Although our routines may seem insignificant, the decisions we make in our daily lives impact the wellness of our health, family, community, and world. For instance, conserving energy by turning the lights off in empty rooms is a start to environmental awareness. This small habit is sensible because it saves natural resources and money. This action may lead to other changes, such as making non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning supplies using vinegar, baking soda, and lemon. Adopting more significant practices, like using a bike instead of a car for short-distance trips, could be next. Unsurprisingly, simple eco-friendly habits tend to blend across all areas of our lives. Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum, think of what more you can do.
When hiking, be mindful of your impact on the environment and make conscious decisions to minimize that impact. Here are some tips:
How to be a more responsible backpacker
- Backpack in low-volume areas or during non-peak times, such as during the week instead of the weekend. Whether we like it or not, humans are a form of pollution. Backpacking should allow for peace and solitude. If you are on a busy trail, keep your profile low by not making much noise. If you travel with a group, make it a small group of 6 people or less. Stay on designated trails to avoid damaging fragile ecosystems and wildlife habitats.
- As outdoor enthusiasts, it’s our responsibility to help others enjoy a positive wilderness experience by keeping it pristine. Younger people and first-timers are more likely to become involved in outdoor recreation and environmental advocacy when they experience it positively. By being responsible and committed, we can ensure that the wilderness remains a place of beauty and inspiration for everyone. If you find trash along the trail, pick up what you can’t and dispose of it properly with your waste. Carrying out someone else’s garbage is always unpleasant and sometimes nasty, but it is the right thing to do.
- Respect wildlife by observing from a distance and not disrupting their natural behavior.
- If you encounter a person committing vandalism, get a good description of them and remember the location of the incident. Take a photo of them in the act (discreetly, of course) and report it immediately to Park Authorities. It is best not to confront these individuals unless they appear non-threatening (e.g., kids).
- Set up camp in designated camping areas. If that is not possible, use a backcountry site that has already been cleared. Always keep an eye out for previously cleared camp spots and reuse them. If you have a choice, opt for the site that appears to haven’t been recently used to give it a chance to recover.
- When lighting a fire, burn only fallen wood on the ground. Never cut down branches from a living tree. Remember the three D’s when collecting firewood: choose only dead, downed, and detached wood. Always keep your fire small and thoroughly extinguish it when leaving.
- Dispose of human waste by digging a hole 6 – 8″ deep at least 200 feet away from water sources, trails, and camp spots. After use, cover the hole with the soil you dug out. Carry out your toilet paper and hygiene products in a sealable plastic bag.
- If you need to clean with a nearby water source, dip your bandana in the water and use a wet cloth to clean your skin. Avoid getting soap into water sources. Doing so can introduce harmful chemicals into the water, potentially damaging fragile ecosystems and affecting wildlife.
- Educate yourself about the local flora and fauna to appreciate and protect the natural environment.
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the outdoors while minimizing your environmental footprint. Like you, Outdoor Herbivore is concerned about staying healthy and caring for the natural world. We are committed to making food products (and spreading the word about other companies’ products) that address your concerns regarding ingredient safety, pollution, and animal welfare.
- Other steps you can take to help the environment
- Check out the Leave No Trace website for more information about reducing impacts on the trail.
- Learn more about Outdoor Herbivore’s model for trail foods.