Gaurav Rathore
His write-ups blend creativity, personal experience, and tailored technical advice, meeting reader needs effectively.
Gaurav Rathore
His write-ups blend creativity, personal experience, and tailored technical advice, meeting reader needs effectively.
In nature, nothing is wasted. Everything is recycled
– David Suzuki
Imagine you are on a camping trip with your family, with beautiful views, fresh air, and a lot of waste. Wait what? Yes, this was done by people who came before and have left everything behind making the place dirty and dangerous for wildlife.
This is an unpleasant experience, and adults and kids alike need to understand the importance of keeping our environment clean. Because in the upcoming future our children will grow up and if not taught now they would do the same thing and spoil the natural habitat.
And That’s why, today I’ll mention how to leave no trace family camping in this dumpster-size guide. It’s a handbook for parents on how they can educate their children about proper waste disposal.
While being on camping we carry several things as we are going to need them. Whether they are things to cook or anything like that. But while being out, it’s important to keep those things that can be used again instead of being thrown out after one use.
Instead of buying a crate of plastic water bottles, carry containers that can store a great quantity, sufficient for everyone. Carry plates and cups that can washed and used again. While I do agree that disposables are like paper and plastic utensils, they are not the perfect solution.
Your kids can take a great lesson from it, and they’ll learn how to manage resources and what things are going to be needed and what aren’t.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle is the ultimate mantra that can keep our environment clean. Reduce is simple, keep things limited there is no point in overpacking as it would only be going to waste later.
If you are a family of 4, pack food and supplies that would be sufficient, so avoiding any waste will be easier. Reuse we have already discussed, essential items get them, but they should be reusable items.
Finally, recycling can be a fun chore to do with kids while being on camping. You can teach them how wasted things can be turned into something reusable again. Suppose you have a soda can, with some tools it can be turned into a lantern with a small candle inside. It’s like a DIY project that can be done with their help, and they will enjoy doing it.
Waste Sorting and segregation would be like a puzzle for the little ones. They can learn how to separate waste into three different categories. This includes:
Educate kids on the topic and later ask them to sort everything out in different bags or bins. If they get habitual to it, this habit will stay with them their whole life.
I think every house should have a waste pit. I have one, and I make my own compost with vegetable peels or organic waste items that can easily be decomposed. Not only they are great for plants and soil, but they also ensure that everything is used and waste is minimized.
While on your camping trip, you can create a waste pit by digging a hole or in a separate container. Kids will put all the waste in it and can later see you use it for different things. It’s like an early education on how it helps in plant growth and increases soil fertility.
However, it needs to be covered properly so animals and insects don’t get attracted to it. As for the non-biodegradable waste, it can be put in bags and later thrown where it belongs-the dump yard. Never leave such things behind, not only it’s an eyesore but can even harm wildlife.
Take help from the infographic below and teach your kids the benefits of composting.
Children can be quite messy, and they might throw garbage here and there, as parents, we know that it’s not good, but they don’t. It’s important to teach them how even the smallest object can be harmful to animals.
Wildlife can mistake it for food and consume it, which will result in them getting sick or losing their lives. It’s common for birds to be entangled in plastic and fish consuming microplastics. There’s a fun task you can give them.
Make it a competition on who can collect the most garbage and award them. Any chore can be turned into a game, and kids intend on understating it better that way.
PRO TIPCreate a trash audit jar and ask the kids to collect their non-recyclable trash there, upon seeing it they’ll be mindful of their consumption!
Camping is fun and helps parents bond with their offspring. But while we are having fun, we can teach them things that would be beneficial for them. It’s not just about roasting marshmallows or telling spooky stories, It’s also about giving them valuable lessons regarding life.
Convert chores into games so they will do it as if they are playing. It’s important to educate them on how to handle waste and not spread it. Waste management doesn’t have to be boring, it’s an adventure in itself if done correctly. So plan a fun trip and teach them new things.
Safe camping!!!
