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When you go camping, it's not only your family and the persons you're with, you are responsible of. When you go camping, it's not only your personal items you should take care of. When you go camping, it's not only your tent or your RV or your sleeping cot that you have to look after.

What most people don't realize is that when they go camping, they are also responsible in taking care of the environment and making sure they do not do anything that is harmful to nature.

One thing you should remember when going camping is to dispose of your trash properly. Never leave any trash behind or worse throw them in lakes or streams. Instead you should always have trash bags ready and take them with you when you leave the campsite. It's even better if you segregate your garbage and placing biodegradable and non biodegradable trash in different containers. Be sure to dispose of these trash bags properly.

Second, respect the creatures and the wildlife that live in the forest or park you're camping in. It's their home and you shouldn't do anything that may disturb or harm them. Hunting is an activity largely criticized by environmentalists. Those who take pleasure from hurting animals and seeing them cry in pain do not have respect for Mother Nature. There are nature friendly activities you can engage in when you want to marvel at these creatures like bird watching.

Third, don't follow tips that are harmful to nature like the hairspray tip which encourages you to use a hairspray to get rid off insects. Hairspray contains substances which are contributory to the depletion of the ozone layer and to global warming. If you want to protect yourself from ticks and mosquitoes, just apply insect repellent lotion on your skin. When using soap, choose those that are biodegradable. Also opt for paper bags instead of plastic bags. But if you can't avoid using plastic bags, make sure that you recycle them.

Fourth, never leave a mark behind. Leave the campsite the way it is. Nix any ideas of your son to carve out his initials on the trees. Discourage your friend from vandalizing on the large rock and writing, 'Joe was here'.

Also, never leave a campfire attended because this is dangerous and may start a fire in the campsite.

Fifth, it is a very good idea to use environmental friendly camping equipment. For many years, many human practices and equipment have caused for the deterioration of the environment. That's why when you go camping it is imperative that you choose camping gears like Coleman heaters that are safe for the environment. The Coleman BlackCat Catalytic heater for instance operates on clean-burning propane that is earth friendly.

Always be concerned with the environment in whatever activity you're doing, whether it's camping or any other activity. Remember, there's no place like home and we should do everything to take care of our Mother Earth.