Summertime is upon us, when nature lovers all over venture into the great outdoors. Whether preparing for a family camp-out or a lone wilderness trek, plan ahead, gear up and think “green.” Avoid any products containing PVC, a known toxin. Opt for recycled materials, such as PET plastic- a fully recyclable polyester. Choose reusable, washable utensils over disposables, which not only cut down on pollution, but also save money in the long run.
Here are my picks for the best eco-friendly camping equipment around:
The Salt Creek 2 Tent from Big Agnes is waterproof and constructed of mostly recycled materials. Lining and base are 100% recycled dye-free polyester. Or, to really get into the spirit, Earthworks offers a line of Traditional Tipis. Comprised of buffalo hide, pine and canvas, each tipi is hand-crafted and manufactured with respect for the environment.
Marmot’s EcoPro 15 Sleeping Bag is made of recycled plastic bottles and CoCoNa, a quick-drying organic fabric made of discarded coconut husks.
Keep a Sigg 100% recyclable aluminum water bottle on hand at all times. With dozens of designs to choose from, make a fashion statement while quenching thirst and reducing rubbish.
To-Go-Ware makes a snazzy looking bamboo cutlery set which comes with a fork, spoon, knife and even a pair of chopsticks! RePEaT Utensil Holders feature recycled PET plastic, clip onto a backpack and come in five colors, so you can get one for each family member.
Patagonia offers a wide range of eco-friendly sportswear pieces, of which over 250 are recyclable through their Common Threads Recycling Program. Their Drifter Hiking Boots are made of recycled materials and recycled Vibram soles.
Utilize the sun’s energy with LL. Bean’s Solar Dynamo Radio Light- featuring an AM/FM weather radio, LED light and cell phone charger. Advanced Elements’ Summer Shower delivers 5 gallons of sun-heated water and has lots of handy accessories, such as shampoo/soap holders, on/off nozzle, temperature control and mirror. Campers have been washing up with Dr. Bronner’s Magic Pure Castile Soap for over five generations. One bottle of this gentle vegetable-based, biodegradable formula may be used for hair, body, teeth, laundry, dishes, pets- the sky’s the limit. Comes in eight scents.
If you plan to go fishing, remember to pick up some Field Mate biodegradable fishing line, which decomposes in freshwater or saltwater. Back at the campsite, prepare your fresh catch in a Hot Pot Simple Solar Cooker, which provides up to six hours of cooking at temperatures up to 400 degrees F. Flame-free and smokeless, it’s a safer alternative to charcoal.
Further tips on “green” camping can be found at www.nomadik.com.
“Take nothing but pictures. Leave nothing but footprints” -Anonymous
“God has cared for these trees, saved them from drought, disease, avalanches, and a thousand tempests and floods. But he cannot save them from fools.” -John Muir, naturalist, founder of the Sierra Club
To Whom It May Concern,
You should be aware that there is No scientific evidence to prove that such “clean nicotine substitutes” are any better or make quitting smoking any easier. To the contrary smokers say that they enjoy the taste of the cigarette, especially because of the tar and other toxins as these increase the effect of the “high” from smoking. I do however think that your ultimate goal of helping smokers quit is noble and important. You are merely lacking the correct method. The only way a smoker will quit is if and when he/she makes a decision to quit and commits to this decision using any of the “quitting smoking methods”. Keep up the research for a more effective and better method of helping smokers quit. The most effective method that I know of is NeuroLinguistic Programing (NLP).
Thank you for your time and consideration of my comment.
Jill
Drug and alcohol counsellor and mental health worker for over 13 years
Nice sunset picture.