8 tips to protect the environment and yourself while out in nature
Hiking in nature is, to me, one of the best ways to explore a country, destress and recharge, and adventure. Nature is fragile and we need to take good care of it, so we can enjoy it forever. More and more people are ‘discovering’ hiking and . In the US they have a nice saying “Leave no trace”. This is a set of ethics promoting conservation of the outdoors. The list below is an adaptation on this principle
Since we share natural areas with other creatures, it’s important to be a responsible hiker. Here are some tips on how to be one!
- Don’t litter
This may be the most obvious one: take your trash with you. If you don’t, your food packaging, toilet paper, cigarette buds, and even banana peel, will be lying there for decades or centuries. Make sure to keep a little trash bag in your day-pack to store your stuff in. Don’t toss food scraps into the bushes either. Processed and even ‘natural’ food might be harmful to animals if they eat it, and take a long time to decompose. It can take upto 2 years for a banana peel to decompose.
For the very specific scenario that you had to do a nr. 2 in nature. If possible, take the toilet paper with you. Otherwise, bury it in the ground (not just cover it with some leaves). That way wildlife won’t get to it as easily, it decomposes faster, and other people won’t be disgusted by it.
- Be quiet
Keeping your volume down while you’re in nature minimises disturbances for wildlife and fellow hikers. It helps provide the calming feel of being in the forest, on a mountain, or a savannah. Of course it’s fine to talk amongst each other while you’re on a fun hike, but it pays off to whisper or be silent. You’ll be able to hear wildlife around you faster, and hopefully also see them as they aren’t disturbed by your noises.
- Keep distance and don’t disturb
When encountering wildlife, keep a safe distance. The minimum is 25 meter (25 yards) distance between you and a wild animal, and even 100 meter (100 yards) when it comes to predators such as wolves and bears. However, studies showed that most wildlife is uncomfortable still at these distances. Researchers created this infographic to show the safest distances between humans and different types of animals.
If you unexpectedly end up close to an animal, do not disturb it. Don’t try to touch, feed, lure, or otherwise intentionally disturb the animal. Always make sure an animal has space to get away.
- Stay on the path
In most countries you will find great hiking trails. Usually with good maps and signage along the way. It is important to stay on the path, and not go wandering into the natural spaces. Walking off trail will damage plants and disturb the environment.
If you have gotten off track or lost the main trail, there are usually animal trails (in Dutch we call them ‘olifantenpaadjes’ or elephant paths) that you can follow. This will minimise damage and disturbances. However, only do this if there’s no other option. When animal trails are used more often by humans, they become wider and bigger. Ultimately, they’ll look like an actual hiking trail and can confuse people as well as increase damage and disturbance in nature.
- Keep nature as it is
Preserve nature as it is, by leaving rocks, plants, and other natural objects where you find them. Moving objects around, or even taking them disturbs the environment. Taking plants home is forbidden, as this might cause the introduction of a non-native species near your home.
Do not touch cultural, historic or natural structures.
Avoid moving material around and building structures or digging trenches. One seemingly harmless example you’ve probably seen, are those human-made piles of rocks all over the world, called ‘cairns’. While it may feel compelling to build them, it’s better to refrain. Some countries use these as trail markers or landmarks, so it can be confusing if you add one in a random place. In other countries, cairns indicate burial grounds.
Personally, I don’t enjoy the recreational cairns. They remind me people are everywhere and always insist on leaving their mark.
- See something, say something
This may feel uncomfortable, but can be very important. If you see someone leaving their trash, blasting music, or otherwise being a irresponsible hiker, let them know. They might not be aware of their behaviour. It is also likely that they don’t care, and getting told off might make them reconsider.
Besides the “leave no trace”, I also like to add on “remove any trace”. If you see trash lying around, I take it with me (barring any health or safety issues). Leaving the environment a bit clear than you found it, is not only good for nature but will also make you feel good!
- Bring water and food
It is equally important to take care of yourself while out on a hike. Alway take plenty of water and food with you. Packing a few extra protein bars can never hurt and could save you if you accidentally take a detour.
I absolutely love my Camelback waterbag. Drinking is made easy by the tube, so you don’t have to take your bottle out of the bag. It’s lightweight and keeps water surprisingly cool. Even on walks in the Jordan mountains, with 35 degrees celsius, water from the camelback was still refreshing.
- Note the weather
Always make sure to check the weather before you head out. Getting caught in the rain or even a storm is not only uncomfortable, but can also be dangerous. Dirt trails become extremely slippery, and might even become flooded if rain comes after a dry period. On the other side, if it’s going to be an extremely hot day, it’s better to go early in the morning to beat the heat. Don’t forget to bring a hat either!
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