Waste-Free Outdoors
With summer in full swing and social distance guidelines limiting activity, spending more time outdoors is a great way to spend summer 2020. The Austin area and Texas are filled with beautiful nature spots to explore such as Enchanted Rock, the Balcones Canyonlands and even Big Bend. However, out on the trails, there aren’t exactly trash cans at every corner. So, help the environment by incorporating some Zero Waste tips when you take your summer hike or camping trip.
Zero Waste is a lifestyle in which you attempt to produce the least landfill waste possible. In almost all areas of your life, especially when camping, food products are going to produce the most amount of waste. Our job on a Zero Waste journey is to minimize that waste as much as we can. It’s best to prep as much food as you can in advance so you have the ability to recycle and compost any items you used.
It’s helpful to always think of reusability when purchasing food products for an outdoor trip. Even cooking wear, utensils and other food equipment you need should be non-disposable. When my family camps, instead of cooking with foil on the fire, we bring square cooking irons: cast-iron metal squares on a rod that can cook things like miniature pizzas or pies. Try to be creative when planning meals.
Proper equipment is essential whenever you head out to explore. If you don’t already have what you need, try renting/buying equipment secondhand or borrowing from a friend. This will be a cheaper option than buying new and is better for people who won’t use the equipment often. Always look for products that are more durable and can be easily repaired.
The most important piece of equipment you can have while hiking or camping is yourself! Health, hygiene and hydration are things to monitor when you’re out in the wilderness, and they can all be managed with Zero Waste with minor changes. To keep hydrated, bring a reusable water bottle or hydration pack. Check the area you’re going to see if it has a water source to avoid bringing big plastic jugs of water.
The Texas sun and the summer heat are no joke. Sunscreen and deodorant are absolute necessities. The next time you run out of either, try to find a less wasteful version of what you already use. Pinterest is a great place to find DIY recipes for natural deodorants, sunscreens and other toiletries. In the case that you’re not quite ready to put your trust in DIY deodorant, at least find a product that is more eco-friendly and work your way up to it.
Spending the summer outdoors is a great way to enjoy nature and make memories with friends and family. If you want to make smores and produce a bit of trash, that’s okay! Zero Waste is about becoming mindful of how your waste can affect the environment around you and worldwide. No one is going to have a perfect waste-free journey.
Art by Carissa Georgelos