With travel costs so high, a camping trip can be an entertaining and cheap way to spend your summer vacation. Not only is camping an inexpensive vacation option, but it can be a green one as well. Here are some tips to make your next camping trip both fun and green.

1. Use reusable cutlery and linens. Using disposable cutlery and linens while camping is not only bad for the environment, but for your wallet too. You can get a lot of use out of most reusable items which will lessen the amount of waste and help save money.
2. Borrow a tent and/or sleeping bag. Instead of buying a tent or sleeping bag, take the green approach and ask a friend if you can borrow one, especially if it’s your first trip. Many people think they’ll enjoy camping, but then end up storing their newly purchased camping items in the attic, never to use them again.
3. Pack a Nalgene or other BPA free water bottle for each camper. Opt for the green option rather than using environmentally unfriendly plastic bottles. This will lessen the waste amount and is safer for you.
4. Bring a first aid kit. There’s always the chance for minor emergency, scrape, or cut, so it’s smart to have bandages, gauze, medical tape, small scissors, disinfectant, antibiotic cream, antihistamine, and insect repellent. 
5. Use natural fire starters. Using natural items like dry grass or pine needles is a green way to start your fire. Just be sure to keep a watch on it and look for any campground restrictions on what can be used in a fire ring.

(Photo by king damus)