x24,Top3,TopLeft,x25,x12
simple green steps

Take a Greener Backpacking Trip, 4 Tips

Brian Merchant

By Brian Merchant
Brooklyn, NY, USA | Wed Aug 27 06:00:00 EDT 2008

man backpacking photo


Vegar Abelsnes Photography/Getty Images

READ MORE ABOUT:
Nature | Outdoors

Backpacking is just about the greenest thing you can do—if it's done right. Just the image of a person surrounded by nature, all necessary belongings strapped right on the back, is a classic green symbol. And yet, you still need to be wary when planning your next excursion—I'm sure you will, as few dive into backpacking without proper preparation. So just think of these following tips as a few friendly eco-reminders.

  1. Take out what you take in. You've almost certainly heard this phrase before. It's a pretty standard backpacking rule—and one of the oldest green axioms there is.

  2. No bottled water—use a refillable bottle—preferably one that doesn't contain traces of bisphenol A like the popular Nalgene bottles are alleged to (bummer, I know. I loved those bottles, too)

  3. Bring along toilet paper made from recycled paper—and use it sparingly. Also, make sure to dig a sufficiently deep hole when you drop a No. 2. You'll speed up the process of biodegradation and keep unsightly trash hidden from view.

  4. Pack organic freeze-dried foods for your meals, like the whole wheat spaghetti. Check out Mountain Foods' list of other organic foods for on the go for some ideas.

And enjoy one of the greenest ways there is to spend a weekend—happy backpacking.

Need proof that it's possible to balance being green and still be a supportive partner and parent? See how Ed Begley, Jr. does it on Planet Green TV's Living with Ed.

 
  • email
  • digg
  • share
  • print
helpful article? vote for it
{ }
close window

CLOSE X

 

comments on this article

view all post a comment

 
 
Search is temporarily unavailable
 
 
 
Conversations
 

How to Go Green

View All

Votes

How to Go Green: Hybrid Cars
  COMMENTS

{}

How to Go Green: Cars
  COMMENTS

{}

How to Go Green: Carbon Offsets
  COMMENTS

{}

 
Green Globetrotter Quiz
 

tv schedule

view all

On Now

On Tonight

 
Electric Car
 

buying guides

View All

Votes

Buy Green: Camping Tents
  COMMENTS

{}

Buy Green: Interior Paint
  COMMENTS

{}

Buy Green: Side-by-Side Refrigerators
  COMMENTS

{}

Buy Green: Mattresses
  COMMENTS

{}

 
eco-nomics
 

today on planet green

view all

Votes

recent
discussed

Think It's Too Late for a Garden? You're Wrong
POSTED  2 HOURS AGO.  COMMENTS

{ }

DIY Drawstring Bag for Camp Gear
POSTED  4 HOURS AGO.  COMMENTS

{ }

Green Glossary: Lyocell
POSTED  6 HOURS AGO.  COMMENTS

{ }

Reuse Those Plastic Cups As Earrings
POSTED  4 Jul 2009.  COMMENTS

{ }

Peru Planted 512,820 Trees a Day for 3 Months—Try Planting One
POSTED  3 Jul 2009.  COMMENTS

{ }

Ask Steve Thomas Anything (About Your Home)
POSTED  9 Feb 2009. 119 COMMENTS.

{112}

Ask Emeril Your Green Cooking Questions
POSTED  7 Apr 2009. 55 COMMENTS.

{116}

Emeril Green FAQ
POSTED  17 Dec 2008. 46 COMMENTS.

{80}

5 Ways to Green Your Haircut
POSTED  24 Jun 2009. 3 COMMENTS.

{34}

7 Great Weekend Solar Power Projects
POSTED  25 Jun 2009. 3 COMMENTS.

{50}

 

Ads by Google