With so much focus on being eco-friendly these days, it only makes sense that it applies to outdoor activities as well. After all, eco-friendliness doesn’t start and stop with the products you buy — it’s a way of life. Get ready to become the ultimate Eco-Friendly Outdoorsman, with these simple tips!
Keep in mind that individual actions do have an impact on the bigger picture, and if everybody thinks their little ol’ bad habits won’t affect anything, we are actually contributing to regression rather than progression when it comes to environmental change.
Take responsibility for yourself, first and foremost, but don’t be averse to helping pick up the slack for others too! Setting a good example is a great way to implement real change. Here are some tips for being an eco-friendly hiker, biker, or any type of outdoorsman.
Take Only Pictures, Leave Only Footprints
This saying is hardly new, but it bears repeating — and enacting. There are many wonderful things in nature that may seem like great souvenirs, but it’s important to remember that these are parts of a large habitat for many species. This includes flowers and rocks.
If everyone took a piece every time they visited these areas, the landscape would be vastly different in time. Have your camera ready to capture wildlife; spend as much time as you like getting the right shot. No two pictures will ever be alike, but the subject will be there for generations to enjoy.
Pack It Out
Everyone is familiar with the mantra “pack it in, pack it out,” and we are definitely in agreement. But how about packing out what you didn’t pack in? There is always some form of debris and litter that doesn’t belong in the outdoors.
Try taking along a litter sack on your next mountain hike or trip to the lake, and just pick up whatever litter you see along your way. Every little bit helps, and if others see you making the effort, it will make an impression. People are often motivated by guilt or inspiration, so your actions may help prevent litterbugging in the future, or encourage others to do a little sweeping of their own.
Don’t Disturb the Peace
Seeing wild animals in nature is an exhilarating experience, to be sure, but don’t assume the feeling is mutual. Animal instinct is often one of fear and defense toward humans. These reactions can result in severe stress and injury to the animals, and have the likelihood of resulting in injuries to you.
Do not touch animals out in the wild, if they even let you get that close, and never chase an animal so that you can try to touch it. Many animals are sensitive to scents that humans leave, which can cause abandonment, aggression, and even killing by other animals in its own family or group. Enjoy your moment in proximity with wild nature for what it is: a once-in-a-lifetime close look at nature in its own element. Make sure that camera is ready to snap photos, but exercise caution with flashes.
For more on being an Eco-Friendly Outdoorsman, check out: 5 Ways to Keep Your Hike Environmentally Friendly or 5 Important Steps to Becoming an Environmentally Friendly Camper!
Featured Image from Erik Mclean/Unsplash
