Planning a Sustainable Outdoor Trip With Your Family
Camping is one of the best ways to unplug from a busy week, bond with your family, and reconnect with nature. But with all the food prep, gear, and logistics, keeping things clean and chemical-free can feel like a challenge you don’t need. Save your energy for wrangling the kids over the next 48 hours, right?
Well, not exactly. Because non-toxic camping doesn’t have to be a hassle or chore that keeps you from enjoying your relaxation time outdoors. A few simple tweaks here and there are enough to make your camping trip a healthier one for the whole family.
Au Natural, All the Way
Don’t worry, you can keep your clothes on for this. Mostly. Because we’re talking about bug spray—one of the most commonly packed items on a camping trip. It’s also a product brimming with chemicals to achieve its insecticide qualities.
Instead of relying on repellents that are heavy on chemicals, opt for ones with an essential oil base. Sharp citrus scents, like citronella and lemon eucalyptus work just as well to keep bugs away.
An extensive study by Scientific Reports found that a 10% emulsion of essential oil was enough to protect against mosquitoes for up to six hours.
Safe and Simple Cooking
Campfire cookouts are easily the highlight of any outdoor trip. But it’s good to keep in mind that not all cookware is created equal.
Non-stick pans, for example, might be great to curb the mess but that magic has to come from somewhere. Most formulations that cause your food to glide easily from the pan contain harmful chemicals. These can slowly leach into food when the pan’s surface becomes overheated or scratched due to wear and tear.
A better option is cast iron, enamel-coated, or stainless steel cookware. These metals offer a healthier cooking option and are far more durable for outside use.
Pro tip: Avoid single-use plastic utensils to reduce waste. Choose washable and reusable wherever you can.
Mindful Skincare
Like bug spray, you won’t be caught braving the great outdoors without a bottle of sunscreen. It’s a must, but something that isn’t is the oxybenzone that’s present in most brands. This and other chemicals in sunscreen formulations are harmful to people as well as the environment.
Swap the oxybenzone for mineral-based sunscreens instead. Check for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, because both offer protection from the sun without the unwanted chemical damage.
What’s more, mineral sunscreen is better for kids and people with sensitive skin because it contains no irritants. It also provides immediate protection against the sun thanks to its formulation to reflect, rather than absorb like chemical sunscreens.
When it comes to your soaps and shampoos, choose safe, biodegradable products that will keep surrounding water sources clean.
Practice Water Safety
Bottled water might seem like a no-brainer, but not when you want to leave no trace. Minimize the potential for waste by investing in a portable water filter. Since water sources around campsites can’t always be trusted, this is a safe way to keep your family hydrated no matter where you pitch a tent.
If your DIY bone is tingling, then try out this homemade water filter endorsed by NASA:
Cut a water bottle in half along its width.
Remove the cap and replace it with a piece of cloth held in place by a rubber band. This will be your draining cloth.
Place this half inside the bottom half with the cloth facing down.
Now you’ll create your filter in layers from very fine to large. Start with bits of charcoal from your fire, fine sand, pebbles, and finally large stones.
Reduce the Risk of Chemical Exposure
This camping change-up is the hardest to implement because harmful chemicals can be found in everything from tents and sleeping bags to outdoor gear. Think about one item in your camping catalog that’s waterproof or fire-resistant and you’ll have found one item that potentially contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS.
PFAS are widely used in waterproof gear, some non-stick cookware, and firefighting foam (aqueous film-forming foam). According to TorHoerman Law, these “forever chemicals” don’t break down, but persist indefinitely in the bloodstream of those exposed or in water sources catching the wash-off.
These chemicals are the focus of recent legal action, with the AFFF lawsuit update highlighting long-term health complications linked to PFAS exposure. Some of these include kidney cancer, bladder cancer, and thyroid disease.
While it’s difficult to eliminate exposure to PFAS entirely, choosing camping gear treated with natural alternatives is a good place to start.
The Bottom Line
A family camping trip should be a stress-free escape. Making simple changes to non-toxic alternatives not only ensures a healthier experience but also helps the environment. From cooking and skincare to camping gear and water safety, your small choices add up. In the end, you’ll get to enjoy the outdoors without worrying about products that could harm your loved ones or the natural surroundings.
Related:
