Camping is a great way to experience nature and bond with your family and friends. However, you should always make sure you leave the camping site even better than you found it. Below are some ways you can be kinder to nature when camping.
Enjoy without Touching
The best way to respect and preserve nature is not moving or carrying rocks and flowers. The best practice here is to take photos of what you like because taking the actual item deprives nature and others of enjoying it. It is recommended that you leave no trace after your camping expedition. Make sure you stick to the designated trails, walk on rocks and avoid stepping on the vegetation.
The simplicity of a quiet nature walk or camping over the weekend has been proven to make people happier and even live longer, so take care not to ruin any of it for others.
Waste Management
It would help if you were especially careful of where you dump plastic bags and water bottles because they take a very long time to decompose, are harmful to animals that may eat them, and end up in water bodies. Ensure to dispose of used water far away from water bodies to not add dirt to the lakes and water sources near you. Human waste must be appropriately disposed of because left in nature, it can lead to diseases.
Some Louisiana state park camping sites are terrific because there are bathrooms. Littering can be considered the most significant disrespect to nature, and none of us should partake in it. You should make use of the disposal bins provided and if none are available, carry a garbage bag to put all your waste in and dispose of it when you get home.
Wildlife
Wildlife is precious, and as such, we need to ensure we treat them with care and respect. When camping, you are already disrupting the animals’ and birds’ natural habitat and routines. You should never feed the wildlife because it is not a sustainable food source for them. It may disrupt their diets, and the animals may expect food from future campers.
As a general rule, you need to know which animals you will likely see on your outing and learn which you need to enjoy from afar for safety reasons. Keep in mind that wild animals will attack to defend themselves when provoked. If you encounter wounded animals, call for the relevant authorities to care for them as touching them may put you at risk of wildlife-related diseases.
Most animals do not leave their young behind and, as such, avoid picking up any of them, especially squirrels, as this can be interpreted as a sign for the parent to attack. Ensure that all your food, water, and cooking apparatus are correctly stored and away from sleeping areas in case they attract animals. You also want to avoid bringing your pets with you as they can chase small animals and ruin the nature experience.
Noise Pollution
Nature is what wildlife call home, and it would be utterly rude to make noise in their place of abode. Loud music is disruptive to the quiet and serene environment the animals are used to. Your loud sing-along and music may startle the animals, and some animals may see this as a threat and retaliate.
Fire Safety
Campfires are synonymous with camping, whether roasting marshmallows or providing heat and light. To reduce air pollution, you should try to light campfires only when you’re cooking. Enjoy the rest of it as you eat instead of having a fire to look at.
Remember to check on when and where fires are allowed at a campsite. A better and greener idea is to use the fire rings already present. That avoids leaving burn scars on rocks by lighting fires on them. After you are done with your fire, ensure you put it out completely to avoid forest fires.
Nature walks and camping are great ways to escape the busy and noisy everyday life you are accustomed to. But to keep enjoying said nature, you need to do your part and ensure that it stays in excellent condition. Not just for wildlife and vegetation, but for yourself, and future generations. You should also be aware that some nature violations are punishable by law.
Author: Sheryl Wright
