Do you have a camping enthusiast in your life that you’re trying to shop for this year? In addition to being great camping gift ideas, the following green camping suggestions are also eco-friendly as they are better for the environment.
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When camping, it’s important to use equipment and camping gear that is eco-friendly and isn’t harming you or the environment. After all, isn’t that why people go camping – to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy time away in nature? Why would you want to bring camping essentials that contain toxins such as synthetic fragrances, flame retardants, plastics, and other harmful chemicals with you to pollute nature?
Fortunately, there are some companies that are starting to offer more eco-friendly, green camping gear options. Their products are better for you and kinder to the environment.
Here are some green camping gift ideas for a healthier camping experience.
Green Camping Gift Ideas
PVC Free Air Mattress
It can be difficult to find an air mattress that isn’t made of PVC. However, since you use an air mattress to sleep 6-8 hours each night, it’s best to have a mattress that isn’t made with toxic chemicals that can be inhaled throughout the night.
Due to the nature of air mattresses, they need to be flexible, comfortable and waterproof, so plastic is typically the material of choice. However, using TPU is considered less toxic than PVC. The air mattresses below are made with TPU.
Backpacks
The backpacks recommended below are made by United By Blue. They offer backpack options that are made of organic cotton, or recycled polyester. They also use eco-friendly standards in their manufacturing process.
In addition, they remove one pound of trash from our world’s oceans and waterways for every product sold.
Green Camping Cookware
Cookware with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) can leach harmful chemicals when used. Better cookware options are cast iron, ceramic, or stainless steel.
Soft Coolers
In order to use less space and to make it easier to carry, soft coolers are a great option instead of hard plastic coolers. These recommended coolers are made with TPU or PEVA foil.
Dinnerware and Food Containers
Similar to cookware, dinnerware, and food containers can leach harmful chemicals. A better option to use is stainless steel instead of paper or plastic products. Below are recommended items which are stainless steel.
Light: Lanterns and Flash Lights
Rechargeable solar-powered lanterns and flashlights are a must when camping. No need to carry around batteries and kerosene when using the following recommended lights.
Phone Charger
While one of the benefits of camping in the great outdoors is to have time without technology, it’s nice to have a phone for emergency purposes. These solar-powered phone chargers make sure you can get enough power if a phone is needed.
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping bags can be filled with harmful chemicals. Who wants to sleep surrounded by chemicals all night? Not me! Here are some better options which include cotton sleeping bag interiors instead of polyester.
Stove
Of course, if you want to go all natural, you can make a campfire by rubbing some sticks together or use a few matches. However, if you would like some modern day conveniences of cooking a little quicker without the need for propane, these stoves are a great option. They’re easily portable and lightweight too.
Sunscreen
While you’re in the great outdoors enjoying some Vitamin D from the sun, it’s good to be protected if you’re going to be in the sun for a prolonged amount of time. However, not all sunscreens are good for you. The Environmental Working Group has rated sunscreens according to the toxicity of their ingredients. Here are some of their highest recommended sunscreens.
Utensils
No need to use plastic utensils which get tossed away after each use. Why not use reusable bamboo or stainless steel utensils which don’t harm you or the environment.
Water Bottles Make for Great Camping Gift Ideas
Water bottles are a must to replenish fluids. These water bottles are made of stainless steel and keep water cold all day in the hot sun. Here are some water bottle recommendations:
These green camping gift ideas are sure to delight the camping enthusiast in your life.
Happy shopping!
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Lindsey says
We send our kids to the Boundary Waters for a week each summer, and these ideas will really come in handy when we buy gear! Thanks!
Teresa says
That sounds like fun! It’s definitely good to consider green camping gear for kids.
Mary Voogt says
Great ideas! My husband loves to camp. I might have to add some of these to his list.
Teresa says
Thanks for stopping by Mary! Hope your husband enjoys these green camping ideas.