The principle of public rights "Do not disturb - do not destroy" is a good guideline for those who want to camp in a sustainable way. Here we list some concrete tips on how you can camp in a more environmentally friendly way.
The more I'm out camping with my roof top tent, the more I appreciate our amazing nature. With that appreciation has also come an increased realization that my and your tent nights (regardless of whether it's in a motorhome, van, a regular tent or, as for me, usually in a rooftop tent) leave an impression on the places we camp.
Here are some tips for how you can camp in a more environmentally friendly way and reduce your negative impact.
1. Leave the place as it was when you arrived or better
It may sound obvious, but in most places I stay I find rubbish and plastic left by previous visitors. ALWAYS take your trash and stuff with you when you leave a location (even any trinkets!). In order for whoever comes after me to avoid the same experience, I usually also pick up rubbish left by others. In this way, you are doing both a service for the environment and for those who visit the place after you.
3. Try to reduce plastic use and disposable items
Skip buying water in a pet bottle and instead take a large can with you, which you then fill up during the journey at a gas station/camping site/restaurant. Use plates and cutlery that can be washed, avoid cardboard plates, plastic glasses and cutlery.
3. Bring the pee paper and bury the poo
Toilet paper is the most common thing you come across in places where people stop to camp or rest with their car. Few things can dampen the idyllic feeling more. It's SO DISGUSTING, especially when you have kids and dogs running around in it. No, ALWAYS carry a bag to put your toilet paper in or set it on fire. It might feel a little disgusting to you, but it's guaranteed to be EVEN more disgusting to the person who comes after you to see your leftovers. And then there was this thing about doing number two. If you need to go - dig a small pit for the purpose (no pun intended) which you then fill up again. Works well with a regular garden spade.
4. Invest in soap and detergent without harmful chemicals
Avoid washing more chemicals into our lakes and rivers by always using environmentally friendly soap, toothpaste and washing-up liquid. Soap will get you far!
5. Fire smartly and safely
Check if there are restrictions on burning in the area and follow these, usually can be found on the municipality's website. Choose a place for the fire where there is no risk of it spreading or damaging land and vegetation. It is important to choose a place for the fire where there is no risk of it spreading or damaging the ground and vegetation. You can use loose branches and cones you find on the ground, but it is not allowed to remove or cut down branches from trees or bushes. Never burn on rock slabs. They can crack. Always ensure that the fire is completely extinguished when you leave the site.
6. Respect individual roads
As a roof tenter, I'm always looking for secluded spots to camp. Very often I have found some small road leading down to a lake that looks perfect to stop at only to be met by either a road barrier or a private road sign. As tempting as it is to continue, I won't, the landowner has the right to close roads to motor traffic and I don't want to contribute to a bad atmosphere and roof tents and other campers being seen as a problem.
7. Choose an environmentally friendly campsite
The Green Key certification is the hospitality industry's certification for the environment and sets requirements for how water, food and drink, waste, energy and much more are handled. There are also other environmental certifications you can look out for. camping.se has a list of eco-labelled campsites.
8. Use things you already have or buy used
Gadgets aimed at camping life abound, and it can be difficult not to be hit by big wishful thinking. But maybe you don't need to buy a new sleeping bag? We usually use our usual duvets and sheets. Check the storage and see if you can find some old sunbeds to sit in. Nowadays you can also rent a lot of the equipment, we at Taktältarna have some - Outdoor Buddies has even more. They also ship all over Sweden. If you are going to buy, check what is available on Blocket or in outdoor pages/groups on Facebook. There is usually a fairly high turnover of things.
Keen to try camping with a roof tent? Try renting a roof tent from us at Roof Tents!
