Camping Myths?

If you’re looking to enjoy some fresh air over the weekend, camping can be a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. However, various environmental issues related to camping have sparked considerable controversy. Ultimately, everyone suffers when campsites are damaged.

Here are a few tips for campers on how to care for nature:

1. Isn’t camping just “about sleeping under the stars and on the ground”? Why should we camp at designated sites?

   
   Hong Kong’s countryside is packed with visitors, and designated campsites are established in areas with a high carrying capacity. These sites are equipped with facilities such as toilets, sewage drains, and barbecue areas, all of which are regularly maintained to ensure cleanliness and minimise environmental impact. When an unmanaged location is used restlessly, the grass under constant pressure struggles to grow healthily. As a result, the lawn can degrade into a barren ground, leading to a public aesthetic loss.
   
   
   
   Lawn on Tap Mun (Grass Island) has been deteriorating rapidly over the past few years (Photo source: Joy Cow)
   
   Over the past few years, The Green Earth has repeatedly discovered camping traces and ashes from fires in tree planting sites, and some newly planted saplings have even been cut down. These incidents are believed to result from indiscriminate camping on the land. Hong Kong’s beautiful and vibrant countryside environment is made possible by the vitality of its plants, so please do not damage them. Furthermore, fires in bushes and forests can easily lead to hill fires, destroying years of forest restoration efforts and affecting lush forests that have thrived for decades.
   
   Let’s choose designated sites for camping. Campsites established by government departments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) , and private operators are all ideal options.
   
   
   
   
   
   Campers suspected to have burnt the ground and cut branches at tree planting sites
   
   

2. Wildlife is disturbing me, what can I do to drive them away?

   
   Nature is the home of wildlife. When camping, you will inevitably encounter various kinds of wildlife, such as bees, ants, cows, and wild pigs... They are all the residents of the site, and we are just merely guests. Therefore, it is necessary to have a respectful attitude towards wildlife.
   
   Local wildlife typically does not pose threats to humans, but they will be attracted by food. When you meet them on the road, gently back away to avoid disturbing them. When camping, be sure to store your food properly — seal it in containers or hang it high enough to prevent attracting wildlife. Never feed them, as this will not only affect their eating habit, but also endanger their health. Only by following these practices together, will wildlife abandon their behaviour of coming to humans for food and return to source their own food in nature.
   
   
   
   Tap Mun calf vomits up plastic packaging suspected to be a certain brand of dried fish fillets (Photo source: Joy Cow)

3. Why “Take Your Litter Home”, when there are rubbish bins at the campsite?

   
   Most campsites are not accessible by transportation, so while the rubbish bins at these sites offer convenience, have you considered the heavy burden placed on cleaners who must carry all the rubbish down the mountain? “Taking Your Litter Home” is not only easy enough to accomplish but can also significantly reduce the pressure on frontline workers.
   
   In addition, rubbish left in rural bins can easily be blown away by the wind or knocked over by wildlife, ending up in the woods, on slopes, or in streams. Therefore, regardless of whether the waste is biodegradable, it’s best to bring your own bags and take your litter away to urban areas for recycling or proper disposal.
   
   In fact, with adequate preparation, you can practice “zero-waste camping” with ease. Bring your own reusable utensils and water bottles, remove and recycle food packaging at home, and prepare fruits and vegetables beforehand. These methods not only minimise waste, but also lighten your load, making your camping experience more stylish and enjoyable!
   
   
   
   

4. Good equipment is a one-time investment!

   
   Have you ever tried buying cheap camping products online, only to find that they were of poor quality or unsuitable, and ended up wanting to throw them away after just one or two uses? This is a classic case of being penny-wise but pound-foolish.
   
   Smart campers should first understand their own needs and research product details, choosing durable equipment as the key to avoiding waste. If you’re new to camping and unsure how to choose, consider borrowing gear from friends to try it out before making a purchase. There are also many stores that rent out camping equipment or sell second-hand gear, which can help you explore your needs.
   
   Remember, “buying the wrong thing is the most expensive”. Purchasing the wrong equipment not only hurts your wallet but also harms the planet!