Make your own eco-friendly products for an eco-responsible camping holiday

- Published on 20/06/2024 -

Going camping is an excellent way to reconnect with nature and get away from everyday stress. For environmentally conscious holidaymakers, eco-responsible camping is an ideal option. One of the best ways to minimise your impact on the environment is to make your own eco-friendly products for camping. By adopting zero-waste practices and using eco-friendly products, you can enjoy your holiday at eco-friendly campsites in France while respecting the environment. In this article, we’ll explore tutorials and recipes for creating eco-friendly products, whether for the home or for beauty!

Why choose eco-friendly products for camping

Adopting a zero-waste approach while camping means minimising the waste you produce as much as possible. This includes using organic, durable products, thereby avoiding single-use plastics. By making your own eco-friendly household products, you can control the ingredients and minimise the use of plastic containers. This is part of an eco-responsible approach that respects the environment. By making your own eco-friendly products, you actively help preserve ecosystems while fully enjoying your outdoor adventures.

Homemade biodegradable soap

One of the eco-friendly products you should pack for your eco-responsible camping holiday is homemade soap! Commercial soaps often contain ingredients that are harmful to the environment. By making your own biodegradable soap, you ensure you leave no harmful trace in nature.

Melt 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a double boiler until completely liquid.
In a bowl, mix 200 g of liquid Castile soap with the melted coconut oil.
Add a good spoonful of baking soda and mix everything together.
Add 10 drops of lavender essential oil or any other natural scent of your choice.
Stir until the mixture is smooth.
Pour the mixture into a soap mould and leave to harden for 24 hours.

Once the soap has hardened, remove it from the mould and wrap it in a cotton cloth to take with you.

Eco-friendly washing-up liquid

To wash your dishes while camping in an environmentally friendly way, opt for a homemade eco-friendly washing-up liquid. It’s one of the eco-friendly cleaning products that’s effective and easy to prepare.

Start by mixing 1 cup of liquid Castile soap with 1 cup of distilled water in a container.
Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda and mix well until fully dissolved.
Then add 10 drops of lemon essential oil for its degreasing power and fresh scent.

Transfer the mixture to a stainless-steel bottle with a spout. Use a small amount to wash your dishes as usual.

Eco-friendly laundry detergent

Making your own eco-friendly laundry detergent helps reduce waste and avoid the chemicals found in commercial detergents. Make your own and pack it with your other eco-friendly products for your camping holiday!

Mix 1 cup of liquid Castile soap with 1 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of washing soda (sodium carbonate) in a large container.
Add 10 drops of lavender essential oil or any other essential oil of your choice.
Store the mixture in an airtight container.

You can use about 1/4 cup of this mixture for a standard laundry load.

Natural insect repellent

Heading off on an eco-responsible camping holiday in summer? Watch out for mosquitoes! The natural repellent is also one of the eco-friendly products you should think about for your camping holiday. Avoid harmful chemicals by making your own natural repellent. This spray is effective and environmentally friendly.

Mix 100 ml of distilled water with 50 ml of witch hazel in a bowl.
Add 10 drops of citronella essential oil, 10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil and 10 drops of lavender essential oil.
Mix well after each addition of essential oil.

Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and shake well before each use. To repel insects, spray the repellent onto exposed skin and clothing.

Natural deodorant

A natural deodorant is one of the eco-friendly products that’s easy to make and avoids the controversial ingredients found in commercial products.

Melt 3 tablespoons of coconut oil in a double boiler.
In a bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch.
Then add the melted coconut oil and mix until a paste forms.
Add 10 drops of tea tree essential oil or another essential oil of your choice and stir well.

Pour the deodorant into a small glass jar and leave to cool. Apply a small amount under the arms.

Natural shampoo

To take care of your hair while respecting the environment during your camping holiday, try this homemade natural shampoo, a must-have among eco-friendly products.

Mix 1/4 cup of liquid Castile soap with 1/4 cup of distilled water in a container.
Add 1/2 teaspoon of jojoba oil or olive oil and mix well.
Add 10 drops of lavender essential oil or another essential oil of your choice.

Transfer the mixture to a bottle with a spout. Use it just like a traditional shampoo!

Skin cleanser

For an environmentally friendly skincare routine while camping, opt for this homemade skin cleanser, an ideal choice among the eco-friendly products you can make yourself.

Start by mixing 1/4 cup of raw honey with 1/4 cup of liquid Castile soap in a container.
Add 1/4 cup of rose water or distilled water and mix well.
Add 10 drops of tea tree essential oil for its antibacterial properties and mix well.

Transfer the mixture to a pump bottle. Use a small amount to cleanse your face, gently massaging in before rinsing with lukewarm water.

Eco-friendly toothpaste

One of the essential eco-friendly products ! Making your own toothpaste with natural ingredients helps reduce plastic waste and avoid chemical substances.

Melt 2 tablespoons of coconut oil if solid.
In a bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with the coconut oil until a smooth paste forms.
Add 10 drops of peppermint essential oil and mix well.

Pour the toothpaste into a small glass container. Use a small amount to brush your teeth as usual.

Eco-friendly camping accessories

By opting for eco-friendly products, you minimise plastic waste and help protect the environment. To complete your eco-friendly camping kit, consider adding durable accessories such as a bamboo toothbrush, washable cotton or linen sponges, and reusable glass or stainless-steel containers. Use glass or stainless-steel storage boxes for your camp kitchen, and reusable coffee kits to avoid disposable capsules.

By adopting a zero-waste approach and choosing eco-friendly products, you actively help protect the environment while enjoying a memorable holiday. These homemade recipes will let you enjoy your camping holiday while respecting the environment. By making your own eco-friendly cleaning and personal care products, you minimise your ecological impact while using natural, non-toxic ingredients. Try these recipes on your next outdoor stay and make the most of your eco-friendly adventures!