1. Choose a campsite with an eco-responsible label
Choosing a campsite with a label means ensuring that it complies with strict environmental management criteria. In France, the Clef Verte and European Ecolabel labels certify establishments that are committed to reducing waste, using renewable energy and conserving water resources.
These establishments often offer appropriate facilities: communal compost bins, electric recharging points, shared gardens, clear sorting areas... Facilities that make good habits a natural part of everyday life.
2. Prepare your meals without waste
Preparing meals on site is an essential way of limiting packaging. Here are a few tips:
- Do your shopping in reusable containers (jars, bulk bags, stainless steel tins).
- Choose dry foods that are easy to transport and store: pulses, cereals, dried fruit, etc.
- Opt for simple, adaptable recipes: salads, wraps, soups to heat up in a thermos.
And don't forget sustainable utensils: reusable cutlery, cloth napkins, stainless steel water bottles... So many small gestures that avoid a mountain of single-use plastic.
3. Sustainable equipment for responsible camping
Before buying new, think about :
- Second-hand: perfect for finding tents, sleeping bags or mattresses at lower cost.
- Hire equipment: economical and practical for occasional use.
If you have to buy new, opt for :
- Repairable products with a lifetime guarantee.
- Committed brands that use recycled or eco-designed materials.
Good, durable equipment avoids a lot of waste... and a lot of hassle!
4. Go solar
Say goodbye to disposable batteries! Solar energy is becoming an essential ally for the modern camper:
- Foldable panels to recharge your batteries or smartphones.
- Solar lamps with 10 to 12 hours of autonomy after a day in the sun.
- Multi-port chargers to power several devices at once.
Install your equipment facing south, ideally at a 30° angle, to maximise exposure to the sun.
5. Create a minimalist, solid hygiene kit
A zero waste hygiene kit consists of :
- All-in-one solid soap (body, hair, laundry).
- Toothpaste tablets, natural deodorant or alum stone.
- Bamboo toothbrush, safety razor, washable wipes.
Carry everything in breathable pouches or a biodegradable soap net. Compact, light and effective.
6. Organise waste sorting at your campsite
More and more campsites are offering selective sorting facilities: yellow bin, compost bin, glass collection point, etc.
Adopt a few good practices:
- Pack your rubbish in a reusable bag in your tent.
- Find out about local rules on arrival.
- Get your children involved: it's a good opportunity to raise their awareness in a fun way.
What if the campsite doesn't yet offer waste sorting? There's nothing to stop you asking - it often gets things moving.
7. Participate in exchanges between campers
- Camping is also a caring community. Make the most of it by :
- Share equipment, lend a charger or a book.
- Exchange zero-waste tips with your neighbours.
- Use or add to the donation boxes (books, clothes, small equipment, etc.).
A simple moment of discussion can help you discover a simple solution to a problem you thought was complex.
8. Favour soft mobility on site
Once you've settled in, forget the car! Explore your surroundings by :
- Cycling, often available for hire at campsites.
- Free or low-cost local shuttle buses.
- Walking on the nearby signposted footpaths.
A simple way to limit emissions, while discovering the region in a different way.
9. Change your habits, step by step
Adopting a more sustainable lifestyle doesn't happen overnight. On holiday, start simply:
- Replace plastic bottles with water bottles.
- Prepare your menus in advance to avoid wastage.
- Reduce your departure list to the bare essentials.
The important thing is not perfection, but progress. Every gesture counts.
Camping, the ideal campground for sustainable living
Camping is a wonderful campground for experimenting with a more sober, more conscious lifestyle. By following these 9 practices, you'll show that another type of holiday is possible: simpler, richer, and more respectful of our planet.
And who knows? These new reflexes could well stay with you... beyond your holidays.