Leave No Trace: A Guide To Becoming A Responsible Outdoorist

Were you ever immersed in nature, feeling completely inspired by its beauty, but then look down + see someone else’s trash? It’s a bummer, I know. The natural world is lush with beautiful life, mesmerizing scenery, + experiences of a lifetime. Why in the world would we want to pollute such an amazing place? It is our responsibility as visitors to leave the land without any trace of our time there. Here are some tips on how you can be an awesome + responsible outdoorist:

PACK OUT WHAT YOU PACK IN

This includes all trash, wrappers, bottles, fruit peels, crumbs, etc. – keeping a clean environment is key!

Fruit peels + crumbs may be a surprise because many assume they will biodegrade or be eaten by animals. While this may be true, it’s also problematic because it brings wildlife closer to humans. When people directly or indirectly feed wildlife, animals can become dependent upon it. “People food” can also be harmful to an animal’s health, can encourage unnatural behavior, + can lead them towards roads where there’s a risk of being killed.

BRING REUSABLES

To be even more helpful to the natural world, plan ahead + pack reusable tools instead of single-use items. It will make your clean-up more convenient as well. Check out these 10 simple swaps that will help you minimize waste!

EXTINGUISH ALL FIRES COMPLETELY + DOUBLE CHECK

Smoky said it best, “only you can prevent wildfires!” Use a camp stove before choosing to use a campfire, but if you do use a fire keep it small. Fires can reignite themselves, especially in danger zones on hot days, so please make sure it’s completely out. Test the temperature; it should be cold to the touch! Also listen to fire bans to prevent environmental tragedies. Only you!

PICK UP AFTER YOUR DOG

A dog’s droppings may be biodegradable, but it’s always good to pick up after them to minimize water contamination + the spread of disease. It also keeps the environment clean + maximizes decomposition.

RESPECT WILDLIFE + FELLOW OUTDOORISTS

Happy animals + happy people = happy time outdoors!

Keep a safe distance away from animals + as mentioned above – do not feed them! Also, be kind to fellow outdoorists + pass by them single file. Everyone just wants to have fun!

“TAKE ONLY PICTURES, LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS”

You’ll commonly see this phrase on signs in public lands. It’s pretty self-explanatory- leave the place without a trace! But, if you want to help the environment even more, leave your journey better than you found it! Pick up trash as you tread lightly along. Mother Earth will thank you!