opening it to diseases or bugs. Many campgrounds don’t allow you to gather firewood, not even fallen limbs. They too are part of nature's plan, providing shelter for little creatures. In time they decay and return to the earth. Strict leash laws? The deer, bears, birds, possum and raccoons were here first. This is their home and we are merely temporary guests.

• Be diligent about checking fire rules, daily if necessary. In high-fire-danger seasons they are updated often. If you live in a fire-prone area carry a portable electric grill, electric skillet or other electric cooker and you can still enjoy outdoor cooking.

•As soon as you make camp, scope out the recycle bins because they are probably different from categories you separate at home. Recycle responsibly; don't burn anything in the fire ring unless it's truly burnable. Rake the cold fire pit before you leave and discard any metal, bones or other materials that didn’t burn to ash.

• Don't clutter your life with supermarket packaging. Have the meat manager portion skinless, boneless meat in right sizes for your needs, then wrap in freezer paper and freeze. Don't bring puff-plastic trays for meat and produce. If you want individually portioned cold cereals, measure and package them at home in zip-top sandwich bags. When bags are empty, save them to use again.

• Bring reading material for evenings without TV, then leave clean books and magazines in the camp office, laundry room or activity room. for