containers and jars. Use cutlery and plates that can be washed and reused. Avoid disposable plates or storage bowls. Instead, use metal ones that you can take back home.
  • Wear clothes which have been recycled. Wear clothes made out of bamboo or wool. Try to avoid clothes like polyester and nylon which have microplastics.
  • Avoid using plastic toothbrushes and go for the ones made of bamboo. Get toothpaste that is natural and available in metal tubes or glass jars. Get shampoo and soap bars that don't cause excess littering.

 

We have come up with some great ways to reduce the use of plastic while hiking, camping, biking, caravanning, or other such activities. There are so many ways to cut out on plastic use and reduce land pollution and degradation. You can also volunteer in several groups that have pledged to keep a place free of plastic.