In Taking Your “Green” Goals on the Road, we discussed how vacationing via a teardrop camper can help eco-focused travelers stay on track with their green approach to living.

In this post, we’ll give you a few suggestions on how to be an environmentally-friendly camper

 1. Pack light

There are two reasons to reduce the amount of stuff you take (and do you really need it all anyway?) The first is that the more you pack, the longer it will take to load and unload it.

The second reason has the green angle. Each pound that your tow vehicle has to pull reduces your fuel efficiency. And when you use more gas, it also costs more money—an adverse impact on another kind of “green!”

2. Skip the single-serve packages

Instead of purchasing non-recyclable single-serve packages, create your own, using containers that are BPA– and phthalate-free. And skip the single-serve bottles and instead bring refillable ones, says Conserve Energy Future. (Check out Best Reviews Guide for 10 Best Eco Friendly Water Bottles.)

3. Don’t be a “dumper”

Just because you’re on the road doesn’t give you license to leave your trash in your wake. Having a place for what you’re disposing is a start. (Hang N Out’s ® portable trash can holders fit over tires or onto a pop-up canopy or vertical post. And bring a pop-up soft-sided can with zippered closure for recyclables.

Collect compostable trash in compostable trash bags bearing the BPI-certified designation (from the Biodegradable Products Institute), recommended by the Plasticplace blog. (Check at your campsite to make sure they have a place for these types of trash bags or bring them back with you for proper disposal.

4. Go “Bio”

Packing biodegradable soap and toothpaste is good for the environment, especially if you’re boondocking or staying out in the wild, noted REI’s Aer Parris. This is part of the “Leave No Trace” practices.

Redbudsuds four-in-one shower bars (included in nuCamp RV welcome packs) are free of preservatives, parabens and phthalates. They’re also sold without plastic packaging, thereby reducing trash. Another option is Dr. Bronner’s biodegradable castile soap that can also be used to wash the dishes! Just don’t dump the dirty dishwater into the waterways. Instead, pour it on the ground so it can decompose without affecting the water.

5. Sing the solar song

Or if you’re not in a vocalizing mood, at least choose solar-powered lanterns and chargers, rather than bringing a stock of batteries, suggested EcoWatch. The solar lanterns will light up your little part of the world, while the solar chargers will keep your essentials (cell phone, GPS) ready just in case.

There you have it—five eco-friendly tips to make you a super green camper!