Cutting down on singleuse plastics during camping trips might sound like a small move, but it’s actually a big step in making outdoor adventures friendlier for the environment. When I first started camping, I was shocked at how quickly plastic waste piled up. Even just a weekend getaway could leave a trash bag full of wrappers, bottles, and packaging trash. I’ll walk you through practical tips, alternatives, and gear choices that help slash plastic use without adding extra hassle to your trips.
Why Reducing Singleuse Plastics Matters in Camping
Plastic pollution has become a major headache for parks, forests, and natural areas. It doesn’t break down quickly, meaning that every empty water bottle, food wrapper, or disposable utensil sticks around for ages. In the outdoors, it’s easy for plastics to blow away and end up in creeks, rivers, or wildlife habitats.
Campers often use a lot of singleuse plastics without thinking much about where it all ends up. I’ve noticed plastic trash at even the quietest campsites, sometimes just a single straw or food bag that got left behind. When multiplied across thousands of visitors, this creates a mess that’s really tough for nature to handle. Swapping those plastic items for reusables or better alternatives doesn’t just cut down on litter, it actually helps protect the landscapes I love to explore.
Start With Swapping Out Common Singleuse Plastics
The easiest way to kick singleuse plastics from your packing list is to look at common throwaway items and switch them out for reusable gear. Some swaps are pretty straightforward, and some need a little getting used to, but each one means less trash coming home with you (or worse, left behind in the wild).
- Plastic Water Bottles: A refillable stainless steel or durable plastic bottle lasts for years and does a better job insulating hot or cold drinks, too. Some campsites have refill stations, so a big jug or bladder at the site means no more singleuse bottles at all.
- Plastic Cutlery and Plates: I like using a lightweight mess kit, which is a titanium or bamboo fork, spoon, knife, and a sturdy plate or bowl. These take almost no space and can handle years of trips.
- Food Storage Bags: Reusable silicone bags, beeswax wraps, or sturdy containers keep leftovers fresh without all those plastic sandwich bags piling up in the bin.
- Plastic Wrap and Foil: More beeswax wraps and silicone lids work for most things you’d wrap up in plastic. I also bring a few rubber bands or packable clips to keep bags tidy.
- Snack Packaging: I portion snacks into small containers at home, which completely cuts out single serving wrappers. This is handy for trail mix, crackers, even granola bars if you make your own.
Advanced Tips: Minimizing Plastic From Food and Cooking
I’ve found that the kitchen is where plastic sneaks into camping gear the most. Here’s how I keep things lowplastic from prep to cleanup.
- Bulk Shopping: Buying in bulk lets you fill your own containers, skipping all the little bags that add up so fast. I bring dry goods like rice, pasta, cereals, and snack blends in reusable bags or jars.
- DIY Meals: Preparing homemade meals at home cuts down on packaged, readytoeat items that are usually wrapped in plastic. Mason jar salads or premade freezedried leftovers are super packable and leave zero waste behind.
- Cooking Gear: Nonplastic options like cast iron, stainless steel, or enamel cookware last forever and are easier to clean on the go. For scrubbing, a washable cloth or natural loofah works just as well as throwaway sponges.
- Cleanup: I pack a small reusable dishwashing kit with a refillable soap bottle. Mix a drop of ecofriendly soap with water in a spray bottle for cleaning all utensils and pots, so I don’t bring those little singleuse soap sachets.
What To Watch Out For: Challenges of Going Plasticfree in the Outdoors
Switching away from singleuse plastics is rewarding, but I won’t pretend every swap is super easy. Some hurdles do pop up, especially for longer adventures or when camping in remote areas.
- Weight and Space: Sometimes, reusable gear adds a little extra weight or takes up more room in the pack. I try to stick with the lightest versions of everything, and it’s usually just a matter of adjusting how I pack.
- Cost: Reusables cost more up front but save money in the long run. At first, it felt like an investment, but I haven’t bought disposable plates, bottles, or cutlery in years. The savings add up over time.
- Cleaning Gear OffGrid: Keeping utensils and dishes clean without a kitchen sink takes a bit of planning. I always have a small collapsible basin and a microfiber towel for quick washes at camp.
- Emergency Backups: Sometimes you do need a backup plan in case reusable items go missing or break. I carry one or two biodegradable bags for true emergencies, but try not to use them unless absolutely necessary.
