I’m often overwhelmed by innovation that lies behind ‘green’ products, especially those available to people on the move. As more of us realise that being a responsible traveler is about more than picking up our rubbish from our campsite and using ozone-friendly deo, the demand for eco-friendly travel goods is on the rise. So if you are planning an encounter with Mother Nature, consider jumping on the green wagon and explore some eco-friendly options. Here’s my top-eight I have recently come across.
1. StoveTec wood and charcoal stove
Image: Restio
Originally designed for the rural wood-using market, the stoves also offer a sustainable, simple, cost-effective and clean cooking solution for campers and outdoor-enthusiasts. Using only 3 small pieces of wood, this baby will have a 1,5kg pot of “pap” ready in less than 20 minutes.
Why get it?
The stoves are portable, efficient, and cost-effective. Seeing that your fire is well controlled, it is also a safe option for those cooking in the wild.
What makes it eco-friendly?
It produces 70% less smoke and greenhouse gasses than open fires. Internationally, it has been hailed as one of the “20 ideas that could save the World” by The Guardian, the “the stove that could save the world” by The New Yorker and the Ashden Award’s official report calls the stove “the Secret Weapon in the fight against climate change and poverty” – This simple product addresses 5 of the 8 Millennium Development Goals – I think that sums it up nicely.
Get it from: Restio Energy
2. The Wonderbag™ Cooker
Image: Restio
What you’re looking at is an insulated cooker made up of two poly-cotton bags filled with polystyrene (EPS) balls. It can hold a pre-heated dish safely for several hours while cooking its contents through heat retention. (Because no steam escapes during the slow-cooking process, the food retains taste and nutrients).
Why get it?
Tasty, nutritious, hassle-free cooking. I can see this product being useful for cooking sides or vegetables during a braai. After simply bringing the ingredients to a boil over the fire, you can move them to the bag to cook while your chops and ‘wors’ are grilling away. Another handy feature is that the bag can double as a cooler, keeping your refrigerated items cold during your trip.
What makes it eco-friendly?
A massive reduction CO2 emissions.
Get it from: Restio Energy
3. Shakelight
Image: shakelight.co.za
This might not be a new concept to you, but its efficiency still blows me away. Maybe its because I’ve personally been running around looking for batteries while packing or simply sat with a dim little excuse for a light when I needed to find my way in the great outdoors. Either way you look at it, having a robust, reliable flashlight that can’t run out of batteries sounds like a camper’s dream. Less than a minutes shaking will give you up to 15 minutes of light from this nifty little torch.
Why get it?
For one you’ll never have to buy batteries for a flashlight again. The product is also durable, sealed and watertight which makes it ideal for camping.
What makes it eco-friendly?
The battery typically used in product such as flashlights, commonly known as alkaline batteries, are not reusable and normally thrown away straight after use. These batteries are identified as a problem material in the waste stream (containing all kinds of chemicals to power their reactions), and using less of them will benefit the environment.
Get it from: shakelight.co.za
4. Firefly solar light
Image: Restio
For a brighter shine, The Firefly 12 mobile solar light has a 12 LED super bright lamp and has a charge time of about 3 hours. Perfect for those needing a smaller type lamp for cooking and organising. It also has the ability to charge mobile devices (adapters included).
Why get it?
This is a safer and more portable alternative to gas lights. For those who enjoy some in-tent reading, it makes for a very bright reading lamp. It has 3 lamp strength setting, an adjustable lamp neck and the option of AC charging.
What makes it eco-friendly?
It saves electricity and energy.
Get it from: Restio Energy
5. Solar iPhone charger
Image: Mi Suny
Camping is all about the great doors, getting a way from it all, becoming one with nature. But hey, for some of us it is just not that simple. If you’re a iPhone user and can’t afford to be completely disconnected during your trip, this could be a good solution. While car chargers help us stay juiced while on the road, they don’t have much use while hiking or trekking. This iPhone solar charger sleeve has been designed to keep you going as long as you have access to sunlight.
Why get it?
Get up to up to 5.3 extra hours of Talk time and up to 6.5 extra hours of Internet time on your phone.
What makes it eco-friendly?
It saves electricity and energy.
Get it from: Mi Suny
(There are similar products available for all kinds of mobile devices. Have a gander)
6. Insect repellent wrist bands
Image: QVC
This colorful set of wristbands is an Eco-friendly alternative to repellent spray and the sharp scent of the repellent stick. Wearing this around your arms will protect you from stings for up to 12o hours.
Why get it?
The major win here is that you can keep mosquito and crawlers away without having to constantly re-apply your repellent. The bands are easily adjustable to fit all members of the family.
What makes it eco-friendly?
Keeping the insects at bay, without the spray.
Get it from: QVC *I’m yet to find an option that is more accessible and affordable to South Africans. if you do, please let me know.
7. Water clock
Image: Bedol
Another battery saver is this water-powered clock by Bedol. The only thing it needs to keep you on time is pure H2O. Filling up means you’re set for 8 – 12 weeks! Maybe not too useful during a short weekend breakaway, but I can imagine how it will become useful during longer trips, especially across borders or off-the-beaten-track trips where finding the right type battery can be problem.
Why get it?
Apart from a sleek and stylish design, this smart clock is durable and a tidy 4″ x 3.5″. The built-in memory chip ensures that you wont loose a second while refueling.
What makes it eco-friendly?
Like the Shakelight, it is a battery-free solution. No batteries, no chemicals, no electricity – no pollution.
Get it from: Bedol
8. “Design It Yourself” Eco Speakers
Image: Merkury
If you’re the type of camper who can only appreciate the silence for so long, have a look at these universal plug-and-play design speakers.
Why get them?
Besides being compatible with any 3.5 mm jack which means you can take your favorite beats wherever you go, the speakers also come with a set of pencils giving you full creative control over their design. They also fold flat for maximum portability.
What makes them eco-friendly?
They are made from 70% post consumer materials and require no batteries.
Get them from: Merkury Innovations
Camping photo by Lisa Johnston
