Just recently made the “long” trip from town up to the Friends of Malaekahana camp site located in Laie on Oahu’s north shore and was very impressed with the experience. While there I noticed a few ways that we could have reduced waste and made things more friendly for the environment.
I think it has become a habit to bring as much as you can fit in your car for a weekend of camping and that’s not going to cut it next time around. My kids were completely content with a flashlight, food, drinks, a net to catch fish or crab with and a campfire. Let nature be the playground.
Make sure to bring a reusable set of dinnerware for everyone. Paper cups, plates and utensils really are not necessary. Don’t forget a sponge, biodegradable soap and a couple of bins (one for dirty dishes and one for clean) to carry everything in. Napkins and paper towels are nice to have, but you can probably leave them if there is running water nearby. Unscented wet wipes are most useful if you need something of this sort, especially with kids who tend to turn into a sticky mess after indulging in smores.
Bring high energy foods that won’t spoil quickly like oatmeal, cereal, granola, pasta, rice, beans, edamame or peanut butter. Pack this food in containers that will return home with you. Keep your meats and dairy in a cooler of it’s own with plenty of ice and avoid opening it until it is time to use those items. Rethink bringing cases of beer, juice or soda. If beer is essential, maybe consider a keg, which is refillable, reusable and recyclable. Bring a large beverage dispenser and fill it with plenty of ice and juice or water. Skip the individually packaged snacks and juice boxes for the kids and tell them why you are doing so.
Take the opportunity while you are out in nature with your children to educate them on ways to respect the environment. Make it a goal or project to leave the campsite how you found it (or even better) and with the least amount of trash possible.