Packing Tricks to Stay Organized and Reduce Plastic
Having a packing system helps keep things running smoothly. I label containers for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which slashes confusion on the trail and ensures I’m not tempted to grab convenience snacks in plastic packaging last minute. Vacuumsealed or refillable spice and condiment kits also limit the need for those tiny singleuse packets.
What About Trash Bags?
I always bring a sturdy trash bag or dry sack to pack out any existing waste. Even with good planning, you may still end up with a few bits of plastic (think produce stickers or unavoidable packaging). Having a dedicated bag keeps it contained and makes it easy to sort at home. Make sure to always dispose of trash at proper collection points when you return.
Gear Picks and Favorite Lowplastic Camping Brands
There are some pretty cool brands focused on sustainability and sturdy, reusable gear. Here are some of my go-to items for a plasticfree camping setup:
- Refillable Bottles and Hydration Systems: Nalgene, Hydro Flask, and Platypus make tough bottles and water bladders that last for years and are simple to refill at campgrounds or rest stops.
- Food Containers: Stasher and Bees Wrap both offer practical solutions for packing food without all the waste. Stainless steel bento boxes or lunch kits are a nice upgrade for bigger meals.
- Tableware: Light My Fire and Snow Peak have mess kits and utensils that are robust and light enough for backpackers. They clean up easily on the go as well.
- Sustainable Soap and Cleaning Gear: Dr. Bronner’s is a multiuse soap that’s biodegradable and works for dishes, hands, and even laundry. A packable unsponge like Marleys Monsters helps skip disposable scrubbers.
Picking up gear piece by piece over time is the way I built my kit without feeling the pinch financially. Most gear also comes with decent warranties, making it worth the upfront cost. Research customer reviews and warranty policies before you buy to get the most value from your selections.
Troubleshooting: Solutions for Sneaky Sources of Plastic
Even with the best planning, a few forms of plastic manage to sneak into most camping trips. Here’s how I tackle a few common culprits:
- Travelsize Toiletries: Instead of buying new mini bottles every trip, I refill small containers with my favorite toiletries or use bar versions of shampoo, conditioner, and soap. This trick also saves space and reduces pack weight.
- Plastic Food Packaging: Freezedried meals and instant foods often come in plastic pouches. For longer hikes, I rebatch freezedried foods into ziptop silicone bags, which can be cleaned and reused over and over again.
- Plastic Lighters and Fire Starters: Rechargeable USB lighters, matches in a reusable case, or natural fire starters like beeswax or wood wool let me leave disposable lighters behind.
- Microplastics: Synthetic clothes and gear can shed microplastics when washed. Washing gear less often, using a Guppyfriend bag, or switching to natural fibers helps minimize this invisible kind of plastic pollution.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reducing Plastics While Camping
Question: How do you keep things clean without singleuse wipes or paper towels?
Answer: I use washable cloths and a little spray bottle for quick cleanups. Microfiber towels dry super fast and take up hardly any room. It’s a simple, lightweight swap for paper towels that doesn’t add waste.
Question: Can you really avoid all singleuse plastics on longer trips?
Answer: It’s tough to go 100% plasticfree on extended outings, but bringing as many reusables as possible makes a big dent in total waste. I aim to reduce, not always completely eliminate, especially in remote areas with limited options. Just do your best and keep making small improvements each trip.
Question: Are there biodegradable plastics that are safe in the outdoors?
Answer: Even biodegradable plastics can take a long time to break down in nature. I try to pack out all waste, compost where allowed, and only use true biodegradable bags for situations where there isn’t any other option.
Question: What about plasticbased first aid and safety gear?
Answer: Some items (like bandages, medical tape, and emergency gear) still come in plastic. I focus on overall reduction and don’t skip safety equipment just because it’s not plasticfree. Prioritize safety, but reduce plastic where you can elsewhere.
Small Steps That Make a Big Difference
Cutting down on singleuse plastics while camping is really about a bunch of small adjustments that add up over time. Each trip offers a chance to refine your setup and stumble upon new workarounds. As I swapped out more singleuse stuff, I actually started enjoying my trips more. The gear is sturdier, meals taste better, and cleaning up at the end of the weekend is a breeze. Even if reducing plastic seems tricky at first, every small effort adds up to cleaner campsites, healthier wildlife, and a more sustainable adventure for everyone. Keep experimenting, share what works with others, and you’ll help make a difference with every campout you take.