Eco-friendly camping gear

Biogradable tent pegs

Abandoned tent pegs can create environmental problems – they are often cut up by farm equipment and can harm local wildlife. These biodegradable tent pegs are made from potato starch and – should you leave them in the ground by mistake – will disintegrate a few weeks after use, minimising their impact on the environment.

A pack of 10 has a minimal impact on the pocket, too, at £4. www.vango.co.uk

Recycled stainless steel water bottle

EarthLust bottles are made from recycled stainless steel, non-toxic paints and BPA-free polypropylene caps, and, according to the makers, are made in China under a strict human rights code of conduct to ensure acceptable working conditions. Not only that, they also feature fantastic artistic designs, so you can look good and feel good in true glamping style. It’s £16 for a 600ml bottle from www.greentulip.co.uk

Folding cardboard toilet

We’re sure that many of you out there yearn to be able to do your business in a way that is both stylish and environmentally friendly, and now your prayers have been answered! The Ploo, also known by its slightly less-PC name ‘Shit Box’, is a folding cardboard toilet with biodegradable, buriable bags, so you can be eco-friendly even when heeding nature’s call. A pack containing a duffle bag, the Ploo itself, 10 poo bags and tissues can be yours for £14.99 from www.thebrowncorporation.com

Windsail windbreaks

Isle of Wight-based company Wightsails has come up with an ingenious way to make use of old sails: turn them into windbreaks. Each one is unique and features a beautiful, colourful design, perfect for a windy camping trip to Skegness. Prices start at £95.

Recycled polypropylene camping seat

This article was taken from Issue 71

The QuickSit is a handy, fold-up camping seat made from recycled polypropylene. When folded down, it takes up very little space, making it ideal for travelling when space may be an issue. Prices from £9.99

Biodegradable soap

Although used by many campers, soap can cause a real problem by contaminating lakes and rivers and encouraging the overgrowth of plant life, thereby disrupting finely balanced ecosystems. You can counter this by using biodegradable soap, which breaks down over time if disposed of in soil at least 200 feet from water sources, leaving both body and conscience clean! One bar costs just £1.85. www.faithinnature.co.uk

Recycled yogurt cup toothbrush

The toothbrush is a staple of any camping trip, and you can now get an environmentally friendly version from Preserve. It’s made from recycled yogurt cups and comes in a reusable travel bag. Even better, once it’s ended its usable life it is allegedly fully recyclable. Brilliant! Each toothbrush is £6.96 www.ecohip.co.uk