How to become a Sustainable camper

Camping can be a wonderfully fun and relaxing experience for us, but it isn’t for the environment. Humans too often arrive, set up their tent, enjoy their stay and then leave behind endless evidence of their time spent there. A wander through the forest by Loch Morlich last night told a story of many selfish campers. Toilet roll, food packets, wipes, disposable barbeques, remnants of wood fires (which are not allowed in the Cairngorm National Park), glass bottles, nappies and various other items were left strewn all over the place. Not littering is just common sense. However, there are certain things about wild camping that are less known but just as vitally important. So, this article is here to advise you on how to be a sustainable camper.

To explore more of the Scottish Highlands check out this blog post.

Rubbish

Let us start with a simple but effective sustainable camping tip to follow. Once you have finished camping there should be no trace of your stay but this is sadly most often not the case. All you have to do is remember to take everything with you. Even if something is broken – do not leave it behind.

• Someone will have to clean up after you.
• Your rubbish leaves the place looking less desirable to tourists.  
• Animals can become injured or killed by the items you leave behind.

~ To be even more of a sustainable camper, go on a litter picking walk and throw away any rubbish you find. ~

Make sure you dispose of everything correctly. If something can be recycled, then recycle it. If there is no recycling bin nearby then keep it on you until you find one. Only recycle what can actually be recycled, it shocks me the things that people put in recycling. I saw a small peddle foot bin in a recycling bin in the campsite I’m currently staying in last night!

As well as this, only bin what can not be recycled. Many people don’t care and bin everything. The earth has finite resources which are dwindling at an alarming rate. We absolutely must recycle what we can and use sustainable products as often as possible. Also, always put glass bottles in the correct coloured glass bins.

Where to camp

Check with the local area where you are allowed to camp. Camping in certain areas can be more damaging to the environment than others or are popular tourist spots. Always check before pitching. We need to be more mindful of wildlife and nature and stop only thinking about ourselves. There is more on this Earth than a bunch of selfish humans so let’s remember that.

For example, up by Loch Morlich, you should not camp on the beach. This is a highly popular tourist area so we want it to look clean and inviting. Instead, head into the woods and find a more sensible place to camp. However, again be mindful of nature and wildlife. As hard as you try to have no impact, you will likely have some so camp as carefully and as respectfully as you can. When walking about, follow paths as much as possible so that you don’t disturb any habitats.

Imagine if someone camped in your garden, there are likely to be certain areas you would rather they didn’t set up camp. But instead, you are camping on the home of wildlife and nature. Become a more sustainable camper and choose your spot carefully.

Recommendation –

The best place to stay is in a campsite. This way you are more likely to tidy up after yourself and you also have toilet/shower access. I recommend the Glenmore Campsite beside Loch Morlich, it is the absolute most perfect place to stay.

I also recommend Kinloch campsite and CampingSkye on the Isle of Skye.

For a Skye day trip guide check this post out.

Toilet Tips

Obviously, the most environmental ‘toilet’ is an actual toilet whether this be a toilet in a van or ‘real toilets’. However, when wild camping access to proper toilets is not always possible especially at night. However, you should use an actual toilet as often as possible.  

• Dig a hole and bury waste
• Take a ‘dog bag’ with you
• Dispose of toilet roll/wipes
• Find somewhere 30 metres away from water as human waste can be harmful to aquatic life.
• Use an actual toilet as often as possible.

Fires

Check the rules on whether fires are allowed. In many areas such as Loch Morlich and the surrounding forest in the Cairngorm national park, only gas fires and gas bbqs are allowed. Handmade fires and bbqs using wood or coal are permitted. Setting a forest alight is not very sustainable, is it? Let’s minimise the risk by following these simple rules to become more sustainable campers.

After all, would you want someone building a fire in your garden? Also, use your own firewood, do not take from the surrounding area. The wood around you belongs to the forest, it is not yours to take. More importantly, the wood can be home to rare insects.

Please dispose of cigarette ends responsibly as they can also cause fires.

Food and drink

When travelling, it is always good to give back to the community so that the area continues to thrive. Be mindful that you are not just taking. A great way to do this is to buy local food and drink. So don’t bring all your food from home, enjoy a dinner out or a takeaway. If for whatever reason you will not be eating out then perhaps make a donation to the area in some way.

By Loch Morlich, there is the Pine Marten bar. It is a wonderful little place with plenty of seating now available due to their extended outside area. The food is good, the drinks are refreshing, and the staff are friendly.

Another tip on sustainable camping when it comes to food and drink is to source vegan or vegetarian options. This will help to keep your carbon footprint low.

Sustainable products

Plan as much as you can before heading of camping. This way, you have time to source sustainably made products rather than getting them last minute from anywhere. Most things now have eco-friendly alternatives so look for a green option before buying.

Check out this post on eco-friendly travel toiletries.

Let’s all become more sustainable campers and look after areas as special as Loch Morlich so that we don’t ruin the fun for others or harm the environment. Do you have any sustainable camping tips? Let me know in the comments!