6 tips for a zero waste bivouac

Bivouac is an art of living that can only be done in full respect of nature. Here are 6 tips for a zero waste bivouac.

The bivouac is a great way to reconnect to nature, discover virgin spaces and get out of its comfort zone. He is the state of love for the air and the living.

However, even in bivouac and far from mass tourism, one can leave its ecological footprint. However, if we need calm and serenity during these unique expeditions, nature also needs tranquility.

This is why every bivouacer has to master its impact on the environment and adopt eco-friendly gestures. At Wanderlix, we gathered 6 of the best tips to consume better and live sustainable in bivouac.

1. Well choose its camping spot in nature

To make a zero waste bivouac, you should first choose your spot to camp. Already, we do not break the rules: wild camping is prohibited in national parks and in private properties. Otherwise, it is generally regulated in terms of schedules.

By the way, bivouac and wild camping differ in the sense that the term " camping" implies several nights while bivouac is more ephemeral. Here we will use them both to talk about one night or two only.

In addition, setting up its camp in a fragile area may leave lasting traces on the environment. Your bivouac must be installed on a hard surface (pine needles, sandy beach and rocks to pose your belongings). Avoid going beyond the already marked camping areas and replace the natural elements that you have moved to facilitate your installation.

The campfires are an integral part of a bivouac session. However, the law on this practice is strict: to be done only on legal zones. Request an existing fire area. Just be happy with dead and fragile woods to light your fire. Finally, do not burn waste such as aluminum, plastic, glass, cans or even food. At most, grill chamallows.

2. Use the inexhaustible energy of the sun

Solar batteries that will be used to power your smartphones, cameras or any other technological equipment are perfect eco-friendly alternatives. More durable and safe than a classic portable battery that in turn depends on an electric power supply to work. As for pocket or front lamps, solar versions are also perfect: clean, durable and zero carbon emission guarantees.

3. Cooking eco-friendly

The traditional camping popote is inseparable from a bivouac output. However, forget the plastic cups and disposable cardboard dishes: prefer stainless steel utensils, bamboo or any eco-friendly and durable stamped material. And to clean your covers, a little boiled water will suffice. To carry your food, prefer reusable tissue bags.

Let us also consider the question of the reef. In 99% of cases, the latter is used to boil water. In this context, we forget the petrol reef reserved for the great cold for your zero waste bivouac. A small cartridge of gas and a compact scaffold should be enough for you.

4. Sleep in a sustainable tent

It is impossible to envisage a bivouac, even zero waste, without thinking of a tent. However, this essential camping equipment is not so green as it is in its classic version.

The majority of tents undergo an impermeabilisation process. This process that protects your equipment from water and moisture is harmful to the planet. Particles of these products are filled with PFCs or perfluorocarbons, toxic to the environment and highly volatile. Once deposited in all corners of the world, their life is fifty thousand years and they sometimes find themselves in our food products or natural water sources.

For the composition of the tent, it is the same. The majority is based on PFC. Certainly, very practical because it keeps you warm all night. But alternatives exist. Take for example tents made with recycled materials such as polyester.

Aluminum, used for the manufacture of tent arches and light equipment, is obtained from bauxite from the deforestation and processed through a very energy efficient treatment. Extracting this precious metal therefore costs quite expensive to the planet. Although they are rare, you can find some tents made without aluminum.

Another way to make a zero waste bivouac: make the impasse on the new. Because the most ecological camping tent is still the one purchased on occasion. You can shit on specialized sites. In addition to protecting our beautiful planet, the second hand is ideal for your wallet. And if you're a one-time bivouacer, why not rent your outdoor equipment? Mattress, downs or bags: everything is possible.

Finally, you can opt for the hammock option. Indeed, in the beautiful season, enjoy it to sleep in the beautiful star and fall asleep while observing the Milky Way.

5. Managing waste

It is impossible to mention the zero waste bivouac without addressing waste management, organic or not. Overpacked products, plastic bottles... Choose instead for bulk products and a reusable dildo. Bake a special filter for direct water from streams or lakes.

When we think about waste, we sometimes forget the faecal matter and those that degrade a priori very quickly in nature. Yet, although biodegradable, they can facilitate the spread of diseases and disrupt fauna and flora.

If there is really no toilet, dry most of the time, get away enough from camp areas and dig a hole of more than twenty centimeters to make your commission there. As for handkerchiefs, toilet paper and food waste, pack them and bring them back to throw them in a dedicated trash.

You might be tempted to burn them, but it would weaken soils. You might also be tempted to bury them, but animals can dig them.

6. Use good hygiene products

On the side of hygiene products, make a cross on classic soaps and shampoos. Pack with you ecological and solid soaps, without packaging and that do not flow inside your bag. SAF soaps (cold saponification) are perfect for bivouacers.

Moreover, most of these biodegradable soaps are all in one: wash your body as your dishes. However, do not use it to wash you in a lake or river. Either you pass soap a few days, or you follow the following method:

• Fill a water container and use it with soap to clean the glove;
• dig a hole over sixty meters from a stream of water;
• then pour your container filled with biodegradable soap.

To wash your hands, antibacterial gels are very practical and effective, in addition to being very fashionable...

To wash your teeth during a zero-waste bivouac, you can easily find toothpastes without packaging, powder, stick or mini-pastils. Otherwise, why not make your home toothpaste based on coconut oil, charcoal, baking soda and essential oils? To complete your attirail, take a biodegradable and compostable bamboo toothbrush.

Who says bivouac also says hiking. So it's hard to get out of deodorant. A little longer to create but very effective against bad odors, why not create your own deo based on coconut oil, beeswax, soda bicarbonate, maïzena, and essential oils. Otherwise, head to a solid deodorant or cream based on natural products. Same to protect your skin from the sun: solutions that protect your skin, and respectful of the Planet exist.

In short, it is quite possible to keep a minimum of comfort, to be safe and to maintain a proper hygiene during a zero waste bivouac. Our advice focuses only on useful, practical and economic solutions. Wools for you and the living around you.

If you liked this article, you will love our entire section dedicated to sustainable and accountable travel .