These tips on "green" camping from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources follow the basic principals embodied by the "leave no trace" ethic of outdoor recreation, basic courtesy and common sense.
-- Look for a campsite that is already established, more than 200 feet from a water source, and refrain from walking on or setting up a tent on plants as much as possible.
-- Use reusable camping plates instead of paper plates.
-- Take along reusable water bottles. If you use commercial bottled water, make sure to recycle the bottles.
-- Use biodegradable camp suds to wash dishes and to wash hands, hair and body. Avoid dumping soapy water on plants.
-- Recycle aluminum cans. Burning them in a campfire will release chemicals that pollute the air.
-- Leave in place any plants, fossils, flowers, birds, animals or other things that you find.
-- Keep campfires in existing fire rings or use a cook stove instead. Use local firewood instead of carrying it with you, as some unwanted invasive pests might hitch a ride.
-- Tie a clothesline from tree to tree. Bring along hot dog sticks instead of breaking off tree branches. Set your lantern on the table instead of putting a nail in a tree to hang it.
-- Do not feed wildlife.
-- Dispose of trash properly or take it with you when you leave and recycle it when you get home.
-- Be considerate of other campers by turning down your music, cell phones and other noise.
Don Hopey can be reached at dhopey(at)post-gazette.com. For more stories visit scrippsnews.com
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