Tips for sustainable outdoor adventures
- Friday, June 20, 2025
- Posted By The Growth Company
As summer rolls in and the call of the wild (or the main stage) grows louder, many of us are packing our tents and heading off for a well-earned break.
Whether you're off to a remote campsite or a buzzing music festival, there are plenty of ways to reduce your carbon footprint while still having an unforgettable time.
Here are some easy, impactful tips to make your outdoor adventures more sustainable:
Before you hit 'buy now' on that brand-new outfit or camping gear, check out your local charity shops, vintage stores, or online resale platforms to not only reduce waste but also save money.
Turn things off at home
Before you head off for your festival or camping trip, take a few minutes to power down at home. Unplug appliances like TVs, chargers, and kitchen gadgets which still draw power even when not in use and turn off lights. It’s a simple step that saves energy and money while you’re away.
Taking food with you to your campsite is a great way to save money. You could also try the Too Good To Go app, which helps you rescue surplus food from local cafés, bakeries, and restaurants at a discounted price. So not only are you saving waste, but you can also get your snacks at a reduced price.
Check the app the night before you travel, and you might find a 'magic bag' of goodies near your route or campsite.
Staying hydrated is essential when you’re spending a lot of time outdoors, but that doesn’t mean you need to rely on single-use plastic bottles. It's estimated that over 2 million plastic bottles are used and discarded at UK festivals annually. Most festivals now provide free water refill stations, so bringing your own bottle is one of the easiest ways to reduce waste and also save some money.
Relying on generators or disposable battery packs isn’t the most eco-friendly option for keeping your devices charged. Enter: solar chargers. These compact, lightweight devices harness the sun’s energy to keep your gadgets powered up, without plugging into the grid.
Single-use cutlery, plates, and cups might seem convenient, but they create a mountain of waste. The good news? It’s super easy to swap them out for reusable alternatives. Pack smart with a reusable cutlery set (bamboo or stainless steel), lightweight plates or bowls and your trusty refillable water bottle.
If the place you’re staying allows you to bring your own barbecue, this can be a great way to save money on buying food out, but they can come with a hefty environmental footprint. You can make yours more sustainable by choosing a reusable barbecue over disposable ones, using natural charcoal or sustainably sourced wood instead of instant-light briquettes, and opting for more plant-based options.
We’ve all seen the photos - fields of forgotten tents left behind after the music fades. In the UK alone, an estimated 250,000 tents are abandoned at festivals each year, with most ending up in landfill. With a bit of care, a tent can last for years of adventures and can even be repaired with many outdoor stores selling affordable repair kits or offering in-store fixes.
If your tent really is beyond saving, don’t just bin it. Look for recycling points at the festival or nearby. Many outdoor stores offer return schemes (check if you have to purchase the product from that store first), such as this one at Cotswold Outdoor or this one from Decathlon.