Edition 1: What Does Leave No Trace Mean Today?
An educational series on evolving outdoor ethics
Hey there!
I think once you approach your thirties it’s mandatory to say “the months keep flying by.” So with that, I can’t believe it’s already August and summer is almost over (although I would really love colder weather). This month we’re diving into Leave No Trace and the evolution of outdoor ethics, starting with the basics, the 7 Principles. We’ll also cover our weekly environmental tip and show a few sneak peaks of our marketing gal’s epic three week hiking trip across Colorado, Washington, and Alberta. Alright, that’s enough. Let’s get into it.
Stay wild,
Gen, PJ, & The Nature’s Playbook Team
The 7 Principles
If you’ve spent time on a trail, you’ve probably seen a “Leave No Trace” sign reminding you to pack it in, pack it out. LNT is more than just picking up trash, it’s a framework of seven principles designed to minimize our impact on nature.
So what are The 7 principles?
Plan Ahead & Prepare
Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
Dispose of Waste Properly
Minimize Campfire Impacts
Respect Wildlife
Be Considerate of Others
Here’s the thing, these 7 principles aren’t the finish line, it’s just the starting point. This week, we’re explaining The Principles and asking: what does it look like to go beyond the basics?
Gunsight Pass in Glacier National Park which borders the Blackfeet Reservation
1. Plan Ahead & Prepare
Just like you would study for a test or prepare for an interview, visitors should plan ahead and prepare for their trips to avoid preventable hiccups. It’s important to check rules and regulations before hiking and camping, especially if it’s in a protected space like a Wilderness Area or Wildlife Sanctuary. Equally important is preparing for the weather. Afternoon showers are common in most mountainous regions and I’ve been thankful to have packed my raincoat despite the forecast saying otherwise.
Research the area you’ll be visiting and familiarize yourself with the topography and history. Most of these places will surprise you with the wealth of history they offer.
2. Travel & Camp On Durable Surfaces
Always camp in designated camping areas and campsites when available. Make sure to protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams—just like me, they need their alone time. If you’re in a popular area, concentrate on using existing trails and campsites and walk single file on the trail. Not only is it safer for you, it also preserves the banks and ecosystems along the water!
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
Pack it in, pack it out, doesn’t only refer to your trash, it also refers to human waste and food scraps. This is one of the more ignored topics because of the taboo surrounding it. Just like you should pick up after your dog, there are certain areas that require specific treatment of human waste. Do your research on the area prior to going, does it require wag bags, do you need to dig a hole, do you need to pack out any toilet paper?
4. Leave What You Find
It’s hard not to find something you love when you’re outdoors, maybe it’s a cool rock, pretty flower, or a pinecone. You can admire these things from afar, they have a place in nature and removing them harms their ecosystem. Leave the trails and areas as you found them. The items we find in nature have a role to play in their ecosystem or the story of the landscape.
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
The classic image of camping is accompanied by a campfire, it’s steeped in tradition. Campfires can cause lasting impacts on the environment and in many areas are illegal because of their threat to outdoor spaces. Make sure you’re using established fire rings, pans, or mound fires and only in areas that are permitted. Keep fires small and use sticks from the ground. Lastly, make sure to burn all wood and coals to ash, put the fire out completely, and then scatter the ashes. Winds can easily carry one small spark and start a fire…no bueno.
6. Respect Wildlife
They might be friend shaped but they are not your friend. Do not pet the fluffy cows (bison), cuddle the fluffy bears, or feed the chipmunks (they become quite aggressive). Whenever you are in an outdoor space, you are in the natural habitat of many animals. Observe from a distance, avoid during sensitive times (mating, nesting, raising kiddos, or winter), and never feed animals.
7. Be Considerate of Others
This is one of the most important aspects of outdoor ethics. Reconsider leaving your speaker at home: excessive noise, uncontrolled pets, and damaged surrounding detract from the natural appeal of the outdoors.
Your Challenge: Do One Thing Differently This Month
We’re not asking you to overhaul your outdoor habits — just to be a little more aware.
Try one of these:
Research the Indigenous history of a trail you love
Volunteer at a local trail clean-up
Pick up someone else’s trash this week
Start a conversation about outdoor ethics with a friend
Eco-Tip of the Week
Compost your food scraps:
When you throw away food it usually ends up in a landfill where it decomposes and releases methane. Instead, try composting your leftovers. Composting prevents methane emissions and cuts down on the energy used to transport waste. Even better, add it to your garden to boost your soil health.
Where in the World is our Marketing Gal?
Okay, that’s all. Now go outside!