Healthy and Green Camping – The Best Way To Enjoy Nature This Summer

Summer is just around the corner, and what’s more summer prep appropriate than camping? Whether you rough it, tent it, camper or rv it, you tend to not have all the comforts and accoutrement of home when you’re sleeping under the stars. Because of that it is very easy to fall into a rut of convenience store food, cooler snacks and campfire munchies. This can lead to sleepless nights as well as fatigue. A bad combo if you will be hiking, boating or engaging in any physical activities that require you to be alert and on your toes. Below are some tips to green up, health up and make the most of your next venture into the wild!:

• Eat your veggies! – Fruit is fairly easy to come by but getting your greens is near impossible. Try making a big batch of green juice before you leave and keeping it on ice during your trip. Juice spinach, kale, cucumber, celery, parsley, apple, lemon & ginger for a yummy yet healthy libation. If you will be gone to long or don’t think your ice supply will keep, perhaps try a veggie supplement like Healthy To Go Go Greens as each packet gives you your recommended 6 servings of green veggies in just a few tasty gulps.  Don’t forget to store your beverages in glass for numerous health reasons.
• Drink lots of water!! – Activities in the hot sun are a killer mix for rapid dehydration. Keep liquefied and cool. Bring a bunch of water from home in reusable or recyclable gallons. Invest in a hand pump for the 5 gallon bottles as it makes it way easier to refill little bottles or wash dishes. It comes in really handy to fill a bowl to wash your face and brush your teeth. Be sure to dump “gray water” in designated areas, away from fresh water sources and not in the bushes.
• Block the sun – Nothing sucks worse then a bad burn on a vacation. And it will suck for years to come too. Combat the harsh rays with an organic, non-toxic sun block lotion that will keep you healthy and burn free.
• Stock up on healthy snacks – Load up on organic chips and salsa or guacamole as well as hummus with chilled cucumber chips. Grill up pre-made veggie skewers that can be easily made at home and packed in foil and put on ice for the trip. When away from your site, bring bars suggested on the Healthy Voyager Approved Directory to keep your hunger at bay without killing your insulin levels. Also, pack as much as you can in reusable bags or storage. This way you decrease disposable food packaging.
• Fall off the grid – Keep you cell phones, ipods and computers charged with the sun! Use solar panels instead of generators, crank or shakable flashlights and crank radios. Replace disposable batteries with rechargeable, whenever possible. A great stop for your portable solar needs is Sundance Solar.
• Bring enough receptacles to keep your trash separate from your recyclables – Some camp sites aren’t equipped with separate dumpsters so haul your own trash to the closest place that can take recycling.
• Be green and bring your own – Dishes & firewood that is! Invest in some camping kitchen and dishware. Consider equipping yourself with multi-functional outdoor tools that not only serve a variety of purposes but are also crafted with sustainability in mind, ensuring that your camping experience is both enjoyable and environmentally conscious. Do your best to avoid using disposable stuff. Plus, it’s way cheaper on your wallet. Also, it would seem that using timber from around your campsite may seem eco-friendly, but it actually threatens the forest’s future. When fallen trees and branches decompose, they return nutrients to the soil, feeding the surrounding trees and vegetation.
• Stay within your site’s boundaries and on paths – Venturing into the forest threatens fragile plants and disrupts the homes of animals living there. And every time you veer off a path, you create an opening for others to follow – which will eventually widen the trampled area and reduce wildlife. Traveling off the path leads to soil erosion and the trampling of native plant life. Also avoid the temptation to throw rocks and remove brush while you’re on the trail.
• Keep campfires small and contained to a pit – Don’t burn plastic, metals or woods that have been treated with chemicals. If you use an outdoor grill, dump the ashes in your fire pit or dispose of them in designated areas.
• Follow the rules of the campsite – Especially the bathroom rules as some sites may be on a septic system and anything other then what is supposed to go in toilets or drains can harm it. Be a mindful guest and courteous camper. Your fellow campers will thank you!
• Keep it clean – Sure it might be tough with kids, small spaces and lots of “nature” to compete with, but do your best to keep everything clean.  Cooking and prep surfaces are essential to keep clean but don’t forget to keep yourself clean too to avoid illness or bacterial infections, etc. Always have hand sanitizers and healthy cleaning products available.
• To locate great campsites around the country, be sure to check out Go Camping America

Camping with friends, family or venturing on your own can be incredibly fun. Even more so during the summer months with all the outdoor activities available near campsites. Just make sure you are prepared with this camping guide or the area you will be visiting and be a very cautious as well as conscious camper ; )