|  Camping is described as the activity of spending a vacation on a camp, in a tent or camper. Bring along some of the comforts of home on your next camping trip. Search around your home to see what items you can repurpose at your campsite.
Looking to go camping with family and friends this summer? Then do so sustainably. Here are some tips to camp in an environmentally-friendly way. - Place a compact area rug on the floor of your tent for a cozy environment. A small rug at your tent's entrance can help to keep from tracking dirt inside. Bring one from home or find one at a yard sale or thrift store. A carpet runner over your tent threshold also means no more tripping in or out of your tent.
- Use battery operated candles around your campsite at night when you need a bit of extra light and ambience. Make sure you use rechargeable batteries and that they are full charge prior to your outing. You will still want to make sure you have a good reusable battery operated lantern or two. Lanterns can be hung in the vicinity of your campsite as well. Don't forget a headlamp for those late-night trips to the restroom.
- Bring blankets from home and place them on your air mattress or cot.
- Use a crate or tote to transport some needed items to the campsite. You can then use the crate as a small side table inside your tent. Baskets are another option for transporting items and can be used to decorate your space. A suite case is another potential table in the making. Either use "as is" or cover with a cloth.
- Jazz up campfire favorites such as hotdogs and smores. For hotdogs, consider special toppings such as a homemade chili. Get creative with the chocolate you use for your smores - and you can think outside the graham cracker box as well - putting your roasted marshmallow and chocolate in between two favorite cookies instead. Charcuterie also can transport and keep well at a campsite. No matter what you chose for your menu items, make sure you properly dispose of wrappers and packaging. Remember, such items should never go in a campfire.
- Bring a blanket and/or pillows for a mealtime picnic.
- Use cloth napkins-mix and match with this environmentally friendly option. Rinse out after use and be ready to reuse again.
- Bring some of your favorite card or board games-or try something new. Visit a local thrift shop for game ideas - just make sure all pieces are there prior to purchase. Puzzles and books can also capture interest and provide entertainment under the stars-those too can often be found at yard sales and thrift stores. Such purchases provide savings while promoting reuse.
- If you are camping with children, ask about the Junior Naturalist Program when you check in. The journal is packed with fun activities including some to teach your kids about sustainability. When the journal is complete, an embroidered patch is earned!
- Bring a French press or other manual coffee or tea maker. A warm cup of coffee brewing can add aroma and taste to your outdoor adventure. Put any used grounds in an empty container and dispose of them properly. Coffee grounds are also a great way to dispose of the grease from cooking bacon. Just add the grease to your container of coffee grounds and let it cool.
- Reusable plastic containers can be used for cold lemonade or other beverages. Remember to save containers for recycling and to return deposit containers at redemption centers after your trip.
- Some campgrounds require clear trash bags to dispose of your garbage. Check with campground staff before you go so you are in the know!
Visit a DEC campground for your summer camping trip(s). Remember to Leave No TraceTM and carry out what you carry in. For more tips on how to be a friend of the environment, visit DEC's website. Photo courtesy of M. Sullivan
Enjoy Summer Vacation on the New York State Birding Trail 
Looking for new ways to spend your summer vacation? Consider taking a trip to a location on the New York State Birding Trail. With over 350 locations state-wide, many adventures await those looking to appreciate and spend time with birds. Highlights along the Birding Trail: In addition to visiting trail locations, challenge yourself to the 2023 I BIRD NY Challenge! This fun and easy activity is a great way to practice identifying the birds around you. Plus, all participants are awarded an embroidered patch and certificate to commemorate their I BIRD NY experience. To enter, simply complete an online or paper (PDF) Challenge Log with 10 bird observations of your choosing. Make sure to check out our list of bird species fact sheet as a field guide to help complete your Challenge Log! Photo Credit: I BIRD NY Challenge Participant, Amber Krauss
Plastic Free July: Be Part of the Solution 
Plastic Free July® is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to reducing single-use plastics – so we can conserve our natural resources, fight climate change, and have healthier lands, waters, and communities. The movement has inspired 100+ million participants in 190 countries to start making small changes that will last a lifetime. How to participate in Plastic Free July: - Take the Plastic Free July Challenge. Make a commitment to create positive change- identify whether you will cultivate change at home, work, school, or other areas of your community. When you sign up for the challenge you can receive motivating tips throughout July.
- Take the Pesky Plastics Quiz. Contribute to data collection across the world about the types of single-use plastics being used.
- Review tips and ideas about where you can make changes.
- Get Inspired or inspire others to get involved with plastic waste solutions by creating your own event at work, school, or out in the community.
- Find a PFJ event near you or post a new event that you are organizing in your community on the PFJ events map.
- Share a story that will inspire and empower others.
- Check out resources to learn more about PFJ and help promote PFJ in your community.
- Go the extra mile. Think of ways to reduce all single-use items in your life by refusing or choosing reuse.
Planning to take the PFJ challenge? E-mail organicrecycling@dec.ny.gov and tell us how through stories, photos, and videos!
Attend an Environmental Bond Act Listening Session 
Overwhelmingly approved by voters last fall, the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act prioritizes investments in environmental justice, climate change mitigation, shoreline restoration, flood resilience, water quality, open space conservation, recreational resources, and green jobs. This spring and summer, the public and potential funding applicants will be able to learn more about the Bond Act at a series of educational listening sessions. Sessions have been announced across the state: Sessions will feature a presentation on the Bond Act and an opportunity for one-on-one discussion with State experts. Meetings will be open to the public. To register for these sessions, visit the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act webpage. State agencies, local governments, and partners will be able to access Environmental Bond Act funding over a multi-year process. Recognizing that vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected by negative environmental and climate change impacts, at least 35%, with a goal of 40%, of Bond Act benefits will be directed toward disadvantaged communities. |
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