In a world that has changed so much since the beginning of time, there are few things you can find untouched. Outside of every town and city they are still there, living and slowly growing, trying to keep up with an ever-changing world. Life on Earth depends on forests and other natural habitats.
Northeastern Pa. is surrounded by forests, which are the homes to thousands of plants and animals. One of the best ways to get out and enjoy the natural beauty in the area is to get right in it and spend a night or two under the stars.
Camping is perhaps the most relaxing and inexpensive way to escape everyday life. Time spent outdoors is a perfect way to calm your body and mind. For centuries, humans have walked the Earth and enjoyed the great outdoors. Camping provides a way to connect with nature and appreciate the simple joys of life.
But what happens if campers lug all of their garbage into nature and leave it all behind? It’s absolutely crucial to leave behind zero waste when you find yourself in nature; You should leave it exactly how you found it. Camping with minimal waste and being eco-friendly while you are in the woods is necessary in order to maintain the natural beauty of the untouched land.
Frances Slocum State Park, a popular NEPA campground in Kingston Twp., is the regional model of the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks Green Initiative.
“Frances Slocum’s goal is to implement green strategies to improve our total carbon footprint by 20 percent within five years,” said Rex Bradish, Park Manager of Frances Slocum State Park.
Frances Slocum provides recycling centers throughout the park to the general public.
“The park itself recycles paper, cardboard, metal and commingled refuse,” said Bradish.
One of the more important rules of green camping is to make sure you dispose your waste. Campers at Frances Slocum are encouraged to recycle and pick up all garbage and waste.
“Park staff always try to steer park visitors to use any practices that have a positive impact or benefit to the natural environment,” said Bradish. “Whether that be discarding waste in the proper receptacles, not disturbing sensitive areas in the park, or attending environmental education programs.”
Littering is the biggest ecological problem with camping. If you bring food wrappers into the park, make sure to leave with them. Burning them in your campfire will only pollute the air.
“There is always some carbon footprint. It really depends on the type of camping,” said Bradish. “Primitive camping comes closer to it, but these visitors are still burning a campfire and producing some type of waste.
“While trying to be carbon neutral during a camping trip is admirable, every little bit helps even if you don’t meet that goal entirely. Simply respecting the environment you’re in and minimizing waste goes a long way in conserving natural resources.”
Camping should be a pleasant experience. By being responsible and caring for nature, we can preserve the natural beauty of the forests for years to come.
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