My favorite ecologist and conservationist Aldo Leopold once said: “There are some who can live without wild things, and some who cannot.” If we want to continue to live with wild things, we must protect and be stewards for our environment and outdoor spaces. We need to take the time to understand our impact on our surroundings and how we can minimize it.
Most outdoor enthusiasts understand the seven basic principles of Leave No Trace:
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors
While we all have the best intentions of following these principles, sometimes things get overlooked. During this series I will be exploring ways to reduce our impact on the environment so that all generations can continue to enjoy everything the great outdoors has to offer. Focal points will include:
- Trail Impact (erosion, alpine plants, over usage of popular trails)
- Food (preparing, cooking, storage)
- Clothing (eco-friendly materials, brands, recycling clothing)
- Volunteer opportunities and getting involved with trail maintenance crews
- Decreasing your carbon footprint
- And much more
To learn about eco-friendly trail hygiene and properly disposing of your waste, read Trail Hygiene For Women and How to Dig a Cathole.
Read part one: Direct Trail Impact
To learn more about Leave No Trace visit their website here!
Last modified: February 7, 2018
