Spring has officially sprung! With warmer months ahead, outdoor enthusiasts are gearing up to spend more time outdoors enjoying everything that nature has to offer. Whether you’re an avid hiker, camper, or just like spending time in your local park, there are many benefits.
From boosting your energy to reducing your stress, the great outdoors has a lot to offer. So, what are you doing to give something back?
One of the best ways to respect and appreciate nature is to practice proper etiquette when it comes to outdoor responsibility. Adopt a “leave no trace” policy every time you go on an outdoor adventure, and you can take pride in knowing you’re doing something positive for the planet you love.
What does that look like? Let’s dig a little deeper into eco-friendly exploring and how you can practice leaving no trace while you enjoy time outside.
Be a Proper Packer
If you’re heading on a camping or hiking trip, you already know the importance of preparing and packing the necessities. However, it’s just as essential to make sure what you’re packing won’t get left behind.
One of the best things you can do is take a minimalist approach to packing. The less you have with you, the less likely you’ll be to forget something and accidentally “litter” with an article of clothing or a gadget.
As a bonus, the less you have weighing down your pack, the easier it will be on your back when you’re hitting the trails! Not sure what to bring along? Stick to the essentials, including
- Hiking boots or shoes
- Appropriate layers
- First-aid kit
- Food and water
- A knife or multi-tool
Suppose you have any special needs while camping or hiking, bring them along. But, choose to be a responsible traveler by limiting your items as much as possible and focusing on reusing what you pack as often as you can.
Leave Areas As You Found Them
Leaving no trace includes making certain areas remain in the same (or better) condition in which they were found. If you’re camping, for example, minimize alterations to your campsite, leave natural objects as they are, and try not to damage any trees or plants by hanging things.
You also shouldn’t leave any food behind, even if it’s something that will eventually decompose. That includes things like
- Apple cores
- Orange peels
- Banana peels
- Fruit pits
You never know what types of animals might come along and try to eat your “natural trash.” Some foods can be toxic to certain animals or may cause them to choke. Composting is a good thing, but do it in a contained setting at home!
If you happen to see that the site was disrupted before you arrived, take the initiative to do something about it. Part of leading a sustainable lifestyle includes doing your part to protect the planet from those who aren’t taking sustainability seriously.
If there is trash around the campsite, clean it up. Recycle what you can. Clear up fire pit areas, and make things look as natural as possible again to attract more wildlife (after you leave, of course) and replenish the natural ecosystem.
Protect the Planet With Your Pets
You don’t have to be a pro camper or hiker to spend a lot of time outdoors. Maybe you love going on neighborhood walks with your dog or heading to the area dog park so they can run around.
You can still do your part to responsibly enjoy the outdoors. One of the easiest ways to do so is to clean up after your dog if they go to the bathroom while you’re out. Clean up their droppings and ensure they’re properly disposed of. Dog feces can kill grass due to a high level of nitrogen. This kind of waste can take up to a year to fully decompose, leaving brown spots and dead greenery in its wake.
A few minutes of cleaning up can help to keep the grass and area plants healthy – plus, it’s just good manners!
There are so many ways you can responsibly enjoy the outdoors throughout the spring and summer. Take the time to appreciate all nature has to offer and consider what you can do to give back. Whether you’re traveling across the country to your favorite campsites or don’t plan on leaving your neighborhood, everyone has the opportunity to make a positive impact on the planet by leaving no trace.